Automobiles Review – Page 926 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

G-Power BMW M5

The latest M5 (F10) may be a downsized successor of its previous generation but it still packs a punch, and that is an understatement. It is actually more powerful with less cylinders and less drama. The people from G-Power respect that but, because tuning is what they do, they have added more power to the M performance monster.

What they have done to the “standard” 4.4l V8 engine is to replace the turbo with an ASA supercharging turbine and tune the engine management system in a way so that the power is now up to 640 hp instead of 560 hp and torque has gone from 680 Nm to 777. That setup is not malignant in any way to the engine, say G-Power. That translates into a time of 3.9 seconds for the 100 km/h sprint. For 11,9 the BMW will get to 200 km/h.

Further improvements focus on the acoustics – a G-Power sports rear muffler with 4 x 100 mm tailpipes gives the BMW M5 a deep, throaty sound partly due to the “DEEPTONE” technology patented by the company.

The whole car sits on four 21 inch G-Power Silverstone RS forged wheels, wrapped in Michelin tires. The rear tires are wide enough land a plane on them – 305/25 ZR 21. The front pair is equally impressive with a sizes of 265/30 ZR 21. A big plus for the wheels is the light alloy from which they are made that does not compromise stability. Add that to a highly adjustable G-Power coil-over suspension GM5-RS with numerous settings and you get the perfect street/road car. The thing is, even as a standard car, the M is bound to fade its own brakes overtime. That is why, as a roundup, we have a G-Power Braking System complete with 396 mm brake discs, six-piston calipers. Heat is dissipated more efficiently and the stopping force is stronger than usual because of the larger pads and metal-coated brake lines. And because the system is mainly ceramic, it also saves weight. (up to 50% percent lighter than the standard braking kit)

Source: G-Power

February 20, 2012

2012 Audi RS5 – UK Price £58 725 OTR

Audi has announced its V8-powered coupe flagship from A5 range – the 2012 RS5 mode, which is already available at the UK market. The prices start at “just” £58 725 OTR. The new RS combines new styling, mechanical and specification revisions with characteristically extreme performance from a high-revving 450PS V8.

Styling upgrades include a slight revision to the single frame grille design, sharper and more pronounced bonnet contours, new solid band wraparound LED daytime running lights and LED rear lights, new look front and rear bumpers and a new ten-spoke design for the 19” alloy wheels.

The interior benefits from Bluetooth mobile phone preparation, cruise control, DVD-based satellite navigation and Audi Music Interface iPod connection. The cruise control system can also now be upgraded at extra cost to the adaptive system with braking guard, which uses radar sensors to control distance from traffic in front of the car between 19mph and 155mph, and can also initiate partial braking or full deceleration if its sensors detect an impending collision.

Interior design changes extend to a new flat-bottomed RS three-spoke steering wheel and detail improvements to the air conditioning, Multi Media Interface, mirror adjustment and electric window switchgear, the gear lever and the instrument stalks. New look optional inlays are also now available.

The engine is a naturally-aspirated 4.2 litre V8 with 450PS at 8250RPM and 430Nm at 4000RPM. 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited, which can be elevated to 174mph if the extra cost speed limit de-restriction option is specified. The fuel consumption is really low for such power – 26.9 mpg and CO2 emissions of 246 g/km.

Like all RS models, the RS 5 Coupé applies its power to the road with quattro permanent all-wheel-drive, which in this instance is further enhanced by the crown-gear centre differential that can vary the distribution of torque between the front and rear axles at lightning speed and over a wide range. Up to 70% can flow to the front or as much as 85 percent to the rear, as necessary. The default 40:60 ratio of the rear-biased configuration ensures sporty handling. The electronic stability program (ESP) also integrates a sport mode which ensures that it intervenes at a later stage. It can also be switched off entirely.

The optional Sport Package also includes larger 20” rotor design titanium-look alloy wheels, a sports exhaust system. It is priced at £2 250.

Source: Audi

February 20, 2012

2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage – Price £84 995

Aston Martin has announced its range for this year. It includes V8 Vantage Coupe and Roadster models, Vantage S, V12 Vantage and the exclusive V12 Zagato, which will join the range later this year.

