The Mazda MX-5 has always been the definitive expression of ‘Jinba Ittai’ - the concept of driver and car as one, and from the start the MX-5’s driver-focused cabin and communicative controls have been a big part of this focus on delivering driving pleasure.
Today, the Mazda MX-5 is more than ever built to feel like an extension of the driver. It retains its traditional ergonomic simplicity but matches it to new levels of quality, equipment, refinement and comfort. Plus with styling that’s designed to erase the boundaries between the interior and exterior design, the new MX-5 features a signature ridgeline that extends from the front wing past the screen and into the upper door trim. From SE-L Nav trim onwards this stylish door trim is body coloured to further reinforce the elegant look and feel of the MX-5’s cabin.
This sense of sophisticated quality and design symmetry continues with the sleek wing-like dash, which stretches out horizontally to create a sense of space, while the lower door panels seamlessly flow towards the front and rear of the cockpit. As with all Mazda’s New Generation products, the quality and feel of the cabin materials, switchgear and fabrics set new standards, while in true lightweight sports car tradition, the compact and attractive three-spoke wheel is a joy to hold and use.
The elegant three-gauge analogue instrument cluster has satin chrome rings and is centredaround a large rev counter with the speedometer to the right and an information display on the left. The circular satin chrome trimmed theme extends to the circular air vents, engine start/stop button and the design of the tactile rotary air-conditioning dials, while the slender central air vent sits neatly alongside the hazard warning light switch.
When it comes to connectivity, the world’s bestselling two-seater sports car now benefits from Mazda’s MZD-Connect infotainment system. From SE-L Nav models onwards the MX-5 features DAB radio, Integrated Bluetooth® and cruise control, plus Mazda’s MZD-Connect connectivity and infotainment system with 7-inch colour touch-screen display and Multimedia Commander.
The display is ergonomically positioned at the ideal height and distance from the driver, while the Multimedia Commander allows for the effortless control of the MX-5’s infotainment. Sport models will appeal to music lovers thanks to the nine-speaker Premium Bose® sound system specially designed for an open-top roadster, featuring UltraNearfieldTM speakers in the driver and passenger headrests. Versions of the Mazda MX-5 fitted with Mazda’s integrated navigation system come with 3-years of free European map updates.
Yet for all the latest MX-5’s premium equipment and improved quality, the spotlight on the driving position is more focused as ever.Despite being the most compact MX-5 ever made the Mazda MX-5 has the best driving position yet, with more knee room and better head clearance. This is achieved thanks to improved packaging that offsets the 10mm lover overall height with a seat hip-point that’s lowered by 20mm, plus to increase the amount of knee room for the driver, the steering wheel diameter has been reduced by 4mm and an extra 10mm of tilt steering adjustment added.
As you’d expect for a sports car, the MX-5’s driving position allows you to be completely harmonised with the car and the road. The pedals, wheel and dials are laid out in a single axis that centres the driver in perfect symmetry, while the throttle and brake pedal are aligned for heel-and-toe downshifts. An equal amount of work has gone into the design of the seats, which forgo the usual metal springs and urethane pads internals, to use a lighter net structure that also reduces the amount of vibration transmitted to the occupant by 35 per cent. At the same time as offering improved support and comfort, the new seats are also 30mm (approx. 50 per cent) thinner, further contributing to weight saving and packaging improvements. Equally important for a driver’s car, visibility has been approved thanks to a 28mm lower bonnet and a larger screen with a thinner and further rearward screen header.
With generous standard equipment across the range the Mazda MX-5 delivers a new level of comfort, style and quality. Entry-level SE cars feature electric windows, manual air-conditioning, remote central locking and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake. From SE-L Nav trim onwards, extra equipment includes cruise control, Integrated Bluetooth®, climate control air-conditioning, headrest speakers, body coloured door trim and 7-inch colour touch-screen, while Sport models add further luxuries including heated seats with leather trim and a Premium Bose® sound system.
However, whichever model you choose, the cabin of the Mazda MX-5 brings the driver closer to the car for that instantly apparent ’Jinba ittai’feel.
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