More on Mazda MX-5's Power Retractable Hardtop

Over at the British Motor Show today, Mazda released more information on the new hardtop version of its MX-5 roadster. Formerly known as the Miata here in the states, the MX-5 was completely redesigned in 2005, and the new MX-5 Power Retractable Hardtop — yep that’s the name — will arrive before the end of 2006.

What’s cool about this retractable hardtop is that it takes up no more space than a standard soft-top. That leaves the MX-5’s decent-sized trunk completely intact. For speed demons out there concerned about the added weight of a hardtop, fear not. The entire top and additional power motor add only 85 pounds to the soft-top’s weight. Mazda has also altered the suspension to compensate for the weight, and best of all it takes just 12 seconds to go from top-up to sunbathing. Pricing hasn’t been announced, but we’re sticking by our earlier guess of at least $2,000 over the starting price, which ranges between $20,470 and $26,700.

Click below for more pictures of the roof in action.

[Source: Mazda]

Comments

Looks cool to me. But will anyone buy it when the Sky and Solstice run cheaper?

Well the sky and solstice are winning the sales war right now with prices about equal. But neither offers a retractable hardtop nor a usable trunk. The MX-5 is just as fun to drive and offers superior fit and finish inside to the GM models plus a real trunk. So you know, you can actually have a passenger on a weekend getaway. The eye-catching exteriors however have been selling the Solstice and Sky.

This ride has some serious traction amongst those of us who are serious about performance driving. The aftermarket runs deep with fantastic performance adders for Mazda vehicles and the fact is this little car revived the roadster trend State-side. GM, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz and the like had better watch out, because their roadsters are late to the party again with affordable fun.

The GM roadster is a beautiful car and I am not surprised that the novelty of the car is driving sales. However, I would not trade my MX-5's handling and reliability for the GM body style alone. GM has a long way to go to match the long-term reliability and continued customer satisfaction that Mazda has. This hardtop looks incredible! Too bad my 2001 has been perfect and repair free.

Wow! I want one! Mazda has out done themselves again. I can believe I'm saying this, but I want a paddle shift "automatic" Miata with a hardtop! After 2 manual Miatas (89 & 99) I'm still totally impressed with this car. Now the 3rd generation with all the new toys, has me itching to upgrade again!

For those who are talking about the "soul-less" and "canvas-sky" please stop looking at the pictures in the auto-mags and go to the dealership and drive one. You'll quickly notice a couple of important things.

1, Seating position/sight lines. In both those cars, you sit so deep in the car that the hood is at eye level. This means that you struggle to see the road infront of you. Now look back with the top up, and notice the huge blind spots to the rear and sides. Trust me, it is no fun and not safe to drive a small car in heavy traffic, with limited views out all sides!

2, Cargo/trunk space. What's there to say? There is no trunk, or cargo space in the car. When I first saw the Sky at the LA Auto Show, they refused to open the trunk to show the reporters! GM is trying very hard to hide the fact that this is a concept car fast tracked to boost sales, and not a car you can live with.

Lastly, in the 16+ years the Miata has been around, many so called challengers have come and gone. The GM twins are just the lastest ones that come up very short (even compaired to my 1989 Miata!). They will start with lots of hype, sell well for a while. Then the reality will catch up to them. In a couple of years these models will die just like all the rest.

TC