Test: Mazda MX-5 NA, renaissance roadster

That time is long gone, when Japanese products were an imitation of what was manufactured in the West. Since the 70s, heThe Japanese production reached a technical, stylistic and quality level that surprised the rest of the world, and our protagonist, the Mazda MX-5 NA, is a good proof of this.

Along with cameras or motorcycles, the cars of the country of the rising sun were acquiring a well-deserved fame. So much so that since 1980 it has wrested world leadership in automobile manufacturing from the United States.

And it was not only a question of quantity and quality, it also took the lead in developing new automotive concepts. Like the Mazda MX-5 NA, a playful sports car that in 1988 led the way for others.

CHICAGO SALON, FEBRUARY 1989

In the American contest, the presentation by Mazda of a convertible called a Miata drew widespread applause. For a price of only $6.000, the japanese firm offered a roadster with careful design and effective suspensions. And as if that were not enough, rear-wheel drive and powered by a modern 16-valve engine and 115 hp at 6.500 rpm.

Firm American orders far exceeded production capacity. To the extent that it was delayed for sale in Japan, where it would be called Eunos Roadster, while it did not come to Europe until 1990.

In fact, during its first months of commercialization there were Mazda Miata resales above the official price. And it is that in the USA. there were impatient people, who wanted to enjoy it in a spring that already seemed too close.

A MULTINATIONAL PROJECT

Before his exhibition in Chicago, the genesis of this model went through a much longer process than usual. The basic idea came from journalist Bob Hall, who, after years as a writer at the magazine autoweek, He had started working in 1981 in the communication department of Mazda USA.

Bob wished a simple roadster that would bring back the driving fun that sports classics had. And that, incidentally, comfortably surpasses the already outdated Alfa Romeo Spider, Fiat 124 Sport Spider and MGB Cabriolet in sales.

Bob Hall's concept passed another sieve in 1983, leading to three studies. Two in Japan a front-wheel drive spider and another with a mid-engine; and a more sensible one in the United States, with a front longitudinal engine and rear-wheel drive.

Already in 1985, the selected work was the American one and in 1986 it became a serious project, directed by the engineer Toshihiko Hirai. From the prototypes made in the United Kingdom by the IAD company, the P729 project was taking shape. The car was designed by stylists Norman Garrett, Koichi Hayashi, Tom Matano and Wu Huang Ching.

BEYOND APPEARANCES

But also, in the P729 project It wasn't just about creating a car to ride in the open air. It also had to have a weight distribution very close to 50% on each axis, a highly rigid body and excellent road holding.

Following such a demanding plan, the Mazda MX-5 NA was fitted with an aluminum structure uniting the engine, gearbox and rear differential. So solidity was achieved
reinforced its stability and its precision in curves.

In the same way, the multilink suspensions of both axles They were designed to achieve optimal stability. And in that same tune it had four brake discs, the front ones of the ventilated type, more than enough for the 960 kg of empty weight.

Passengers were also alluded to in the design of this compact and lightweight roadster: the passenger compartment must comfortably accommodate tall people, but without leaving space to spare.

THE MAZDA MX-5 NA ARRIVES IN OUR MARKET

The first units seen in Spain came directly from the United States. Astute parallel importers brought in examples of the Mazda Miata, ordered by customers who were impressed with its qualities.

Instead, the sample tested is manufactured in 1992 and imported by Tecnitrade Automoción, the general distributor of Mazda Motor Corporation in our country.

It corresponds to the LSD version, which added interesting accessories compared to the basic variant. Among them, power steering, self-locking differential, headlight washers and alloy wheels.

Already inside, the Mazda MX-5 LSD added a Momo leather steering wheel, electric windows, antenna and two speakers. And both versions had a common option, a hard top made of fiberglass.

A VISUAL REVIEW

On the front of this Mazda, its peculiar lower mouth and the groups of the flashing lights they give it an almost biological personality. It has its point of affectionate pet, in the “Bio Design” style of the time.

To the “Bio” facet, the MX-5 adds overtones of classic taste, such as the retractable headlights, the Minilite-like wheels or the chrome door handles.

Instead, the rear light clusters have a style that was new in its day. Not in vain, a Mazda MX-5 NA is listed at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, as one of the outstanding works of industrial design of the 90s.

