Mazda has revised the line-up for its MX-5 sportscar by introducing upgraded models with a fresh face, new pedestrian-friendly bonnet, satellite navigation system, side airbags and climate control air-conditioning.

The new seven-strong range of upgraded Mazda MX-5 sportscars, which introduces the 2.0-litre MX-5 Sport Tech Nav models, with integrated satellite navigation as standard – a Mazda first on the MX-5 range, is on sale from 1 December priced from £18,495 to £23,595 on-the road (OTR). 

“When developing the upgraded Mazda MX-5, Mazda’s designers were determined to make the revised roadster even better looking and even more fun to drive.  An aggressive new front grille and new bumper design with a bold chin spoiler creates a deeper and wider look that also improves aerodynamics by reducing drag around the fog lamp and over the front tyres,” comments Peter Allibon, sales director, Mazda UK. 

As well as giving upgraded Mazda MX-5 a fresh appearance, the new front-end design simultaneously improves pedestrian safety.  Keeping ahead of tougher EU regulations, the MX-5 is the first Mazda to be equipped with the company’s newly-developed active bonnet system.  If a collision with a pedestrian is detected, the trailing edge of the bonnet instantly ‘pops-up’ to increase the crumple zone between the bonnet and engine, reducing the severity of pedestrian injuries.

Every upgraded Mazda MX-5 continues to offer the Japanese marque’s unique ‘Jinba Ittai’ handling finesse with a rear-wheel drive chassis that delivers perfectly balanced handling and pure driving exhilaration.  Now, the six manual transmission models feature a modified throttle to improve responsiveness and give more linear, nimble acceleration, especially when manoeuvring out of corners.  At the same time, Mazda engineers optimised the vacuum brake booster to improve brake return control and thus front-rear load distribution, particularly when braking into bends.

“The Mazda MX-5 enjoys incredible popularity in Britain and now the ‘Upgraded’ range offers an even more rewarding sportscar ownership experience, while remaining unrivalled as an exhilarating drive that can also be used everyday.  Together with its affordability, low running costs, enviable reliability, as confirmed by the 2012 What Car? magazine annual reliability survey, great residual values and our current low-rate finance offers, the Mazda MX-5 is a thoroughly modern sportscar that people can buy with their heart and their head,” adds Allibon.

New to the Mazda MX-5 line-up, the Sport Tech Nav model features a TomTom satellite-navigation system with a fully integrated 5.8-inch touch screen monitor, 4GB SD card based map (45 countries), Live Services, iPod and Bluetooth connectivity, and complete multi-media functionality.

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