Mazda puts a new cherry on top of its 2018 MX-5

The 2018 MX-5 in Dark Cherry Soft Top

Just in time for Father’s Day week this June, Mazda Philippines recently announced the arrival of its new 2018-model year MX-5 sports roadster variants. Aside from a host of dynamic improvements and upgraded safety features, the 2018 MX-5 Soft Top line has a limited edition Dark Cherry fabric soft top canopy which comes exclusively with the six-speed Skyactiv automatic transmission variant. Additionally, Mazda is also offering its signature Machine Gray color for its soft top as an option. Previously, the soft tops for the MX-5 only came in black colored fabrics. Mazda also introduced a new shade of red called the “Soul Red Crystal” body color which is available in selected variants for the 2018 MX-5.

With a front engine and rear wheel drive layout, the already well-balanced MX-5 will have a more refined rear suspension tuning and power steering system for its lightweight soft top variants. These mechanical enhancements promises to have new MX-5 owners enjoy the classic sports car feel and handling as well as ride comfort the MX-5’s are known for.

“Mazda Philippines is continuously providing driving enthusiasts the latest offerings of the world’s most popular sports car – the MX-5,” shares Mazda Philippines president and CEO Steven Tan. He adds, “There has always been a strong demand for the MX-5 in the Philippines. By offering our customers not only an improved product, but also more trim options to choose from, we believe our fans will be able to find the ideal sports car that expresses their love and passion for driving.”

The 2018 MX-5 RF (Retractable Fastback) now comes in a manual transmission variant

On top of the underchassis enhancements and tuning, the MX-5 RF (Retractable Fastback) now comes with a six-speed manual Skyactiv transmission. The MX-5 RF was unveiled at the Manila International Auto Show last year at the World Trade Center but it only featured an automatic gearbox. Only the soft top MX-5’s at that time had two gearbox options.

Hardcore Mazda enthusiasts and prospective buyers alike kept on inquiring about a manual gearbox for the RF so Mazda Philippines listened and obliged its customers. Under the leadership of Tan, Mazda PH is one of the car brands in the country that actively engages and listens to its customers, and brings in the products in the variants that they look for. Tan is one of the few social media savvy CEO’s is so engaged to his customers and has been known for personally sourcing parts for customers for older generation Mazda cars and can be very hands-on specially when it comes to customer service.

Aside from a manual transmission option, the 2018 MX-5 RF has a better steering response and refined rear suspension.

Inside the new MX-5, Nappa leather remains an option for the automatic transmission variant of the MX-5 RF, while black leather is standard for the manual. Also new for 2018 are additional safety features across the model range for all the RF Hard Top variants including Adaptive LED Headlamps (ALH) which features an automatic control of headlight aim and intensity based on ever-changing driving conditions. Another feature added was the Lane Departure Warning, which alerts drivers if they begin to stray out of the lane. Both safety features are standard for all RF models and automatic transmission variants of the MX-5 Soft Top.

Mazda puts a new Cherry on top of its 2018 MX-5

The post-TRAIN prices for the MX-5 remain reasonably close to pre-TRAIN prices, with its SRP starting at Php 1,880,000 for the manual Soft Top while the top model MX-5 RF with automatic transmission and Nappa Leather interior are priced at Php 2,300,000.

For more information, log on to the Mazda Philippines website at www.mazda.ph and visit Mazda’s 20 dealerships located across the Philippines and Metro Manila.