The entry-level V8 Vantage is powered by a 4.7 liter naturally aspirated engine with 426PS (313 kW) mated to a 6-speed manual, but 7-speed Sportshift™ II automated manual is available as an option. With an additional gear, closer ratios, lower final drive and a quicker, refined shift quality, this new gearbox – designed and manufactured specifically for Aston Martin – provides faster and more precise shifts, optimises acceleration and delivers a sporting driving experience. The starting price is 84 995 or €108 500 in Germany.

The powerful Vantage S has a price tag of £99 995 or €128 500 in Germany. It has the same engine, which is slightly boosted to 436PS (321 kW) at 7300RPM and 490Nm (361 lb-ft) at 5000RPM. It also has Sportshift™ II close-ratio 7-speed automated manual transmission as standard, a sports exhaust system and carbon fibre detailing.

The V12 Vantage has a 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 517PS (380 kW) and 570Nm (420 lb-ft). Top speed of 305 km/h (190 mph) and 0-100 kp/h time of 4.2 seconds.

The exotic V12 Zagato, created in 2011 to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the iconic DB4GT Zagato, will be delivered later this year.

Combining iconic styling, thrilling performance, true craftsmanship and exclusivity the revitalised Vantage range boasts unprecedented breadth and appeal. The revised V8 Vantage together with the rest of the range is available to order now from Aston Martin’s global dealer network.

Source: Aston Martin

February 20, 2012

MOV’IT and Lotus

MOVIT and Lotus MOV’IT have been specializing in creating ultra-performance brake systems. That’s why they was nominated by the famous British car maker Lotus as a brake supplier and technology partner.

“We always start from scratch with a “blank piece of paper”, because no car is exactly like the other: Power, weight, maximum speed, mounting suspension, power transmission or dynamic – everything has to be factored in accurately, and only after that the final design can be brought to paper, and subsequently on the road.”, said Guido Frensemeyer.

“The serial nomination by Lotus supports the development and the performance of our company and represents the next landmark in our company’s development. The continuous further development in all areas along with the underlying process landscape allows us to be a competent partner, even for the most demanding automobile manufacturers. The fact that we are already working with some of the leading German car manufacturers on specific projects, and that we are in the process of being approved as series supplier as well, emphasizes this. We are looking forward to experience the fruits of our work on the road – in the next car models from Lotus.”, added Frank Scherer, Director of the MOV’IT GmbH and CEO of the MOV’IT Group.

Lotus is aiming to compete with one of the best on the market – Ferrari, Porsche and Lamborghini. Because of this, they won’t only need superb engines like the new 5.0 litre V8 with 620PS, but superb braking systems. MOV’IT has both solutions – steel and ceramic.

Source: MOV’IT

February 20, 2012

Peugeot 4008 4×4

Responding to customer interest, Peugeot have came up with this – The 4008 4×4 SUV. A world debut is set for the 2012 Geneva Motor Show and then in April, it will be launched outside of Europe as a C segment all-terrain vehicle to meed the needs of many who are looking for just that (for the last four years, C and D segment SUV demand has doubled in Russia and tripled in Europe).

The 4008 has been designed by Peugeot in collaboration with Mitsubishi and looking at that distinctive front face and specifically the headlights, one can tell. Other eye-catching features include the LED daytime running lights that sit just under the hood and the three red claw sculptured lamps. The platform of the 4008 is partly a derivative of the 4007 one but the former stands 30 cm shorter in length because of compromised overhangs. Otherwise the wheelbase is exactly the same length, preserving the 4008 accommodating and practical – 4.34 m long, 1.80 m wide with a height of 1.63 m Off-roadishness is emphasized by the body sill protectors and the flaring wheel arch protective trimmings. There’s a stylish slash on the sides that goes across both doors and reaches out for the rear wing. It would not be of much use in a marsh pit but it does look stunning as a styling feature.

Whiled chromed body parts here and there account for that extra touch of luxury, inside things get even more premium – a fine choice of materials can be seen at the soft texture fascia, the instrument panel visor and the lacquered black decoration of the centre console. There’s a panoramic roof providing adequate sunlight for the occupants and an overall roomy feel. The steering wheel is padded with leather and is festooned with multimedia controls for the sake of accessibility. That said, there is an instrument panel, back-lit day and night. The knobs are round and chunky so that they can be operated even with a glove on. A 7-inch touchscreen satellite navigation is available as an option which has 30 gigabytes of memory and can be used as an overall infotainment system rendering graphs of average speed, fuel consumption and vehicle condition.

