2019 Mazda MX-5 gets tech and power upgrade

KUALA LUMPUR: Mazda, the Japanese automaker has officially acknowledged that the new MX-5 will come with a more powerful 2.0-litre SkyActiv engine along with a few tech enhancements. What’s exciting about the announcement is that the upgraded version won’t be limited to Japan, instead will be available in the international markets as well. North America and Europe will receive the updated MX-5 after Japan.

The new 2.0-litre four-cylinder SkyActiv engine on the MX-5 comes with lighter connecting rods and pistons, revised valvetrain and exhaust system. Mazda claims that the exhaust loss has been reduced considerably, which results in improved power output. This is due to the increased valve opening angle and valve lift and the increased diameter of the exhaust manifold.

The combustion mechanism has been made better by reconfiguring the inlet ports and higher-pressure fuel injectors. As a result, the roadster puts out an additional 24 PS and 5 Nm of power and torque respectively. The figures are now rated at 184 PS at 7,000rpm and 205 Nm at 4,000rpm.

In addition, Mazda has reworked on the car’s drivetrain. The drive ratio has been raised from 3.454 to 3.583 and the single-mass flywheel has been replaced by the dual-mass flywheel. Moreover, the automaker has integrated a new exhaust with a better sound quality.

Some notable tech upgrades on the 2019 MX-5 include the Smart City Brake support, Driver Attention Alert, Traffic Sign Recognition, and the reverse camera. Other cosmetic and convenience additions on the car include the 17-inch alloys dipped in metallic black colour, brown canvas soft-top, new cupholders, telescopic steering rack, and revised doors that are now easier to handle.

The sales of the 2019 Mazda MX-5 will begin this August in the European market while the North American buyers will have to wait until the fourth quarter of the ongoing year. No word is out about the new MX-5 arriving Malaysia as yet. It is likely to come at a later date.