The all time classic can now look forward to a smaller brother, the Mazda MX-2. Set to be unveiled in 2012, the new addition to the Mazda family is definitely going to create waves, especially among the fans of the current Mazda MX-5. If this new family member is going to be as good as or better than the already timeless MX-5, the affordable, lightweight convertible sports-car market is going to be overwhelmed by this new baby.
The special thing about the Mazda MX-5 is that its design has remained uncannily similar ever since it was put into production in 1989, much like Porsche I have to admit. However, the fellas at Mazda managed to pull off an amazing design, one that looked balanced, simple and most importantly, classically 'British' looking sportscar while the Porsche still looks rather odd even though it is a staggering piece of engineering genius. And ever since then, the MX-5 has been known to be the benchmark for the best and most value-for-money sportscar that one can buy. With the MX-2, I think Mazda will want to continue their tradition of building the best affordable sportscar, just that this is downsized even further.
Being lighter may also mean less expensive. But less expensive doesn't always mean lower performance as the MX-5 has already demonstrated to the world for more than a decade. Its design looks like a culmination of three different cars, from the Ferrari California inspired headlamps and the Mazda Furai concept's swooping lines with the rest of the body inspired by the new BMW Z4, I think this car looks brilliant! And what comes under the bonnet doesn't disappoint. Small capacity engines ranging from 0.7litres to 1.6litres will be the powerplant in the MX-2. The range topping 1.6litre will be turbocharged to produce 160bhp on tap. Though that might not seem a lot, combine that with its minimal weight, this car will humiliate heavier and more expensive cars in future.. So don't look so smug in that BMW because a Mazda will be leaving you choking on its dust.
If this really does make it to our shores, the MX-2 will be the young driver's dream car; affordable, fast and most importantly, good looking. I can't
think of anything better.
mazda, mazda miata, mazda mx5 and 2 more...
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