Engine choice is relatively wide with two petrol and two diesels in stock

Petrol:

– 1.6 l 86 kW (115 hp) 152 Nm, 5-speed manual;

– 2.0 l 113 kW (150 hp) 198 Nm, 5-speed manual or CVT.

HDi Diesel:

– 1.6 l HDi PEF 84 kW (115 hp) 270/280 Nm with Overboost, 6-speed manual;

– 1.8 l HDi PEF 110 kW (150 hp) 300 Nm, 6-speed manual.

The two HDi drive trains, as well as the 1.6 petrol will be available with Stop & Start systems in the name of frugality. With the manual gearbox we also get a shift indicator so that we know when is the best time to change gear. In return, the 4008 1.6 HDi for example spews out only 119 g/km of CO2 in 4×2 mode and ten more grams in 4×4. Fuel economy figures start from 4.6 l/100 km on the Euro cycle.

Power goes trough a clever yet simple 4×4 system that has 3 modes – 2WD, 4WD and Lock. When in 2WD, the drivetrain sets in motion the front wheels, while in 4WD a computer decides where you need most toque and runs all four wheels. Lock sends power to all four wheels with the back wheels being significantly prioritized, to get out of muddy situations.

To sum up, it’s good looking, its practical, it’s functional and efficient – quite a rival for the rest of the C segment competitors. Check out the gallery. It is a real treat.

Source: Peugeot

February 20, 2012

Yet Another MINI – The Clubvan Concept

At MINI, a plan for an ultimate automotive integration is under development. We already have the MINI Roadster, Convertible, MINI E, Coupe, Countryman, Clubman and now a new concept: The MINI Clubvan – Moving out with style. Set to debut on the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, this fun yet professional MINI is targeted at an audience which, up until now, never had any use of the brand.

Simply put, the Clubvan is a Clubman with some more loading space and fewer seats. The cargo area starts at the hind split doors and goes all the way to the sole pair of seats at the front but not before being properly separated with a partition grille. As a whole it is well adopted for a variety of goods because of the completely flat floor and the elasticized straps of the six attachment loops recessed into the load compartment floor. That with the solid aluminum base partition and the mesh above make sure things on board do not move about and cause mayham.

From the outside, one notices that the Clubvan still has the mad 5-door set up – one for the driver, two scissor doors for the passenger (despite being rather redundant here) and two rear hinged doors at the back. The Clubvan Concept leaves an impression the way only a MINI can – it lets people know that it is what it is. However, people do not need to know what hides at the back, hence the rear side windows which are mere body panels, Polycarbonate sections coordinated with the body color. At the same time, the backdoor windows are heavily tinted to keep prying eyes away from the precious cargo. That way, more opportunities for customization open as seen in this instance where on the side panels there is the logo of a local company which does signwriting and can write pretty much anything on the car. That makes the Clubvan ideal for small and medium-sized businesses. Imagine a fleet of zippy, frugal and stylish Clubvans going around doing catering or mail deliveries. Electricians and photographers can also use it as a type of personal transport with enough space for personal equipment. This is the new target audience, MINI has been talking about. It is a vision of streets swarming with MINI cars.

Source: MINI

February 20, 2012

2012 Isuzu D-Max [teaser]

Isuzu has released a teaser picture of the all-new pick-up – Isuzu D-Max. It will hit the market in June, this year. The truck combines good performance, quality, efficiency and refinement. Isuzu D-Max is the result of the most comprehensive new product development programme in the Japanese company’s history.

The pick-up features aggressive and imposing exterior styling that reflects its exceptional load-lugging capacity, towing capabilities and off-road performance. The interior boasts more space for driver and passengers as well as featuring high-quality materials and an impressive standard specification.

Isuzu’s new pick-up sees the introduction of extensively redeveloped common-rail diesel engines, which will deliver significantly improved emissions and fuel economy together with more flexible and accessible power and torque.

“The result of an exhaustive development process that included extensive research amongst customers around the world, the all-new Isuzu D-Max is an incredibly appealing package that will deliver in every key area that matters to those in farming, construction and other outdoor industries,” commented William Brown, General Manager of Isuzu UK.

“Available from June through a dedicated, expanding dealer network, this new model will reinforce Isuzu’s strong reputation as the pick-up professionals. I’m confident that the new Isuzu D-Max will continue the record of impressive year-on-year sales growth that has seen the UK become the brand’s number one European market,” finished Mr. Brown.

