Mazda is Giving Its Entire Line-Up the 100th Anniversary Treatment

With Mazda celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, everyone was waiting as to what special edition model the carmaker would come out with. Well, we know that right now. And in a (pleasant but unexpected plot twist), the entire line-up is getting the treatment.

Available for pre-orders now in Japan, but to be rolled out globally (the photos reflect left-hand drive models, actually), the 100th Anniversary Special Edition series encompasses the Mazda2, Mazda3, Mazda6, CX-3, CX-30, CX-5, CX-8, MX-5, and MX-5 RF.

It’s purely an aesthetics package that hark back to Mazda’s first passenger car, the R360 Coupe. With that, it adopts a two-tone interior color scheme in white and burgundy. Moreover, it has various components such as the headrests, floor mats, key fob, wheel center caps, and special exterior emblems all emblazoned with the special 100th Anniversary logo. The sole color is the Snow Flake White Pearl.

In Japan, the 100th Anniversary Special Edition Mazda2, Mazda3, and CX-3 go on sale first with a target date of June, followed by the CX-30, CX-5, CX-8, MX-5, and MX-5 RF in July, and finally the Mazda6 in September.

With Mazda already confirming global availability of these models, it’s highly likely that Philippine distributor Bermaz Auto Philippines would be bringing in a handful as well. That said, it’s likely they’ll concentrate on the likes of the MX-5 and MX-5 RF, though enthusiasts will surely like to see them give the 100th anniversary treatment to more mainstream models.

Mazda PH Finally Reveals 2020 MX-5 Prices; Now Starting at P 1.980-million

After its preview at the Mazda Premium event last January, Mazda Philippines has finally released the pricing of its 2020 MX-5. The good news is that overall equipment is up compared to the 2019 model; bad news is that pricing is up considerably on all trims.

For 2020, the MX-5 will continue to exist in both soft-top and Retractable Fastback (RF) versions. The soft-top remains available with a choice between a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic, but the RF is sticking it out with a slush box.

Aesthetically, all 2020 variants look basically the same as their 2019 counterparts, except for the new font type used on their badging. For owners, the key design has also been changed to the same one used in the all-new Mazda3 and CX-30. Inside, there are minor detail changes such as chrome on the climate control dials.

At P 1.980-million, the base soft-top manual is barely changed with the exception of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto which now come as standard equipment.

Moving to the P 2.190-million soft-top automatic adds cruise control, black leather seats with orange stitching, a 9-speaker Bose sound system, a reverse camera, and i-Activsense which adds Smart City Brake Support and Lane Departure Warning.

Polymetal Gray is also available as an additional color option from this variant upward.

For an additional P 75,000 more (P 2.265 million), owners can get Nappa leather on their seats along with a new caramel-colored soft-top.

The RF variants start at P 2.360-million, and basically carries the same features as the top-trim soft-top. Opting for the Nappa leather interior in the RF nudges the price up by P 50,000 (P 2.410-million), while lusting over the forged BBS wheels and Recaro racing seats in the Club Edition tops the list at P 2.690-million.

The MX-5 is now available for order at all authorized Mazda dealers nationwide.

Mazda Philippines is Sneakily Previewing the 2020 MX-5

If you find yourself at The Powerplant Mall in Makati, you’re in for a treat. Mazda Philippines is sneakily previewing the 2020 MX-5 at their Mazda Premium event located at the South Court.

From afar, the only visual cue is the availability of the new Polymetal Gray exterior color—Mazda’s new trademark hue which was first seen in the all-new 2020 Mazda3 and CX-30. Once you get closer though, you’ll also see that the emblems now sport the new font type.

Inside, it’s pretty much the same roadster save for some minor detail changes. There’s now orange stitching on the seats (a nod to the MX-5’s 30th anniversary), and improved switchgear. Of course, since this is 2020, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard.

As for comfort and convenience features, the 2020 MX-5 gets cruise control for the very first time (at least for the automatic variant that’s on display) along with automatic emergency braking which Mazda officially calls Smart City Brake Support (SCBS).