Manually operated, the retractable headlights connect the MX-5 with the sports cars of the 60s.

The tail lights of the Mazda MX-5 are considered a work of art of industrial design.

CONSCIOUSLY DESIGNED

Jinba Ittai. This was the concept that had to inspire the future Mazda roadster, whose translation from Japanese is something like "the rider who forms a single body with his horse." His Cosmetic resemblance to the Lotus Elan It was not accidental, but it was an unequivocal sign of what Mazda intended with this convertible. Build a light roadster, with enough power, fun driving and Japanese reliability.

Along with its dynamic qualities, a meticulous study of its design was also carried out, combining the project between the departments of Japan and the United States. The style of the central mouth of the bumper, the choice of retractable headlights or chrome locks on the doors were part of this meticulous study.

The goal was to excite hundreds of thousands of drivers, eager to have a classic style convertible, but with the advanced techniques of the late 80s.

ACCESSIBLE ENGINE

When you raise the hood, the engine compartment is occupied by the power plant. Above and in the center, the double-shaft head with four valves per cylinder and the four spark plugs close at hand, as well as many of the accessories that need maintenance. By having a modern injection system, the reliability and smooth running win many integers. It has lost the sometimes cumbersome charm of twin carburettors, but that tradition was already incompatible with anti-pollution regulations.

Thanks to the electronics, this engine has a behavior befitting the mood of a roadster. It works with sufficient ease at low revs, but its maximum torque is achieved at 5.500 rpm and momentarily reaches 7.200 rpm.

For its part, the tire equipment is calculated without falling into the typical excess of overly bulky wheels. Both the wheels and the rubbers in measure 185/60-14 They provide plenty of grip, but maintaining a comfortable ride.

The bi-shaft and multi-valve propeller is installed in a longitudinal position.

Minilite style. The optional alloy wheels, measuring 5,5 x 14, match the image of the car and contribute to its excellent behavior.

IN THE DRIVER

Open the door, sit down, adjust the distance to the steering wheel and the inclination of the backrest, an easy and effective process. All the controls are in their ideal place, which demonstrates the previous good work of the ergonomists of Mazda. Pleasant touch on the Momo leather steering wheel, as well as on the gear lever and handbrake. And down at the bottom, a perfect support for the left foot, accompanied by some pedals that seem to be made to measure.

It's hard to find the electric windows, which go in the center console. And it also satisfies a certain restraint when designing the driving position and the dashboard, which they have what is necessary and lack colorful decorations.

Although the interior lacks color, there is room for a couple of average height and the finish is neat.

Except for those of NBA stature, behind the wheel of the Mazda MX-5 achieves a perfect driving position.

To finish the job, from the seat it is easy to release the two hood latches by hand and throw it back. Of course, the most meticulous will have to press down on the already deployed hood, in order to secure it in that position.

Now it's time for a review of the instrumentation. All of it has needles, in a pre-digital style, even on the odometer and with a speedometer graduated up to 220 km/h, while the red zone of the rev counter starts at 6.500 rpm. And to the two large clocks are added a coolant thermometer, the level of gasoline and an oil pressure gauge. In addition, this copy has a clock and a voltmeter on the center console, somewhat covered by the gear lever.

A SMART TRICK

In the first tests published in motor magazines, journalists were so excited about the Mazda MX-5 that They placed the small volume of the trunk among the few criticizable sections. Officially, the rear compartment had a capacity of 100 liters, not counting the space occupied by the spare wheel.

Likewise, on the rear platform you can carry some luggage... We must remember that a two-seater convertible does not intend to compete in this sense with any van. However, Ignacio discovered a valuable place to take the emergency spare tire and thus optimize the available space. Being narrower and covered, it does not stain and fits perfectly behind the back of the right seat.

Since then, every time he and Monica go away for the weekend or on vacation, they take the wheel out of the luggage rack and put it back in the right place. With that, Locked volume increases and shortages are avoided.

The trunk held 100 liters with the spare wheel included.

To save space in the trunk, there is nothing better than removing the spare wheel and placing it behind the right seat.

ENJOY THE MAZDA MX-5 NA!

It is a sunny but cool morning, so We started the tour with the top on. As much as this unit is almost twenty-two years old, the top fits perfectly, so much so that it invites the use of the hardtop on rare occasions.

