With no fewer than eight different variants to boot
The MX-5 is well-known for its excellent handling. PHOTO FROM MAZDA
The humble Mazda MX-5 (aka Miata) is a top-down roadster that needs no introduction. It’s easily recognizable and offers one of the best driving experiences you can get without breaking the bank. And if you were looking to buy one, you’d be pleased to know that Mazda Philippines is now offering the 2022 model of the hallowed sports car with tweaks to help it handle better.
These changes for the 2022 MX-5 are in line with Mazda's upmarket push. PHOTO FROM MAZDA
There’s a new color in Platinum Quartz (which replaces Arctic White), and the Dark Cherry soft top will definitely match the new Terracotta Nappa leather trim for the interior. If you prefer a retractable top, the roof can either be body-colored (only for automatic transmissions) or black (for both automatic and manual transmissions).
All models come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, a nine-speaker Bose sound system, adaptive LED headlights, and i-Activsense safety features like smart city brake support and lane-departure warning.
The Club Edition offers some goodies that appeal to the discerning enthusiast. PHOTO FROM MAZDA
The Club Edition is now also offered with a soft top (previously only offered in the hardtop RF trim). Both trims have a manual transmission available as an option. This comes with Recaro sport seats, forged 17-inch BBS wheels, and Bilstein sports dampers.
Kinematic Posture Control improves the MX-5's handling without adding a single gram of weight to the vehicle. PHOTO FROM MAZDA
It still uses the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder Skyactiv-G engine rated at 181hp and 205Nm, but the newest addition is “Kinematic Posture Control,” where the suspension generates an anti-lift force that pulls the body down thereby reducing the chance of rolling.
It works by applying a slight braking force to the inner wheel when you’re cornering under hard forces. This should help keep the car planted for better grip, and the best part is that this new system doesn’t add any weight to the vehicle.
There's a Miata for everyone. Seventy-six possible combinations is nothing to scoff at. PHOTO FROM MAZDA
For prices, the regular soft top will range from P2,020,000 to P2,280,000, and the RF version will start at P2,330,000 going all the way to P2,440,000. If you opt for the Club Edition, the soft top will cost you P2,580,000 for the manual, and P2,630,000 for the automatic. As for the range-topper RF Club Edition, it will go for P2,720,000 for the manual, and P2,790,000 for the automatic.
Of course, people will still have the option to build their own MX-5 via this website. You’ll have to wait four to five months though (due to the chip shortage and the pandemic), but as Mazda Philippines president Steven Tan puts it: “The wait is certainly worth it.”
Keyword: The 2022 Mazda MX-5 has better handling (check out the prices)