2009 Mazda MX-5

2009 Mazda MX-5
2009 Mazda MX-5
Mazda celebrated 20 years of its iconic MX-5 Miata roadster by unveiling a refreshed 2009 MX-5 at the Chicago Auto Show. The updated two-seater was first shown at the 2008 Paris Auto Show, but the Chicago show marks the car's North American debut. The MX-5 debuted in 1989 as a 1990 model. It was redesigned for the 1999 model year and again for 2006. The 2009 MX-5 continues with the third-generation platform, but gets many updates and improvements.

An extensive exterior facelift gives the MX-5 a more-aggressive look via redesigned front and rear fascias and new side sills. The more-dramatic nose includes new headlights, a larger Mazda badge, triangular fog-lamp bezels, and a bigger grille opening. The tail wears sculpted new shapes and redesigned taillights. The interior sees a number of alterations such as reshaped seats, a redesigned center console, revised trim, and new gauge graphics.

CG Says...
Its basic design is four years old, but the MX-5 is still easily one of the best two-seat roadsters on the market, offering an unmatched blend of open-air fun and frugality. The revamped styling and numerous tweaks for 2009 should help Mazda's celebrated glee machine feel fresh until a totally redesigned model appears.
The 2.0-liter 4-cylinder receives fortifications that bump its redline up 500 rpm to 7,200 and squeeze out one more horsepower for 167 total. Six-speed manual-transmission models get an Induction Sound Enhancer--a series of tuned pipes that funnel desirable engine noises to the occupants. The 6-speed manual itself gets internal updates and a slightly taller top gear ratio for better fuel economy. Minor suspension revisions include retuned damping and a retuned, less-intrusive Dynamic Stability Control system.

The MX-5 model roster is little changed from '08. Base prices start at $21,750 for the bare-bones SV soft-top model and top out at $29,290 for the top-line Grand Touring retractable hardtop. The 2009 MX-5 goes on sale this spring.

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