But as soon as the sun starts to heat up just roll down the windows a little to see that annoying resonances attack us, accompanied by violent gusts of air. As Mónica and Ignacio know very well, the solution is to continue with the windows closed or stop and fold the hood. The latter is the option chosen and, by the way, with the retractable headlights on.

Back on track, the light, the slight breath of air and the studied sound of the exhaust make it seem like we're in another car. In tourist plan, the Mazda advances with ease and the speed of the power steering puts the car where it is asked to.

It's nice to change gears with such a smooth and precise lever. But nevertheless, on secondary roads you also want to block the third and, taking advantage of the progressivity of the engine, use it exclusively from 30 to 120 km / h.

As you roll faster, you can notice the harmony between the 50% weight distribution and a fairly short wheelbase. In long curves this convertible is on rails and there is no noticeable understeer or oversteer.

Now, coming out of a tighter turn, It is delicious to see how the rear slides progressively as we give gas in second or third. And without scares, because if something stands out it is the ease with which it is repositioned based on the steering wheel.

For its part, the brakes do their job. But his four discs (the front ones, ventilated) did not quite have the expected bite and you have to hold back on the descents at a lively pace.

POLYVALENCE

Beyond sporty driving, This roadster has a balance that makes it easy to use in urban areas or on highways. Since the hardtop can be removed, covered or installed, there are alternatives to instantly adapt it to whatever interests you the most.

In any case, the routes through secondary roads, without traffic and in good weather, are the tastiest. Of course, with the route somewhat planned and knowing where to refuel, which with 45 liters of tank there is no spare autonomy.

It is also worth knowing that, in light rain and with the top down, the occupants do not get wet if you go over 70 km/h. But since they have to roll at a slower speed, just in case, it's a good idea to bring something waterproof to wear on your head.

Likewise, with the top up, the Mazda MX-5 has an acceptable Cx coefficient of 0,38. This aerodynamic figure, together with its small frontal surface and the 115 CV engine, means that it can maintain motorway cruises up to 160 km/h.

Having said this, it is clear that a couple can go on vacation with their MX-5, even standing out on the highways of countries that accept higher speeds. On these types of roads, aerodynamics worsen if you drive with your lights on, but there is no other remedy to be able to give impossible bursts with hidden headlights.

That Friday morning, once the photo session was completed, Ignacio and Mónica continued on their way to a spa where they were going to rest for the weekend. They still had 60 km to go and had plenty of time, so they They made the journey through some roads of second order certainly delicious.

As much for the free time they had as for the little trip, we had a certain feeling of envy, which also included the enjoyment that they were going to continue experiencing during the rest of the day.

FINALLY, THE DETAILS

It remains for the end detail of the controls to open the boot and the tank filler cap of gas. Its lid can be locked, there is discretion and it also fits objects such as sunglasses or a remote control.

And finally, the other great detail is that this year the primitive Mazda MX-5 are in luck, as the clubs specialized in the model are well in charge of remembering. And it is that, without realizing it, since 1989 34 years have passed, a period of time that asks us to look at them with different eyes, even though their successful design does not make them seem so veteran.

Classic Lane Photographs

APPENDIX: NB, THE SECOND GENERATION

After <strong>success</strong> international harvested by the Mazda MX-5 NA, of which more than four hundred thousand units were built, in 1998 they were replaced by the Mazda MZ-5 NB.

With this change of model, Mazda responded to the offense posed by the competition. And it is that other manufacturers realized that the segment had become appetizing, so much so that they launched convertibles with a similar approach. For example, Alfa Romeo launched a new Spider in 1994 and BMW got it right in 1995 with its Z3. The Fiat Barchetta and the MG F also saw the light of day that same year, eager to gain a foothold in the market.

In those circumstances, the Mazda MX-5 NA began to decline in 1995, so the managers of the Japanese company gave the green light to the development of a successor. So, in 1998 the Mazda MX-5 NB appeared, whose headlights were no longer retractable. It also had more powerful versions with more equipment, although always designed for its drivers to fully enjoy the pleasure of driving.

Without going any further, the black copy of the photograph. Manufactured in 2002, It has a 1,8 liter engine and 146 CV. Equipped as standard with a 6-speed gearbox, 50% limited-slip differential and lowered suspension, imagine how much fun that can be.