- Refined four-cylinder petrol engines
- Free-revving 1.8-litre petrol engine
- Agile, balanced chassis
- Generally satisfying handling…
- … but dynamics underwhelm when pushed
- Sluggish 1.6-litre petrol engine
- Limited knee room under the steering wheel
- Power steering only standard from 1993
Review: Mazda NA.I MX-5 (1989-93)
Overview
Released in October 1989, the Mazda NA Series I (NA.I) MX-5 was a two-seat convertible with a soft-top roof, though a detachable plastic hardtop was available as an option. Manufactured in Hiroshima, Japan, the rear-wheel drive NA.I MX-5 was powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that was mated to a five-speed manual transmission.
B6ZE(RS) engine
The NA.I MX-5 was powered by a specially developed 1.6-litre B6ZE(RS) non-interference petrol engine which had a cast iron block, an alloy cylinder head, double overhead camshafts (belt-driven), four valves per cylinder, a compression ratio of 9.4:1. Special features of this engine included its aluminium sump with cooling fins and lightweight crankshaft and flywheel which contributed to a 7200 rpm redline.
Dimensions and suspension
The MX-5 was 3975 mm long, 1675 mm wide, 1230 mm tall and had a 2265 mm long wheelbase; kerb weight was 955 kg, while the drag coefficient was 0.38 Cd. Furthermore, the NA MX-5 had independent, double wishbone suspension front and rear with coil springs and anti-roll bars.
| Body | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soft top, Hard top |
1.6-litre petrol I4 | 5sp man. | 85 kW at 6500 rpm | 130 Nm at 5500 rpm |
Safety equipment
The Mazda NA MX-5 was not fitted with safety equipment such as airbags or ABS.
Features
Standard features for the Mazda NA.I MX-5 included 14-inch alloy wheels, a four speaker sound system with a radio and cassette player, leather-wrapped steering wheel and power windows.
In December 1991, standard features were extended to include a remote boot release, a heated rear window and an overhead reading light.
From January 1993, power-assisted steering was fitted as standard.
MX-5 Neo Green, Malibu Gold and Classic Red editions
In October 1990, three hundred ‘Neo Green’ MX-5s were released which featured a CD player and tan leather trim; visually, these models could also be identified by their ‘Neo Green’ paint finishes.
From November 1991, fifty-five ‘Malibu Gold’ MX-5s were released; these models were distinguished by their standard CD player, headrest speakers and ‘Malibu Gold’ paint finish.
In May 1993, one hundred ‘Classic Red’ editions were released; these models were distinguished by their BBS alloy wheels, CD player, headrest speakers, leather trim and ‘Classic Red’ paint finish.
Review: Mazda NA.II MX-5 (1993-97)
Overview
Released in November 1993, the Mazda NA Series II (NA.II) MX-5 introduced a new 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine and the availability of four-speed automatic transmissions. Furthermore, the MX-5 chassis underwent substantial bracing for improved side impact protection with braces fitted between the seatbelt towers and the front and rear subframes.
The 1.8-litre BP-ZE engine differed from the previous 1.6-litre B6ZE(RS) unit in that it had a new block (83 mm bore, 85 mm stroke) with widened cylinder spacing, a forged crankshaft, compression ratio of 9.0:1 and a 7000 rpm redline.
Visually, the NA.II MX-5 could be identified by its new alloy wheel designs, though there were no changes to its body. Inside, there was new cabin trim and door pockets. The MX-5 range was also expanded with the introduction of Clubman variants that were fitted with sports suspension and a limited-slip rear differential.
| Body | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MX-5 | Soft top, hard top |
1.8-litre petrol I4 | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
98 kW at 6500 rpm | 155 Nm at 5000 rpm |
| MX-5 Clubman | Soft top | 1.8-litre petrol I4 | 5sp man. | 98 kW at 6500 rpm | 155 Nm at 5000 rpm |
Safety equipment and features
Compared to its NA.I predecessor, standard safety equipment and features for the NA.II MX-5 were unchanged.
January 1996: MX-5 update
In January 1996, the MX-5 was updated with new door armrests, anti-submarining seats and an upgraded sound system; the Clubman variants were also fitted with a limited-slip Torsen differential.
MX-5 Neo Green
In January 1996 and 1997, ‘Neo Green’ limited edition models were released; these models featured CD players, leather trim and ‘Neo Green’ paint finishes.
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