Technical
1.5-litre Skyactiv-G engine
Enhanced for use in a lightweight roadster, Mazda’s highly efficient Skyactiv-G petrol engines are a perfect match for the fourth-generation MX-5. With lighter and more compact intake and exhaust systems they are modified to deliver heightened performance. With the cam timing and a custom steel crankshaft, the 1.5-litre 132ps Skyactiv-G’s redline remains at 7,000rpm and power output is improved over versions used in the Mazda2. In addition the 1.5-litre engine benefits from i-ELOOP energy recovery.
2.0-litre Skyactiv-G engine
The MX-5 Roadster continues to use a more powerful and higher-revving version of the 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G engine. With lighter pistons and con-rod, previous revisions to the camshafts, exhaust valves, fuel injectors, throttle valve and air intake, the engine has seen an increase from 160ps to 184ps and a heightened redline, which rises from 6,800 to 7,500rpm compared to the version launched in 2015. In addition with higher fuel pressure and more efficient combustion, there’s an increase in torque across the rev range, while peak torque rises by 5Nm. Roadster performance remains at 6.5seconds, while the tuned main silencer delivers a cleaner more powerful engine note.
Skyactiv-MT manual transmission
Mazda’s highly-praised Skyactiv-MT six-speed manual transmission was adapted for front engine, rear drive layout. It maintains the same sporty 40mm shift stroke as previous MX-5’s, yet the Skyactiv-MT is 7kg lighter than the six-speed unit in the third-generation MX-5. The rear differential remains lighter and smaller than previous generations, while clutch pedal weighting and movement has been honed for an even better driver experience.
Steering
The fourth generation Mazda MX-5 is the first MX-5 to feature a space-saving dual-pinion electric power assist steering system – replacing the outgoing MX-5’s hydraulic power assist set up. To deliver even more direct feedback and feel, Mazda’s engineers placed the steering system closer to the front wheels, while increased stiffness below the steering column improved linearity. Compared to the third-generation the steering ratio has changed from 15.1 to 15.5 with the overall result being lighter, faster and more precise steering.
Chassis
The lightest MX-5 since the first-generation, the Mazda MX-5’s Skyactiv-Chassis is lighter, stiffer and more driver-focused than previous generations. Retaining a front double wishbone and rear multi-link suspension set-up, Mazda’s engineers worked to reduce weight and improve stability and agility. From the ground-up Mazda’s weight saving ‘gram strategy’ played a huge part in chassis development. The Skyactiv-Chassis’ suspension is 12kg lighter than the Mk3 model. The front knuckle, front upper and lower arms, engine frame and rear hub supports are all made of aluminium, while the use of more high-tensile steels and aluminium in the body-in-white further reduces weight.