2012 Isuzu D-Max [teaser] — 2012 Isuzu D-Max teaser

Source: Isuzu

February 20, 2012

2013 Mazda CX-5 featuring SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY offers environmentally friendly fun

Mazda CX-5 SUV Thumb 2013 Mazda CX-5

The brand-new generation and one of the most efficient Mazda ever is the all-new 2013 Mazda CX-5, which will hit the growing European compact crossover SUV market in the spring this year. What is ore important here is that the new CX-5 model will feature the ground braking SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY. The latter is Mazda’s innovative new line-up of engines, transmissions, chassis and bodies. It is especially developed for cars which are affordable, fun yet economical to drive, and environmentally friendly. The figures are more than impressive: at 4.6 l/100 km and 119 g/km, the CX-5 with SKYACTIV-D diesel engine has combined cycle fuel economy and CO2 emissions. This makes it one of the best in its segment not only in Europe, but also all around the world.

The key design behind the innovative SKYACTIV technology is the internal combustion. And namely this technology is going to be the predominant engine technology for the next decade, with industry coverage of at least 80%. Mazda made a great step into improving the basics of internal combustion power, coming up with a range of unique innovations. The idea is to progressively supplement this enhanced basis – SKYACTIV petrol and diesel engines – with advanced technology. From the i-stop idle-stop system and regenerative braking to hybrid systems and more, their efficiency will continually enhance. This strategy stands under the name “Sustainable Zoom-Zoom”, and it goes beyond optimizing internal combustion. What is more here is that the Sustainable Zoom-Zoom is also about lightweight designs. Here Mazda’s goal is to make each new model generation 100 kg lighter than its predecessor. The ultimate goal for 2015 is to improve the average fuel efficiency of its global model line-up by 30% relative to 2008 levels.

New Mazda CX-5 diesel CO2 emissions and fuel consumption:

Model	FWD 150 PS 6MT	FWD 150 PS 6AT	AWD 150 PS 6MT	AWD 150 PS 6AT	AWD 175 PS 6MT	AWD 175 PS 6AT
Average fuel consumption (l/100 km)	4.6	5.3	5.2	5.5	5.2	5.5
CO2 (g/km)	119	139	136	144	136	144

Source: Mazda

February 20, 2012

2012 Peugeot Partner Tepee

2012 Peugeot Partner Tepee now has new style and is equipped with the latest technology. It affirms its personality and high level of quality by presenting a refreshed style: new front face, new appearance, new mirrors, new Lion badge. The LED day running lamps are adding to the modern look of it.

The foglamps with static direction lighting function (Cornering), as well as the numerous chromed inserts and the new rear lamps with black interior mask are also featured in the new look of the vehicle. The interior is modified as well. It now includes new technological features but also by also offers a lot of passenger space, modularity, handling and an Outdoor version.

The Partner Tepee offers up to 7 individual seats, which tilt, fold and can be removed. There is also space for numerous storage compartments. There is also included a wide range of comfort equipment, such as: dual zone automatic air conditioning, rear parking assistance, automatic wiping, automatic switching on of the lights, Bluetooth hands-free kit, PC Nav audio-navigation. Furthermore, there is also included the unique Zenith roof.

However, it comes as an option, and offers four large windows in the roof and nearly 80 litres of additional storage compartments due to a transverse overhead storage unit, central storage compartments and a rear box accessible from the passenger compartment or the boot.

2012 Peugeot Partner Tepee — Peugeot Partner Tepee (2012)

To go further into details, the vehicle features seven optional Euro 5 engines (including 5 diesel engines): 1.6 l VTi 72 kW (98 bhp) 5-speed manual – 164 g/km CO2; 1.6 l VTi 88 kW (120 bhp) 5-speed manual – 169 g/km CO2; 1.6 l HDi 55 kW (75 bhp) 5-speed manual – 133 g/km CO2; 1.6 l HDi 68 kW (92 bhp) 5-speed manual – 135 g/km CO2; 1.6 l e-HDi 68 kW (92 bhp) 5-speed manual – 129 g/km CO2; 1.6 l e-HDi 68 kW (92 bhp) 6-speed piloted manual – 125 g/km CO2 – best-in-class, i.e. 4.8 l/100 km (58.8mpg); 1.6 l HDi 84 kW (115 bhp) 5-speed manual – 139 g/km CO2.

