Mazda MX-5: Ready to pounce

The next generation MX-5 also includes enhanced driving attributes.

Soft-top design sports aggressive new look.

A newly-upgraded version of the world's most popular soft-top sports car, the Mazda MX-5, is now rolling off the Hiroshima, Japan assembly line and will be seen on New Zealand roads next month.

In addition to exterior and interior upgrades, the MX-5 also features enhanced driving attributes to make it even more appealing.

The fourth-generation MX-5 has a new front bumper design that makes the roadster more aggressive looking and contributes to optimal aerodynamic performance.

A larger front grille opening offers a sense of depth and a newly designed front fog lamp bezel and new front chin spoiler help to complete the new look.

Inside, the decoration panel, steering wheel bezel and instrument meter rings now come in a glossy dark grey replacing the current silver colour.

Adjustment to the throttle management programme in manual models makes the MX-5 more responsive when accelerating out of corners, while updates to the brake booster make it easier to control the front and rear load distribution - improving braking ability all round.

The model was introduced in 1989 at the Chicago Auto Show and since then nearly a million have sold worldwide.

Mazda New Zealand's managing director, Andrew Clearwater, said, "New Zealanders love to let the top down for the great Kiwi road trip and there's no better car to enjoy it in than the MX-5. With this racy refresh, people all around the country are set to reinvigorate their love of the road.

"In New Zealand we have sold 1090, worldwide, the MX-5 is still regarded as the number one selling two-seater sports car as awarded/recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records."

The price of the current MX-5 is $51,100 for the two-litre soft-top while the hard-top is $57,150. No word on the price of the next generation MX-5s.