MAZDA IS LAUNCHING an update of its bestselling roadster, the MX-5.

Both the soft-top MX-5 and retractable hardtop MX-5 RF are affected by the updates, which include upgrades to Mazda’s i-ACTIVSENSE safety technologies. This suite of driver’s aids and on-road tech includes five new features; Advanced Smart City Brake Support (with pedestrian detection), Smart City Brake Support (Reverse), Driver Attention Alert, Traffic Sign Recognition System and a Rear-View Camera.

Exterior changes are mild and include a darker paint finish for both 16- and 17-inch alloy wheels, and the availability of a new brown canopy colour for soft-top models.

However, the big news is that the 2.0-litre model is getting more power.

Mazda Mazda

The old model produced 160hp but this new version boosts 24hp more, which is a decent whack for a normally-aspirated engine. This new SKYACTIV-G 2.0 engine is also now higher-revving with maximum engine speed raised from 6,800 to 7,500rpm. Maximum torque is also increased from 200 to 205Nm which is now available fully 600rpm lower than before, at 4,000rpm.

Mazda says that both this engine and the 1.5-litre powertrain, which has also been updated, benefit from “refined acceleration control to minimise lag between throttle applications and vehicle response.”

The updated Mazda MX-5 and MX-5 RF go on sale from next month.

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