2014

press kit

1 M{ZD{ 6 | Inhalt | TABLE OF CONTENTS | TABLE Paris Motor Show Show Motor Paris

1. Introduction 4 - 7 Innovating to preserve

2. The AlL-new M{zd{ MX-5 8 - 15 The legend lives on – with a passion

3. M{zd{ in Paris: An overview 16 - 23 A brief look at the other models on stage

4. M{zd{ Motor Corporation 24 - 25 TABLE OF CONTENTS Facts & figures 2014 Paris Motor Show 5. Contacts 26 - 29 Motor Europe

2 3 Introduction

| Paris Motor Show Show Motor Paris

Especially considering that back in 1989, Built for the love of sports cars, the when it was first launched, nobody ex- fourth-generation Mazda MX-5 retains pected that the MX-5 would become such those elements that have made this car Introduction a smashing – and lasting – success. After so iconic. Like the Jinba Ittai “rider-and- Innovating to preserve all, it was competing in a segment that horse-as one” experience, which empha- had declined to a point where it was vir- sises the communication between the tually non-existent. Back then, sceptics driver and the car. Or the lightweight, 1 gave the model a few years at best. compact design, the front-midship engine, Upholding the Mazda MX-5’s popularity over such a long time rear-wheel drive layout with perfect has been all about balance. About maintaining the equilibrium Now, 25 years and three generations later, front-rear weight distribution, the direct between the lightweight sports car tradition on which the iconic production is approaching the magical responsiveness and outstanding agility, roadster is based, but at the same time keeping up with times 1-million-unit mark. The MX-5 holds the and the short, crisp gearshift stroke. All, Guinness World Record as the bestselling of course, at an affordable price. and expectations. That Mazda has now unveiled an all-new two-seater sports car of all time. It’s a re- generation of its MX-5 is in itself a testimony to how well the cord that is going to be tough to beat, too, unconventional carmaker has mastered this tightrope walk. because Mazda is far from finished with its legendary little roadster. 4 5 A 25 th anniversary resolution

Directly influencing a whole generation of cars, these are exactly the characteristics that are now going into every vehicle that Introduction Mazda builds. The MX-5’s driving behav- | iour served as a benchmark for SKYACTIV Technology, for example. And now these innovations come full circle on the all-new Mazda MX-5.

That is why, in the face of ever more stringent requirements for safety and emissions, Mazda still managed to reduce the weight by more than 100 kg relative to the out going model. But with more driving fun than ever thanks to a lightweight SKYACTIV-G 1.5 pow- Paris Motor Show Show Motor Paris ertrain along with a SKYACTIV Chassis giving it the lowest centre of gravity to date. Add in the unique ultra-sporty rendition of Mazda’s award-winning KODO – Soul of Motion design and an interior built for driving – especially with the top down – and you have a car with no compromises.

At first sight, the all-new MX-5 was made to appeal to the senses and emotions of all kinds of drivers around the world. The next quarter century has started off well, and it’s going to be more fun than ever.

6 7 The all-new MX-5 The all-new

| The all-new To keep it that way, developers of the convenience, and without detracting from fourth-generation MX-5 performed a the MX-5’s patented fun. In short, simply M{zd{ MX-5 delicate balancing act between adapting at its best. The legend lives on – the little roadster to the times while with a passion maintaining its charm and the Jinba Ittai Always up to a challenge, Mazda set out to driver-and-car-as-one dynamics that have improve on what was already exceptional 2 underpinned every Mazda MX-5 ever built. in the first place. And the all-new MX-5 is indeed made to please right from the Evolving the legend, Mazda focused on moment one lays eyes on it. Whether it’s three key elements: a design that gets responding with precision to the driver on the heart pounding, a more captivating a winding country road or turning a routine driving experience than ever, and a top- trip to the supermarket into an electrify- Paris Motor Show Show Motor Paris down feeling that is pure roadster plea- ing experience, it passionately carries on sure. All while meeting the expectations the MX-5’s essence and its rich tradition. of a modern car in terms of safety and

Fun, freedom and extraordinary appeal. This is what the Mazda MX-5 stood for 25 years ago and has ever since – no small task in an ultra-competitive global car market. Over three model generations, the MX-5 has never surrendered its crown as the uncontested leader of the segment it revived following its launch in 1989.

