Mazda's MX-5 To Tease

It looks like another exclusive Auto Express spy shot, but the giveaway that it's not is the Mazda logo in the corner! Although the car is undergoing testing and wearing a black bag disguise, amazingly this is the first official image Mazda has released of the all-new MX-5.

Auto Express Car Reviews

By Craig Cheetham

08th February 2005

The Japanese maker took the unusual step of issuing the teaser picture of the long-awaited roadster ahead of its unveiling at next month's Geneva Motor Show.

But Auto Express readers already know exactly how the newcomer looks, as we revealed exclusive pictures of the car undisguised in Issue 843. The drop-top, which has been styled in-house by a team led by British designer Moray Callum, will arrive in showrooms here in November.

There will be two models available, a 1.8-litre with a five-speed manual or a 2.0-litre version which will come with six ratios. The MX-5's interior will draw influences from the Ibuki concept which was revealed at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2003, and will feature a classic three-spoke steering wheel and sporty aluminium detailing throughout the cockpit. Prices for the new roadster are expected to rise slightly over the old model, with the entry-level car starting at around ΂£17,000.

Insiders at Mazda are expecting a boom in sales of the outgoing MX-5, as fans rush to get their hands on one of the last of the breed. To mark the end of an era, a special edition run-out model is tipped to arrive in dealerships in time for the summer.

For an alternative review of the latest Mazda MX-5 visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk