MX-5

Over the weekend there was an auto show, organized by a local newspaper and the Malaysian Automotive Institute. It created quite a hype by promoting that there would be 150 exhibitors with various talks and test drive happening. There were news about the event on the social network and my girlfriend (yes, my girlfriend is into cars like me) told me that the new Mazda MX-5 and Subaru BRZ was on display. I have seen the BRZ on display a few times but since it was only released this year, I was more interested to see the Mazda MX-5 in the flesh. We all know that the 4th generation MX-5 raised a few debates mainly due to its engine size and power output. Before I make my stand on this, let me tell you about my day at the auto show. The Mazda stand seems to be the main attraction because it was located in the middle of the hall and just beyond the main doors. I have to say it is definitely the biggest both by one single brand alone. At the Mazda area, there were the Mazda 2 in both sedan and hatchback variant, the Mazda CX-5 and Mazda 6 in its facelift glory, the soon to be launched Mazda CX-3 (with velvet rope barrier) and the main attraction, the new Mazda MX-5 right in the middle of the stand on its own pedestal, all dressed in the special and might I say awesome, Soul Red color.

I went face to face with the MX-5 and it looks as if I was having a "who has the smaller eyes" competition as it has a small headlight design. I then walk to the rear with my finger following the lines of the car. Then, I saw the second thing that I dislike about the exterior, the rear lights. Can't they do a better job than this ? Although everyone thinks it is a handsome car but in my opinion, the Kodou design could be better translated into the MX-5. Next, I noticed something. I expected it to be kept away from the public as it is new and expensive but instead, the soft top was down, windows were down and doors unlock for the public to take a sit inside. Quickly I jumped into the cockpit (did not literally jump in though) to try and get the feeling of driving in the MX-5. The first impression that I get is how tight the cockpit feels like. My thighs easily hit the walls, my legs seems cramp and we all know the seats are already touching the back wall in a 2 seater and not much adjustments could be made. You know I like the Kodou design language and the new interiors especially since I myself drives a Mazda 6 but I am not entirely in love with the MX-5's interior design.

I am disappointed that a sports car that is sold much more expensive than the Mazda 6 has interior cues from the cheaper models. The MX-5 shares the same air-cond dials and air-cond vents as the Mazda 2, took the tachometer with digital display from Mazda 3 but instead of showing speed, the digital screen will display the gear that the car is in for AT models. You will also find shared elements on all models such as the MZD-Connect screen that looks like an iPad stuck to the dashboard (with covers for more expensive models), the control buttons next to the hand brake and the throttle controller below the gear shifter for AT models. I am supportive if car makers want to make gadgets or technology breakthrough a standard across all models such as the MZD system, throttle controller, i-Stop, i-Eloop, RVM and many more in Mazda's case but if you would like to take design cues from other models, please take it from a higher level model instead. The Mazda 6 and CX-5 have far more designs that could be taken instead from Mazda 2. Also do not get me started on why did Mazda not give the MX-5 a Head Up Display (HUD) unit that even Mazda 3 has it ?

Seems like there are many parts of the interior that I do not like but I do love the steering wheel which is a unique design only for the MX-5. It is smaller in size for easy maneuver and thin spokes that is very sporty. I like the one in Mazda 6 and CX-5 but always wanted something smaller and this is perfect. I also like the gear shifter particular the AT ones because from far it looks like a manual shifter. As you know, Mazda is changing the AT shifter from gate shift design back to the old straight design but by adding a cover that makes it look modern and straight types require a release button on the gear knob. We have seen many location of the release button and I was finding the one on the MX-5. It is well placed and I wanted to press it but was stop by the guy guarding the car. You let people in but they can't press a button ? I think my girlfriend was offended and we left. Now, I am going to be brief on where I stand on MX-5. The MX-5 have always been a lightweight, driver focused sports car since the first NA model. It is because of its lightweight, it can go fast even with a small engine. So, it seems befitting that it has a small engine with decent power output. The MX-5 is no GT-R or RX-7 and so does not need massive horsepower. I am glad that it still follows the idea of a Jinba Ittai and lets the driver focus on the drive instead. Absolutely no need for extra power here.