2009 Mazda MX-5: Roadster/Miata

In this article I will cover the experiences of the newly redesigned 2009 Mazda MX-5 also known as the Miata or the Roadster in Japan.

I have had a chance to drive the new redesigned MX-5, and I must say it is impressive what Mazda has done to give the already fun to drive little roadster sports car a new face lift.

Design of Exterior and Interior

Mazda has given the 2009 MX-5 a much more stylish and elegant, aggressive look. You might see some design features being Incorporated in to the new designs of the new Mazdas coming out lately, but what they have done to the 2009 MX-5 has drastically changed the look of the already popular sports car.

The exterior is given much more fluid and wavy lines as compared to the previous design which was based on a very rounded circular design theme. With more angular headlamps and fog lamp housing trim has been given a more stylish design with the teardrop shape the Mazda has been using lately, originating from the concept cars they have created the past few years.

At first glance the car may not look any different than the 2008 model, but side by side, you will definitely see just how much difference a little touch up here and there will make.

The interior has some minor touches that have changed. One great thing I think they have done with the interior is the center console arm rest is given a soft leather wrapping as opposed from the previous hard plastic one. The up holders and the armrests on the side door panels have also been given a much more refined look and feel.

Performance

Probably the most important part of a sports car, is how the car preforms. The new MX-5 has not been given any new features as far as the power train compared to the 2008 model. Then again why would you alter anything just yet when you have a perfect 50/50 weight distribution that is best in it’s class. The exhilarating 2.0L DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine with variable valve timing, producing a 167hp @ 7,000rpm for the manual transmission and  158hp @ 6,700rpm for the automatic transmission. It is almost perfect for the tiny sports coupe that is almost impossible to tip over. 

Personally I would say the new MX-5 feels very similar to the Honda S2000, in both handling and performance. Although the S2000 may have a higher power engine then the MX-5, the MX-5 offers a hard top that retracts mechanically and is significantly cheaper. In the middle of 2008, Mazda released the new MX-5 hard top. In just about 12 seconds the stylish hard top folds in to the back automatically. Giving you the flexibility of a convertable without that soft top that some have found to not like.

Pricing

The MX-5 starts at about $22,420 for the Sport Value package. The Sport priced at about $23,420, Touring at about $25,760, and the Grand Touring running at about $27,020. This pricing makes this little sports car an affordable fun car that you can get your monies worth.

Overview

Overall I feel that the 2009 Mazda MX-5 is one fun car to drive, as it has been for several generations over. Drive the car and see what I mean. I’ll take the corners like a little go cart. Hold you in and fit you like a glove with it’s stylish interior, and amaze you with it’s sporty and elegant style. It is definitely a car that does deserve to have been remade for 20 years.

The MX-5 now in it’s 20th anniversary, the little popular roadster has never looked and felt better.