GO
GoAutoLogo
MENU

Make / Model Search

Mazda - MX-5 - RF 2.0

Mazda MX-5 (NB Series II MX-5)

NB Series II MX-5

Make: Mazda

Model: MX-5

Released: Jan 1970

Discontinued: Aug 2005

Mazda logo1 Oct 2000

By BYRON MATHIOUDAKIS

MAZDA has played a canny game with its legend-in-its-own-lifetime MX-5, by staying true to its original retro principles but managing to keep the rear-drive drop-top fresh at the same time.

The biggest update was in 1998 when the NB car arrived, with its major styling workover that included scrapping the pop-up headlights.

Initially, Mazda resisted using bigger, more powerful engines, choosing to retain the inline four-cylinder but progressively updating it.

From late 2000 to November 2002 (when a small update was incorporated), a 113kW/181Nm 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine using variable valve timing was fitted that was replaced by a 107kW/168Nm version.

Both were fitted with a six-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearbox from early 2002.

At the same time, Mazda Australia finally capitulated to calls for more power by developing the sensational MX-5 SP.

A factory-endorsed turbocharger, stiffer suspension and extra body bracing were fitted to 100 cars, for a sizeable power jump: 150kW/280Nm.

The factory in Japan finally delivered its own variation, the 121kW/206Nm MX-5 SE Turbo, from March '04.

Special editions include the well-equipped 150 Titanium cars from March ’02 and the 100 Classics a year later.

Minor trim and equipment upgrades occurred in late ’02 and late ’03.

Regardless of which model, the MX-5 remains a great driver's car.

Reviews

When it was new

Latest reviews

Motor industry news

GoAutoNews is Australia’s number one automotive industry journal covering the latest news, future and new model releases, market trends, industry personnel movements, and international events.

Catch up on all of the latest industry news with this week's edition of GoAutoNews
Click here