Since this is just a preview of the 2020 MX-5, Mazda Philippines still isn’t ready to release any pricing or variant details yet. However, do expect a price increase given the new stuff you see here. If you’re not really sold on the new color or features, you’ll be glad to know that there are still a limited number of 2019 units in stock.

Driving the Mazda MX-5 Race Car Reminded Me of Dreams That Long Faded

As the Fast and Furious’s only Asian hero, I have to admit: I had fantasies playing Han Lue; after all, who wouldn’t want to lock lips with Gal Gadot while driving a sportscar. Yes sir, I’ve always wanted to get down Han style if I were 20 year younger, 20 pounds lighter, and well, 20 million pesos richer. Sad to say, that dream has faded, and I was pretty content to move on with my life.

I was ready to accept my gut, my high cholesterol, and the fact that the only thing I’d be locking lips with in my soft-riding SUV would be with my dog. That is, until Mazda sprung a surprise. No, they didn’t send Gal Gadot over (though that would have been extremely cool), but they did send over the next best thing: a Miata Spec Series racer. Yup, for a fleeting moment (well, around a week actually), I’d actually get to drive and live with what’s essentially a race car with a plate number.

For the uninitiated, the Miata Spec Series is a turnkey race car that takes the MX-5—the new 184-horsepower one—and slaps on racing bits from Cusco (coilovers, front and rear sway bars, power brace), Mazdaspeed (strut tower brace), Concept One (17-inch wheels), and Nitto (215/45 R 17 NT555 G2 tires). It also gets some nice Sparco stuff like the steering wheel, one-piece seats, and four-point safety harnesses. And of course, prerequisite track safety paraphernalia like a six-point roll cage and driver’s footplate. In short, this isn’t your uncle’s MX-5.

See, your uncle (like myself), values comfort over everything else. Despite our desire to get a sportscar, we’ll need space for our thighs, fanny packs (or murses), and our laughable sense of humor. The run-of-the-mill MX-5 can do that. Despite sitting so low to the ground and having a cabin as tight as a…errr…umm… (never mind), we can fit. Unless you’re extremely tall or obese (or both), you’ll be able to David Blaine yourself into the Jinba-Ittai cabin. With the Miata Spec Series car though, the presence of the roll cage requires a bit more flexibility. Now, I find that the best way to slip in would be to sit on the roll cage, let go of all your inhibitions, and drop into the Sparco racing buckets butt cheeks first. It’s not beautiful to watch nor is it poised, but at least you don’t bonk your head on the roll cage. Suffice to say, your one and only passenger will have to go through the same thing so better tell her to skip the skirts, and stick to stretchable yoga pants.

Once past the roll cage though, things fare better. With Mazda Philippines working closely with their Japanese motorsport counterparts, the roll cage doesn’t rob any visibility or interior space—both of which are already in limited supply. Now, unlike other race cars with a number plate, the Miata Spec Series isn’t inhospitable. As a matter of fact, it keeps most of the stock MX-5’s comfort trimmings intact making it even more “stock” than a special edition Porsche or Ferrari. The air conditioning is still there, so is the 7-inch Mazda Connect infotainment screen (and corresponding rotary knob), and heck, even the DVD slot between the seats. Even the roof goes up and down like before, though some grace is needed to move around the roll cage and heavily bolstered seats. As a matter of fact, the only trim pieces binned are those that got in the way of the roll cage, seats, and harnesses.

And speaking about the harness, this is single-handedly the Miata Spec Series’s only pain in the ass—literally. Remember when I said that you need to drop into the sport seats butt first? Well, imagine what happens when ass meets Sparco metal buckle? It’s not pretty, and I’m sure your lady friend won’t like it either. After a while, I find that the best way to avoid all this ass poking would be to carefully layout the four-point harness each time you get out. That way, you can avoid the entire metal buckle debacle, while also being able to tell where each of the four points are. Regardless, an extra few minutes is needed to get yourself sorted in. Oh, and because the harness doesn’t retract, remember to close the door before you tighten everything up; else you’ll find yourself in the unfortunate situation of having to undo everything, and then close the door.