8 9 the middle of the small-diameter steering time. On the all-new roadster, it brings a wheel in sync with the other gauges new meaning to the expression “faithfully and climate control louvers to the left responsive”, taking the joy of driving to and right. This serves to establish a single another level. axis throughout the cockpit, conveying a pleasantly secure feeling and with it a Under the bonnet, power is generated by perfect atmosphere for driving. And that direct-injection SKYACTIV-G 1.5 engines, The all-new MX-5 The all-new

is really what the all-new MX-5 is about. which feature ultra-high compression, | and transferred to the rear wheels by Because in a word, the driving experi- crisp transmissions including a six-speed ence is captivating. Not because of sheer SKYACTIV-MT manual*. All available horsepower, which is something the MX-5 drivetrains have been specially tuned for has never been about. Like past genera- the all-new MX-5. tions, the all-new MX-5 delivers sufficient output for its size. But the key sensation The fourth-generation roadster also ben- is how all performance-related elements – efits from Mazda’s “gram strategy”, as like power, torque, steering response and the company was able to reduce weight gearshifting – interact. by more than 100kg vis-à-vis the outgo- People tend to remember the first time Reflections on the body surfaces change ing model. And that in spite of a range of they saw an MX-5. With this in mind, with the angle of the light, making the modern conveniences like Mazda’s most Paris Motor Show Show Motor Paris designers of the all-new roadster knew it car actually look alive. The lines impart a Pure, dynamic advanced human-machine interface (HMI) would have to light a fire of excitement in sense of motion, even at a standstill, as responsiveness yet and MZD Connect**, its next-gen- people’s hearts. So they went for a pulse- they stretch back from the headlamps, Here it reaps the fruits of Mazda’s labours eration in-car connectivity. How? Using quickening adaptation of Mazda’s award- peaking at the front fenders and converg- developing SKYACTIV Technology and aluminium for the bonnet and boot lid, winning KODO – Soul of Motion design. ing in front of the rear tires before sweep- honing these innovative engines, trans- front fender and front and rear bumper One look makes the beholder want to get ing upwards over the rear fenders. missions, chassis and bodies on Mazda’s reinforcements, for example. Even the in, put the top down and drive away. And other new-generation models. The MX-5 soft top is lighter than before. it’s a look that’s designed to endure. The cabin has moved slightly towards gets SKYACTIV Technology for the first the rear and the hip-point of the lowered. Together this augments the Unforgettable style dynamic look. The body panels, mean- while, wrap around into the door trim, Conceived to convey agility, KODO is dissolving the boundaries between the tailor-made for every aspect of the MX-5. In inside and outside of the car. perhaps its most profound manifestation yet, the all-new model richly expresses Inside, the cabin remains snug – another the Soul of Motion contrast between still- of the MX-5’s Jinba Ittai trademarks – but ness and movement seen on other new- with a symmetry that lets the driver focus. generation . Embodying KODO’s From behind the wheel, for example, a solid stance and stable footprint, the all- powerful line extends from the upper part new MX-5 even looks like it can turn on of the door trim to the top of each front small coin. fender. The tachometer is positioned in * Automatic transmission also available 10 ** Known as Mazda Connect in Japan and North America 11 The all-new MX-5 The all-new

| Paris Motor Show Show Motor Paris

Modern and traditional A sporty run along winding roads will visibility. Add in the Mazda Proactive roadster experience was a key com- soon beckon, and when it does, the Safety philosophy, which includes the ponent to these purchasing decisions. Of course, the front-midship engine, driver will find pedals, controls, gauges company’s cutting-edge range of the The newest generation only heightens rear-wheel drive configuration (a first for and other equipment in the optimum i-ACTIVSENSE active safety technology, this spirit-lifting experience with a soft SKYACTIV Technology) hasn’t changed. positions for maintaining a straight, and the all-new Mazda MX-5 is safer than top that is easy to operate, even when And neither has the near-perfect 50:50 comfortable posture. Careful attention ever, heightening peace of mind and with seated. Together with an improved in- front-rear weight distribution, with the was also paid to the shape of the door it the joy of driving. terior, advanced wind control and new maximum amount of weight concentrated trim and the smaller quarter windows. headrest speakers, open-top driving as close as possible to the lower centre The goal here was to actively control the The MX-5 has found almost 1 million promises to be a blast. Prepare for some of gravity. The new lightweight yet flow of air for just the right amount of homes over the past 25 years, and the very enjoyable time behind the wheel. highly rigid suspension utilises a double- wind when going “topless”. wishbone at the front and a multi-link set-up in the rear. The brake system, meanwhile, has been optimised for A unique top-down maximum controllability and effective- feeling ness, enabling the driver to maintain pos- The A-pillars and a windshield header ture even when braking hard. And the have been moved towards the rear, which brakes react the driver’s will as if they together with the lower bonnet offer were an extension of his or her own body. the driver greater front and peripheral

12 13 Selected SPECIFICATIONs* The All-New M{zd{ MX-5

display model

Body type 2-door soft-top convertible

Seating capacity 2

Overall length without license 3,915 mm plate holder

Overall width 1,730 mm

Overall height 1,245 mm

Wheelbase 2,315 mm

SKYACTIV-G 1.5 Engine direct-injection petrol engine

SKYACTIV-MT Transmissions six-speed manual The all new M{zd{ MX-5 The all new M{zd{ MX-5

Front suspension Double wishbone

Rear suspension Multi-link

Steering Electric power assisted rack & pinion

Brakes (front / rear) Ventilated discs / solid discs

Tires 205/45 R17

* Figures and other specifications may differ from mass production vehicles. 14 All data are subject to change upon homologation. 15