Moreover, the suspension is pseudo-McPherson at the front and deformable crossmember at the rear. It has full freedom of expression due to the rigid, high-performance structure of the Partner Tepee. In addition, the structure has also 3 force channels at the front, completed by the possibility of having notably 6 airbags inside the vehicle or ESP. The large brakes, controlled by the ABS as standard, consist of 283 x 26 mm ventilated discs at the front and 268 x 12 mm non-ventilated discs at the rear.

There is also included the Grip Control technology, which improves traction at high levels. Due to its sophisticated management of wheel grip, its 4 driving modes (Sand, Snow, Mud, Normal) which can be selected using a dial on the dashboard control panel and the Mud & Snow tyres which accompany this option, the Partner Tepee increases its freedom of use. How about the dynamics of the new model?

The suspension is raised by 10 mm to increase the ground clearance and the tyres are of a special size: 205/65 R15. Eventually, a protective panel under the engine protects the underframe against minor impacts and debris damage.

The new 2012 Peugeot Partner Tepee will make its world debut in less than a month at the Geneva Motor Show and will go on sale in Spring 2012.

Source: Peugeot

February 20, 2012

Morgan Plus 8 4.8 litre

The new Morgan Plus 8 4.8 litre is all about class, style and uniqueness. It makes use of technology from the aircraft industry in order to achieve weight of only 1100kgs. If this doesn’t speak to you anything, well it means that the Plus 8 model is the lightest V8 passenger car in the world, which is approved to European safety standards. In addition, the car also has one of the stiffest chassis of all the convertible roadsters available today. To go further, there are also added wheel speed sensors in the Electronic Control Unit, thus getting the best possible performance from the engine and providing a crisp throttle response. In addition, very surprisingly is that the new Morgan Plus 8 is very economical to drive. This model is undeniably the most comfortable classic Morgan that the brand has ever designed. For instance, the convertible mohair roof is easy to erect with a double thickness liner for insulation. Moreover, there is plenty of space for the tallest of drivers. The air conditioning is featured as standard equipment in the leather lined cockpit which also includes a lockable stowage compartment. Of course, a radio/CD player with a high quality speaker system comes also as standard equipment.

Furthermore, the Morgan Plus 8 is the only Classic Morgan on which is mounted six speed automatic transmission. It can be used in two modes: “Sport” and “Auto”. To be more precise, the ‘Sport’ mode the engine holds its gear to maximum revs of 6500rpm and blips the throttle before making a down shift. Adding further to the comfort of the ride, the designer have made power assisted steering and ABS brakes. And if one still doesn’t find this Morgan to be original enough, there is the possibility of further personalization of the vehicle according to their individual taste.

Specifications:

Manual Transmission 6 Speed:

Engine 4799 cc v8; Max power 270kw (367 bhp) or 291kw (390bhp) with sports exhaust; Max torque 490nm (370 lb/ft); Power to Weight 333 bhp per tonne or 354 bhp per tonne with sports exhaust; Performance 0-62 mph/100 kph in 4.5 seconds; Top speed 155mph/250kph; Fuel tank size 55 litres;

Fuel consumption: Urban – 16 mpg (18.2l / 100km); Extra urban – 32 mpg (8.7l / 100km); Combined – 23 mpg (12.11l / 100km); CO2 level 282 g/km;

Dimensions: Length – 4010mm; Width – 1751mm; Height – 1220mm; Weight – 1100kg.

Automatic Transmission 6 Speed:

Engine 4799 cc v8; Max power 270kw (368 bhp) 291kw (390bhp) with sports exhaust; Power to Weight 333 bhp per tonne or 354 bhp per tonne with sports exhaust; Max torque 490nm (370 lb/ft); Performance 0-62 mph/100 kph in 4.2 seconds; Top speed 155mph/250kph; Fuel tank size 55 litres;

Fuel consumption: Urban – 17 mpg (16.4l / 100km); Extra urban – 36 mpg (7.9l / 100km); Combined – 26 mpg (11.0l / 100km); CO2 level 256 g/km;

Dimensions: Length – 4010mm; Width – 1751mm; Height – 1220mm; Weight – 1100kg.

