Say hello to the new 2022 edition of the much-loved Mazda MX-5, available to order now.
While it might not look any different to the previous model, scratch the surface and you’ll see there are some very important tweaks to the MX-5’s underpinnings.
And because those changes bring about improvements to handling and agility, leasing an MX-5 just got even more tempting.
Let’s not forget that this is a car with some serious affection behind it. The MX-5 was named ‘Best Sports Car for Value’ in the What Car? Car of the Year Awards 2021 and also scooped the ‘Sports Car of the Year’ gong in the Company Car Today awards.
Mazda has, then, decided that not a lot needs changing when it comes to the exterior styling and also the engines available.
But what is note-worthy is that all 2022 Mazda MX-5’s now come with the firm’s Kinematic Posture Control (KPC) system - which is all about trying to create a ‘harmonious extension of the driver's body without adding a single gram of weight’ to the car itself.
A spokesperson for the Japanese firm explains:
“Mazda’s KPC system is designed to increase stability during cornering without impacting the purity of the MX-5’s handling and driver engagement. The KPC system applies a very small amount of brake force to the inner/unloaded rear wheel during cornering, the resulting brake force pulls the body down, suppressing body roll to provide more reassuring cornering so subtly that the MX-5’s engaging handling remains unpolluted.”
You’re talking about what is essentially a limited-slip effect, boosting cornering precision and confidence - as if the Mazda MX-5 wasn’t already brilliant at it.
There are ten models to choose from - four Convertibles and six Retractable Fastback models, or ‘RFs’.
The 132 PS, 1.5-litre Convertible is offered in ‘SE-L’ and ‘Sport’ trim, while the 184 PS, 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G engine is matched to ‘Sport Tech’ and the range-topping ‘GT Sport Tech’ trim.
As with the Convertible, SE-L and Sport trim RF’s are powered by the 1.5-litre engine, while Sport Tech and GT Sport Tech come with the more powerful 2.0-litre engine. In addition, 2.0-litre RFs in both trim levels come with the option to choose an automatic gearbox.
The 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G engine has also been tweaked, and now features lighter pistons and con-rod, plus upgraded camshafts, exhaust valves, fuel injectors, throttle valve and air intake, all of which increase performance. There’s an increase in torque across the rev range, too, while peak torque rises by 5Nm.
It means the 2.0 soft top will sprint from 0-62mph in just 6.5 seconds.
As before 2.0-litre cars with the manual gearbox have a front strut brace, limited slip differential and Bilstein dampers.
Lease customers will also get Mazda’s ‘i-ELOOP’ kinetic recovery and i-stop stop-start technology standard across both engines, making it more economical than ever. You can expect fuel economy of around 45 mpg with the 1.5 litre engine and up to 40 mpg with the 2.0 litre mill.
Mazda UK Managing Director Jeremy Thomson said:
“When it comes to driver engagement, the current generation MX-5 has already established itself as a benchmark sports car, and with the 2022 Mazda MX-5 we continue to offer one of the most exciting and satisfying to drive cars money can buy.
Our engineers have created a sports car that incorporates our ground-breaking Skyactiv technology, modern safety and superb efficiency with the driver focused enjoyment for which the MX-5 is loved.
The MX-5 is Mazda’s brand icon and it embodies all that is great about our products. Its fun-to-drive character has strengthened the bond between Mazda and its customers for more than 30 years and the 2022 model continues this unswerving dedication to delivering an affordable, engaging, world-class sports car.”
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