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- Mazda MX-5
Mazda MX-5 is Mazdas very popular roadster, available in its original soft top and also now as retractable hard top. These are very good looking cars with a reputation for decent and reliable performance. Owners say they are nice to drive and seem to provide excellent value for money. In 2007 the MX-5 reported its best June sales since 2002 with sales of 1,608 units, up 1.5 per cent year-over-year. As of 2007 the MX-5 has been listed in the Guinness Book of World Records since 2000 for being the best-selling two-seater roadster of all time. Available as both a soft-top and power retractable hard top model, in 2007 the MX-5 remains the best-selling two-seat roadster, with more than 850,000 sold since its launch.
The Mazda MX-5 body is a conventional, but very light monocoque shell, with a detachable rear sub frame. Launched in 1989, The Mazda MX-5, is also known as the Miata in some markets. This is the vehicle which improved Mazdas credibility as a brand and also helped revitalise the roadster genre. There have been three generations, the first was produced from 1989 with a 1.6 litre straight four engine and then with a 1.8-litre engine recognised by its pop up headlights. The second generation was produced from 1998-2005 with a slightly more powerful engine and fixed headlights. The third generation with 2.0 litre engine was launched in 2005, with a wider body and flared wheel arches; plus more gadgetry and greater storage space. Combining greater power and performance these took the MX5 to a new level. The Roadster Coupe version with an electronically-operating folding plastic roof joined the line-up in late 2006. Latest models are the best yet.
Along with stainless steel front grille, aggressive front fog lights and competition-inspired strut tower bar the stylish and sporty soft top is recognisable by its muscular wheel arches while the roadster coupes retractable hardtop is a masterpiece of engineering, allowing you to move from stylish coupe to open top in just 12 seconds. You can also choose from a selection of alloy wheels and audio system components to personalise the MX5 to your requirements. Maximum speeds of 131mph can be reached and acceleration of 0-62mph in 7.9 secs.
Mazda MX-5 safety and security features include Mazda Advanced Impact Distribution and Absorption System (MAIDAS) and Supplementary Restraint System (SRS) with its central control unit and crush sensors. Also included are seatbelt pre-tensioners, load limiters and airbag system plus four-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), four-wheel disc brakes (front ventilated; rear -solid) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Traction Control System (TCS). Also comes with Limited-Slip Differential (LSD), dual front airbags, passenger airbag deactivation system, side airbags, seatbelts: 3-point (ELR) x 2 with pre-tensioner and force limiter. Also included are seatbelt reminder sound warnings, ISOFIX child seat anchorages on the passenger side and Thatcham category 1 alarm and immobiliser.
