THE Mazda MX-5 RF has been updated for 2019. It now comes equipped with enhancements to its comfort and convenience as well as improvements in terms of the engine power and torque.
The roadster now has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, accessible via its Mazda Connect Infotainment display.
With the ever-increasing popularity of smartphones from Apple and Android, customers can now experience more seamless connectivity – by accessing integrated apps such as Waze/Google Maps, Spotify, and other phone functions (pix, at the end of this article).
In terms of engine improvements, Mazda’s engineers have enriched MX-5’s Skyactiv-G 2.0-liter engine with goals of improved response, performance, feel and efficiency.
The net results are 181hp at 7,000 rpm – a 17% improvement, 208Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm, with a richer torque curve throughout the MX-5’s entire rev range, and a quicker, more responsive and more engaging car to drive, adhering to Mazda’s unique Jinba Ittai – “horse and ride as one” – engineering philosophy.
Other upgrades include new black-metallic 17-inch wheels across both variants and a newly telescopic steering wheel with 42mm of travel.
By applying the human-centred development philosophy to all kinds of common driving situations, Mazda will continue to pursue the kind of driving joy that allows both the driver and his or her passengers to feel at one with the car.
The MX-5 RF is currently CBU from Japan and is available in the SkyActiv-G 2.0L engine, with two options of transmission – a SkyActiv-Drive six-speed automatic transmission with Manual Shift mode, or a six-speed manual transmission.
The seven-colour line-up includes Soul Red Crystal, Machine Gray, Jet Black, Snowflake White Pearl, Eternal Blue, Ceramic Metallic and Artic White.
Selling prices for the new MX-5 RF is RM259,154 for the manual-transmission variant, and RM260,354 for the automatic transmission variant.
All new Mazda vehicles registered from Jan 1 this year will have five-years manufacturer warranty plus five-years free maintenance (except Mazda BT-50) according to manufacturer’s standards inclusive of labour, parts and lubricants.
Both manufacturer warranty and free maintenance have a coverage period of five years and a mileage limit of 100,000km, whichever comes first.
*On-the-road price without insurance, for West Malaysia
