Great Handling

The MX-5 Roadster Coupe has nimble, linear handling characteristics that are every bit as enjoyable as those of the soft-top model. However, the handling is different in a way that suits the new model's more refined character. Owing to the weight of the roof, the MX-5 Roadster Coupe's centre of gravity height differs from that of the soft-top model. Also, the balance of stiffness between the front and rear of the body differs from that of the soft-top model. To minimize the impact of these factors on Jinba Ittai performance, Mazda optimized the suspension damper and spring settings. The result of the design revisions is handling that's characterized not so much by the briskness that distinguishes the soft-top model but more by characteristics that give a refined-feeling ride.


Styling that's Faithful to the Iconic MX-5 Look

Staying faithful to the MX-5 identity was central to development of the MX-5 Roadster Coupe's styling, so the distinctive side silhouette, the low, flowing shoulder line, and other elements of the front and side views are identical to those of the soft-top model. Toward the rear of the body, essential design adjustments were made to accommodate the power retractable hard top without compromising the car's identity. Most crucially, incorporating the roof so it could be retracted into the cabin (behind the seats) without affecting the boot space necessitated a rear-deck structure different from that of the soft-top model. Also, achieving a good visual balance between the body and roof demanded several design adjustments at the rear of the body.

Aside from an electrically powered rear deck cover, the most visible differences from the soft-top model lie in the contours of the rear fenders and boot lid and in a new design for the high-mount stop lamp. The rear combination lamps and rear bumper are the same as those of the soft-top model. Light, highly formable plastics permitted a high degree of design freedom with the roof. As a result, the roof is shaped to look compact and stylish in a way that distinguishes the MX-5 Roadster Coupe from other cars and allows users to enjoy the same sense of agility that's communicated by the soft-top model during closed-top driving.


Premium-Quality Touches

The body has exclusive features that emphasize its premium quality and set the MX-5 Roadster Coupe apart from the soft- top model. Also, the high-mount stop lamp looks sleeker and more refined than that of the soft-top model thanks partly to a slimmer design and partly to a white (as opposed to red) lens. The MX-5 Roadster Coupe is available in a range of seven 38 body colours including two newly created ones: Stormy Blue Mica and Highland Green Mica (body colour availability differs by market).


An Interior Design Exuding Sportiness and Fun

The interior design is completely consistent with that of the soft-top model; it creates an environment that exudes the MX-5's sporty, fun-to-drive roadster personality. As with the soft-top model, the interior trim is available in three packages: one based on saddle-tan leather, one based on black leather and one based on black fabric (availability differs by market). The only noticeable difference from the soft-top model at the front of the cabin is the addition of 'open' and 'close' buttons and an indicator lamp (to control and monitor operation of the roof) near the top of the centre stack of the instrument panel.


Insightfully Conceived User-Friendliness for Open-Top Driving

The power retractable hard top is a world first in that it retracts into the back of the cabin, thereby precluding any impact on the boot space. Plus, users benefit from quick, smooth, confidence-inspiring roof operation and from a special adaptation of the wind-control technologies of the soft-top model. The roof consists of three sections: a front roof section, a middle roof section, and a window section.

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