Mazda PH unveils all-new MX-5, Mazda2 SkyActiv

By Charles Buban August 12,2015
FROM right: Mazda Philippines president and CEO Steven Tan, Mazda Corp. executive officer Hiroshi Inoue, previous MX-5 chief designer Tom Matano, MX-5 ND chief designer Masashi Nakayama, deputy program manager Hitoshi Takamatsu, Berjaya Malaysia officials Dató Francis Lee and Dató Ben Yeoh,  and Berjaya Philippines chief finance officer Tan Eng Hwa

From right: Mazda Philippines president and CEO Steven Tan, Mazda Corp. executive officer Hiroshi Inoue, previous MX-5 chief designer Tom Matano, MX-5 ND chief designer Masashi Nakayama, deputy program manager Hitoshi Takamatsu, Berjaya Malaysia officials Dató Francis Lee and Dató Ben Yeoh,
and Berjaya Philippines chief finance officer Tan Eng Hwa

Since it was introduced 25 years ago, the Mazda MX-5 or the “Miata” has offered a fun, engaging driving experience that can only be achieved through weight reduction as well as cutting-edge engine performance technology.

While other sports cars have slowly grown in size, acquired bigger and more powerful engines, and even increased the space for the rear seats (for the sake of the other passengers), Mazda decided that when it comes to the MX-5, it must continue to stay true to its roots, that is, to remain compact (it’s still a two-seater), be modestly priced, and most importantly, to bring that unique grin to its driver’s face.

“The all-new MX-5 is the epitome of Mazda’s core ethos of providing pure driving pleasure on the road,” said Berjaya Auto Philippines and Mazda Philippines president and CEO Steven Tan during the unveiling ceremonies held at the Green Sun hotel in Makati City.

“The amount of design and engineering effort was put in by Mazda engineers into this latest generation MX-5 is intended to bring back the first MX-5’s calling to deliver joy in driving. We are confident that the all-new MX-5 will not only achieve its goals of providing unique top-down driving experience but will also set a new benchmark in providing more smiles not only to its owners but also to everyone who sees the car,” Tan said.

Berjaya Auto Philippines is the exclusive distributor of Mazda brand of vehicles and parts.

Joining Tan during the launch were Masashi Nakayama, the all-new MX-5’s chief designer; Hiroshi Inoue, Mazda Motor Corp. executive officer; Hitoshi Takamatsu, the all-new MX-5’s deputy program manager for vehicle development promotion; and Tom Matano, designer of the first- and second-generation MX-5.

4th gen

The fourth-generation MX-5, which will be launched in the Philippines, embodies the striking Kodo-Soul of Motion design language with its aggressive visual cues.

Within this blend of curves and sharp-edge lines that sweep over the front and rear arches lies the latest implementations of Mazda’s groundbreaking SkyActiv Technology chassis, engine and drivetrain innovations.

For the Philippine market, the all-new MX-5 variant will be powered by a sport-tuned, 161-horsepower (at 6,000 revolutions per minute), 2-liter SkyActiv direct injection gasoline  engine designed to deliver a grin-inducing 200 Newton-meters of torque (at 4,600 rpm), while at the same time satisfying its environmentally conscious owners.

“This top-of-the-line 2-liter SkyActiv engine (other markets will only have the smaller 1.5-liter engine) is specifically tuned for the MX-5, and is designed to deliver more torque and faster response,” explained Tan, adding that local models will come with either the quick-reacting SkyActiv six-speed automatic transmission or the snappy six-speed manual gearbox.

THE MAZDA MX-5 track day at Batangas Racing Circuit

The Mazda MX-5 track day at Batangas Racing Circuit

The all-new MX-5 is also equipped with Mazda’s highly effective i-Stop stop-start fuel-saving function. While conventional idling stop systems rely on a starter motor to restart the engine, Mazda’s i-Stop restarts the engine through combustion, wherein fuel is directly injected into a cylinder while the engine is stopped, and ignited to generate downward piston force. The result is a quick and quiet engine restart compared to other systems, and an 8-percent savings in fuel.

Lighter

To complement this vastly improved and more responsive engine is the employment of lighter materials. The all-new MX-5 is now 100 kilograms lighter and more compact than the previous model. Weight shaving is achieved courtesy of an overall length that is 105 millimeters shorter (wheelbase is also shorter by 15 mm).

Mazda also uses aluminum more extensively than before. In addition to the aluminum in the hood, trunk lid, center frame brace and suspension arms, the all-new MX-5 also employs it in the front fenders, front knuckles, convertible-top supports, rear bulkhead and roll hoops, and front and rear bumper supports.

With all these aluminum, the all-new MX-5 not only shed more weight but now possesses an ever lower center of gravity, the lowest since the original 1989 model.

INOUE and Matano during the formal launch

Inoue and Matano during the formal launch

The recent launch in Makati is part of a series of events to welcome the all-new Mazda MX-5’s arrival in the Philippines. A black-tie dinner attended by Tom Matano and members of the Miata Club of the Philippines was held last  Aug. 5.

Two days later, a media drive was held at Batangas Racing Circuit, with Takamatsu giving a presentation on the latest model’s development and engineering.

The winners of the MX-5 Roadster Design Competition was announced last Aug. 8, and the next day, the first  18 units of the all-new MX-5 were turned over to their lucky owners.

Mazda2 launch

Apart from the all-new MX-5, Mazda Philippines also formally launched the all-new Mazda2 SkyActiv both in sedan and hatchback variants.

Inviting 30 members of the Motoring media, 10 units of the all-new Mazda2 SkyActiv were driven around the provinces of Laguna, Quezon, Cavite and Batangas—a more-than-450-kilometer route of fast straights and winding countryside roads.

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