Now, for all of the Miata Spec Series’s peculiarities, this isn’t a poser car; it’s a race car that you can drive to and from the racetrack. Its direct inspiration is the MX-5 Global Cup Car, and remember, that one isn’t even road legal. With that, there were some gives and takes in terms of comfort and convenience in the name of safety. That’s why, it’s still surprising how this MX-5 remains hospitable as a daily driver. Discounting the acrobatic act to get past the roll cage, it behaves just like a road car—and I mean it in the best way possible—it doesn’t choke at low revs, the air conditioning’s cool, and Sara Geronimo sounds just fine on the radio.

Flicking the engine kill switch to “on” and pushing the “engine start” button breathes life into the 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G. For the one-make series, the engine and gearbox are left stock, so the same adjectives apply: extremely tractable, a willing revver, and of course, the best gearbox from the house of Jujiro Matsuda. However, the decision to install a custom exhaust system unlocks a bit more anger here. At start-up, there’s a nice bark before settling to a nice, rhythmic brrrrr. At partial throttle, a wonderful low-pitched sound fills the cabin, while at full throttle, it becomes a symphony of sound that brings a mental image of Michael Fassbender saying, “perfection” to mind.

And perfection is what the Miata Spec Series feels like even when it’s just trundling around EDSA. It’s going to gain attention—lots of it, perhaps because of its racy paint job or its loud exhaust note or perhaps because the driver looks like Han’s retired stunt double—or may be even all three. Floor the gas though and your face will light up, guaranteed. A caveat though: if you plan to daily this P 2.5-million race car, always remember to re-adjust those Cusco coilovers. Leaving them in a setting suitable for the Clark International Speedway results in a razor-sharp handling at the expense of an unsettled ride, and that can leave you with a sore tailbone.

Quirks aside, it fulfills its role of being a race car that you can drive to and from the track. This appeals to people who want to get their feet wet in circuit racing, but perhaps aren’t convinced yet of buying a purpose-built race car. This makes the MX-5 Miata Spec Series an interesting safety net for budding racers because Mazda will throw in all the stock parts so you can convert it back to storm form at any time. Now, there will be those who’re crazy enough to daily drive it, and for those, I can say that it’s surprisingly usable despite the roll cage and harness. On a more personal note though, I feel hurt by having tried the MX-5 Miata Spec Series. Just when I thought I put my dreams of playing Han Lue way past me, Mazda offers me this. Now, I just can’t shake off the urge to play tongue hockey while driving fast.

The Design of These Mazdas is Inspired by Motorsports

After years of shying away from creating go-fast cars, Mazda is taking the first steps by showing off a trio of customized models destined for the 2020 Tokyo Auto Salon. While they still lack additional oomph, these three Polymetal Gray models show that Mazda’s KODO design can still be personalized and personalized well.

Starting off with the Mazda3, it gets the “Signature Style” (called “Speed” in the Philippines) aero kit, a front strut bar, lower arm bar, and RAYS ZE40 18-inch wheels shod with Bridgestone Potenza 215/45 R 18 tires. A Fujitsubo stainless steel muffler completes the exterior. Inside, it gets stainless steel pedals, scuff plate, Mazdaspeed sport seats, a 6-point racing harness, and an Alcantara steering wheel and shift knob.

For the MX-5, it gets the full Mazdaspeed aero kit, strut bar and lower arm bar, and RAYS ZE40 17-inch wheels with Bridgestone rubber. Inside, it’s swathed in Alcantara from the door trims to the shift boot and center console lid, while a 4-point roll bar by Cusco complete the transformation.

Finally, there’s the CX-5 and this one’s the most interesting. It gets a special Mazda design aero kit, potentially signaling a near-production aero kit for the compact SUV, an Auto Exe sports muffler, and 20-inch RAYS G25EDGE F1 wheels with Bridgestone Alenza001 255/45 R 20 tires. Oh, and it also gets a height adjustable suspension too.

For those heading to Japan this January, it might be a great idea to check them out in the flesh since these three can serve as inspiration for those looking to customize their Mazda vehicles. The Tokyo Auto Salon 2020 happens from January 10-12, 2019 at the Makuhari Messe.

