The iconic Mazda MX5 roadster has once again been selected for critical acclaim in the 2009 Auto Express New Car Awards. The judges from the UK’s best-selling weekly automotive magazine ranked the iconic two-seater, rear-wheel drive sports car as ‘Best Roadster’ – beating BMW and Porsche rivals for the top ranking.
The Mazda MX5 achieved the class-topping annual award for the fourth successive year. The Mazda MX5 also won praise from Auto Express as a used car – winning ‘Best Convertible’ awards every year since 2005. Praising the Mazda MX5, Auto Express commented: “The pretty roadster is the default choice for affordable wind-in-the-hair thrills thanks to its simple folding fabric hood, entertaining rear‑wheel drive handling and incredibly attractive prices. The folding hard-top Roadster Coupe variant only serves to boost the car’s appeal, providing improved refinement and security. Prices start from £16,345, which makes MX5 something of a bargain.”
Mark Cameron, Sales & Marketing Director for Mazda Motors UK commented, "As Britain’s favourite sports car brand, Mazda is proud to have a high profile motoring consumer publication, such as Auto Express, confirm that our products are among the very best on the market."
“The latest exterior, interior and technical upgrades to the 2009 Mazda MX5 range ensure that the soft-top continues to offer the purest, fun-to-drive thrills, while the Mazda MX5 Roadster Coupe delivers an even more coupe-like, premium experience together with that same driving excitement.
“Both models carry-over the key features which have made the Mazda MX5 the world’s best‑selling sportscar. Today, the Mazda MX5 is unrivalled as a rewarding sportscar that can also be used for everyday motoring all year round, with low running costs and high levels of specification – and the whole sportscar ownership experience is supported by Mazda’s legendary reliability and durability,” concluded Cameron.
For 2009 the Mazda MX5 was significantly upgraded, the 10-strong range, available with either traditional soft-top or in Roadster Coupe form featuring a powered retractable hard top, were given a fresh design that enhances their dynamic appeal and is harmonised with Mazda’s next-generation Mazda 6, Mazda 3 and Mazda 2 line-up.
Chassis modifications ensure that all models deliver an evolution of Mazda’s unique Jinba Ittai – oneness between car and driver – by enhancing the Mazda MX5's legendary agility and controllability even further. Fine-tuning of both the 1.8i and 2.0i engines has achieved significant reductions in CO2 and fuel consumption, as have improvements to the sportscar’s aerodynamics.
For more information on the Mazda MX5 and MX5 Roadster Coupe Range or to arrange a test drive call Mazda Darlington on freephone 0800 980 4532 or Mazda Durham on freephone 0800 980 4535.