Specifications and pricing have been announced for the 2019 Mazda MX-5, the range has been streamlined but now includes a more powerful 2.0-litre engine.
All MX-5 variants now get telescopic steering wheel adjustment, rear-view camera and new alloy wheel designs.
For those who like the minutiae, the detachable cup holders have been stiffened up to reduce the wobble while being easier to fasten and remove, while seat levers have thicker internal frames for a sturdier feel during operation.
The 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine that powers the entry-level Roadster has been revised, engineers have redesigned the shape of the pistons and the combustion chambers leading to an additional 1kW and 2Nm, bringing the totals to 97kW of power and 152Nm of torque.
Comprehensive updates have been made to the naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre engine, changes have been made to the airflow intake and exhaust systems, piston shape and weight, crankshaft and connecting rods along with improved combustion speed.
All the tinkering means the 2.0 powerplant increases its output from 118kW to 135kW and from 200Nm to 205Nm.
Alterations have also been made to the manual and automatic transmissions to deliver a sharper response and more direct driving feel.
Mazda Australia Director of Marketing, Alastair Doak, said: “Every time we update Mazda MX-5, it's in pursuit of refining and enhancing the thrilling drive that is so unique to our iconic two-seater."
"Added power has been finely balanced to ensure the same smooth, direct response is felt from the moment the throttle opens up."
The base model Roadster comes standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, rain sensing wipers, climate control air conditioning, cloth trim and a 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with satellite navigation. There’s still no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
Moving to the Roadster GT and RF GT adds 17-inch alloys, adaptive LED headlights, leather trim, heated seats, keyless entry and a premium Bose audio system.
Roadster models still utilize an old-school black fabric roof, while RF variants get a power folding retractable fastback roof.
Along with the addition of a rear-view camera, all models get autonomous emergency braking and traffic sign recognition added to the i-Activesense suite of safety technologies.
2019 Mazda MX-5 pricing (excluding on-road costs):
Roadster 1.5 man - $34,190
Roadster 1.5 auto - $36,190
RF 2.0 man - $39,400
RF 2.0 auto - $41,400
Roadster GT 2.0 man - $41,960
Roadster GT 2.0 auto - $43,960
RF GT 2.0 man - $45,960
RF GT 2.0 auto - $47,960
RF GT 2.0 black roof man - $46,960
RF GT 2.0 black roof auto - $48,960
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