Source: Morgan

February 20, 2012

2012 Audi A1 Quattro Limited Edition

The highly exclusive 256PS 2012 Audi A1 Quattro Limited Edition will be launched on the UK market with the staring price £41 020. Form this limited edition will be released only limited quota of just nineteen left-hand-drive examples. It will officially be available to order in early March. More than 600 components have been reworked or replaced in the design of the new A1 Quattro. Most of ht attention has been put on the engine. The turbocharged and directly injected 2.0-litre four-cylinder delivers specially tuned 256PS (188 kW) output at 6,000rpm, and its punchy 350Nm (258 lb-ft) torque peak between 2,500 and 4,500rpm. This means that the acceleration of the A1 Quattro from 0 to 100 km/h takes only 5.7 seconds. The top speed is 152mph (255 km/h), while also returning up to 32.8mpg according to the combined cycle test. In details, this extreme power is channelled through a quick-shifting six-speed manual transmission to the Quattro permanent all-wheel drive system. In addition the heart of this system is an electronically controlled, hydraulically actuated multi-plate clutch whose package of plates rotates in an oil bath. The clutch is mounted on the rear axle, thus making the vehicle weighing less. The precision of the handling is also improved by an XDS selective differential lock and a specially configured Electronic Stability Program (ESP) which offers a sport mode with a higher threshold for intervention and can be switched off entirely for track use. Moreover, the chassis of the Audi A1 has responsive and efficient electrohydraulic power steering with a direct 14.8:1 steering ratio. The ventilated disc brakes with high performance 312mm front discs complement this balance configuration.

Furthermore, the A1 has unique looks. It carries a Glacier White metallic paint, and in addition sits on Glacier White 18-inch turbine design alloy wheels. The high-gloss black roof complete with prominent spoiler and deep-set bumpers with 100-millimetre tailpipes at the rear. The Quattro badges on the grille, roof arch and rear hatch further enhance the sporty look. In contrast, the interior of the vehicle is predominantly black. Multi-adjustable Silk Nappa leather is used for the sport seats with their pronounced bolsters, integrated head restraints, red stitching and Quattro insignias. In addition, the interior design also includes white needles, the red-faced rev counter and the flat-bottomed multi-function sports steering wheel with contrasting red stitching and an inset limited edition plaque.

As a Limited Edition, indeed a very special one, the Quattro is going to be equipped with full complement of equipment, which if added to a standard series production A1 would boost its price by over £11,000. There has been included xenon plus headlights, the high-beam assistant, adaptive brake lights, an LED interior lighting package, light and rain sensors, the acoustic rear parking system, automatic air conditioning, a storage package, the convenience key and cruise control. Of course, A1 got all the latest innovative technologies concerning online services and infotainment technologies.

Audi A1 Quattro is inbound – only nineteen examples of the high performance, left-hand-drive-only A1 Quattro are destined for the UK. The price tag is £41 020.

Source: Audi

February 20, 2012

Mazda MX-5 Venture Edition

We all know the Mazda MX-5, right? It’s that front-engined, RWD, simple, fun handling roadster that has been around for years. The latest attempt of the Mazda company to refresh it comes in the form of the MX-5 “Venture Edition” with new interior trims and exterior finishes and more technology and luxury equipment.

The new Venture picks up where the SE and Sport Tech MX-5 end. You can either go for the 1.8 MZR Soft-top (SE) or the 2.0 MZR Roadster Coupe (Sport Tech). Exclusive highlights from the outside include light gun metal 17-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights and a chrome front grille. But we don’t really have to notice these things to know it is a Venture edition. There are badges for that. Three body colors will be – the popular Metropolitan Grey Mica and two exclusive Radiant Ebony Mica and Crystal White finishes.

Inside a leather feast unfolds itself as you enter. The steering wheel, seats and the leather lever are all wrapped in Havana Brown leather. A matching door trim on the side and piano black dashboard accents at the front appease you. Technology includes climate control air-conditioning, cruise control, Dynamic Stability Control, TCS and airbags, lots of them. Also, for the first time ever on an MX-5, a Satellite navigation. And it is not an antique one as well. It has a 5.8-inch touch screen monitor, 4GB SD card based map (45 countries), live services, iPod and Bluetooth® connectivity.

Most importantly it still remains a proper roadster with a perfectly balanced handling and a 1.8 MZR, 126 ps (SE) engine or a 2.0 MZR, 160 ps (Sport Tech) one. Manual transmissions come with either five or six speeds respectively. Going up to 60 mph will take you 9.9 seconds in the 1.8 soft-top, while for that same speed the time mark of the 2.0 Roadster Coupe is 7.9. Fun however, doesn’t come only in a straight line. The Mazda is fitted with a Limited Slip Differential for that extra sideways lunatism.

Source: Mazda

February 20, 2012

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