2019 Mazda MX-5: more power and kit for Australia

After initially being detailed in June, the 2019 Mazda MX-5 has gone on sale in Australia. Armed with more power and torque for both available engines, as well as more equipment across the range – including a rear-view camera for the first time – the 2019 MX-5 is being billed as the most complete MX-5 yet.

Pricing has risen by $750 on all models to compensate for the extra equipment however, though the simplified range will make it easier for buyers to choose an MX-5 to their liking and every model is now fitted with potentially life saving autonomous emergency braking and, finally, a reversing camera. The 2019 Mazda MX-5 range is on sale now.

Alastair Doak, marketing director for Mazda Australia, said that the MX-5 is “the undisputed icon of our brand and embodiment of our guiding philosophies.”

“Our focus was on developing the powertrain for this update, on the 2.0-litre engine to produce the same free-revving feel of the 1.5-litre, of which the result was high revving characteristics” said Mr. Doak.

Both engine variants produce more power and torque for 2019, with the 1.5-litre offering 97kW (+1kW) and 152Nm (+2Nm) and the 2.0-litre now producing 135kW (+17kW) and 205Nm (+5Nm). The 2.0-litre makes its extra power thanks to a higher rev limit of 7,500rpm and a number of other engine changes. Already updated in February 2018, there have been no other mechanical updates for the MX-5.

For 2019, the MX-5 range has been simplified for customers, with the former 1.5-litre GT and entry-level 2.0-litre roadster variants removed. Pricing opens at $34,190 plus on-road costs (+$750 0n 2018) for the entry level 1.5-litre Roadster, which, like every 2019 Mazda MX-5, earns more equipment. Standard on all MX-5s now are autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera, automatic climate control, a tilt and telescopic steering column and automatic headlights and wipers.

The 1.5-litre Roadster is also equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, LED headlights and tailights, a 7.0-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation and DAB+ digital radio, blind spot monitoring with rear traffic alert, traffic sign recognition and tyre pressure monitoring.

The top of the roadster tree remains the 2.0-litre GT (from $41,690 +ORC), which adds reverse automatic braking with reverse parking sensors to its lengthy standard equipment list. Standard on the 2.0-litre GT includes adaptive LED headlights, keyless entry and start, leather upholstery in black or cream, LED front and rear daytime running lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, an auto-dimming rear view mirror, a nine-speaker Bose sound system, heated front seats and mirrors, driver attention alert and lane departure warning.

The entry level 2.0-litre RF ($39,490 +ORC), which features standard equipment similar to the 1.5-litre roadster, though also includes keyless entry and start, LED front and rear daytime running lights and 17-inch alloy wheels. The 2.0-litre RF GT ($46,690 +ORC) adds the 2.0-litre GT Roadster’s equipment, plus the option of a black roof and brown Nappa leather upholstery.

2019 Mazda MX-5 pricing (plus on-road costs):
1.5-litre Roadster 6-speed manual: $34,190
1.5-litre Roadster 6-speed automatic: $36,190
2.0-litre Roadster GT 6-speed manual: $41,690
2.0-litre Roadster GT 6-speed automatic: $43,690
2.0-litre RF 6-speed manual: $39,400
2.0-litre RF 6-speed automatic: $41,400
2.0-litre RF GT 6-speed manual: $46,690
2.0-litre RF GT 6-speed automatic: $48,690

Options:
Black roof (RF GT): $1,000
Soul Red Crystal or Machine Grey paint: $300