Mazda brings back an icon
The recently-concluded Manila Inter- national Auto Show became the site of the rebirth of an icon as it hosted the local launching of the much-awaited Mazda MX-5, or as many have come to affectionately call it, the Miata. Car enthusiasts might recall that the last time locally distributed Miatas were seen in showrooms, among the hottest of news items were the possible implications of the Y2K bug. Yup, it’s been that long. Well, as they say, absence makes the heart grow fonder. And if anyone needs any proof of this, they can look up the resale value of a Miata now and realize that people still crave the svelte roadster. Is it any wonder that prior to its local debut, this new version was hounded by the prerequisite speculation?
Well, you can throw all the speculation out the window now. Because the MX-5 RHT is now available in Mazda showrooms all over the country. The all-new iteration successfully takes the Miata’s place on the desire meter a few notches higher as it comes with a fully retractable hard top (hence the MX-5 RHT moniker). This retractable hard top is actually one of the fastest of its kind in the world, taking only all of 12 seconds to open or close. It splits into three parts and fits seamlessly together and electronically folds into a storage space behind the car’s seats. What’s best is that this retractable roof doesn’t even take an inch off the comparatively spacious (for a roadster, at least) 150-liter trunk space.
And, in true roadster fashion, the Mazda MX-5 RHT now comes with a perfect 50-50 weight distribution ratio. The succeeding balance achieved allows for nimble handling and improved driver-machine interface. Speaking of the machine, the MX-5 comes with a 2.0-liter engine that showcases 166 horses and is ably thrust forward by 190Nm of juicy torque. All this power is made pliable via rack and pinion steering with an engine RPM sensing Variable Assist. All these goodies don’t come cheap, though. The Mazda MX-5 RHT is offered at an introductory price of P1.999M. Still, you can say that – at least on paper (we’ve yet to actually test-drive it) – the new MX-5 RHT lives up to the true Mazda spirit. In fact, Mazda
In truth, we can’t wait to get our hands on a test unit. Come to think of it, the same can probably be said of you. So here’s the deal, I’ll let you in on a little secret. Anyone can actually schedule a test drive of the all-new Mazda MX-5 RHT. All you have to do is call the Mazda Hotline at 85-MAZDA (85-62932) or log on to www.mazda.com.ph to request for a test-drive. Of course you can also visit the Mazda showrooms in Alabang, Greenhills,
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