It's Sporty, It's Fun, and Now, It's Proven Reliable Too: Mazda MX-5 Tops Reliability Study

Quick: what’s the most reliable car out there? If you’re thinking Toyota, you’re not far off, they’ve got a sizeable chunk in the Top 10 Most Reliable List. But you know what’s most impressive? A little two-door sportscar managed to beat them all. That’s right. For the 2020 Model Year, it’s the Mazda MX-5.

In this particular case, the title of “Most Reliable” was bestowed by Consumer Reports and their Brand Reliability Sturdy. The US-based non-profit and independent consumer advocacy organization (this means they don’t ask for test drives, do ads, or hold weekly raffles) collected data on 420,000 vehicles and deep dove into the numerous things that can go wrong in a car.

Studying 17 problem areas from little nuisances (squeaky brakes, broken interior trim) to major issues (troublesome drivetrain, out-of-warranty repairs), they created a Predicted Reliability Score for each vehicle.

With this, the Mazda MX-5 came out on top with a score of 95 out of a possible 100. It was followed by the Toyota Prius Prime with 94, Toyota Prius with 92, Lexus GX with 91, and the Hyundai Kona rounding out the Top 5 with a score of 90.

Meanwhile, as a brand, Mazda jumps up two points in the 2020 Consumer Reports Brand Reliability Survey to rank second overall among 30 automotive brands studied. The study shows Mazda garnering a total of 77 points in its 0-100 points scale.  This is just 4 points shy from the top-ranked brand, Lexus on the list. For those who’re curious, the least reliable model in the Mazda stable is the all-new Mazda3 (bummer).

Going back to the MX-5, Steven Tan, President and CEO of Mazda Philippines seems to be elated at the news. He says, “It is no surprise that Mazda continues to improve not only in terms of design and performance, but more so in overall quality and reliability. The fourth generation MX-5s we see on our roads today come from the same manufacturing plant in Hiroshima as the rest of the MX-5s around the world. As such, they benefit from the same attention to detail that Japan-made Mazda vehicles have been known for over the past few decades.”

Tan adds, “Speaking on behalf of Mazda’s engineering, design, and production discipline, the level of commitment to quality in order to achieve this high level of reliability is extraordinary for a company of this size. Mazda’s unrelenting commitment to quality from the start of a model’s lifecycle, while at the same time pioneering innovation and building-in improvement processes into its products, ensures reliability throughout its lineup. Being ranked just behind a known luxury brand likewise speaks highly of our current direction towards achieving Mazda Premium. It shows Mazda and its products are consistent and focused to answering the challenges that lie ahead of the premium path the brand has taken.”

Can Buying a FIAT 124 Spider Grant You Miata Club Philippines Membership?

With the announcement that the FIAT 124 Spider is now available for order locally, there’s one press matter on the minds of sportscar nuts out there: does it grant you membership into Miata Club Philippines?

Established in 1997, the Miata Club Philippines has the distinction of being one of the most solid car clubs in the country. Their devolution to everything MX-5 (or if you prefer its American name, Miata) is a mirror to Mazda’s unrelenting commitment to keep its two-door, open-top sportscar as pure as possible. Of course, expect some pretty strict member requirements including the actual ownership of an MX-5—no “soon-to-be” or “previous” owners stragglers in this bunch.

But now that Petromax Enterprise offers the FIAT 124 Spider (which is essentially a fourth-generation MX-5 with a different engine and some styling differences), will going Italian grant you membership to the club?

We reached out to current Miata Club Philippines President Ding Nera and he said: “The FIAT 124 Spider is not eligible to be a MCP (Miata Club Philippines) member. However, the owner and the 124 Spider can be invited to attend the monthly meeting at the pleasure of the Club President.”

So, there you have it: you can be a subject of curiosity during their monthly meetings, but let it be reiterated that only true and bonafide Mazda MX-5s can become a member (by extension, if you happen to import a Mitsuoka Rock Star, it is not eligible as well). And while this sounds like a very strict requirement, it actually helps the quality of the club in check. It’s akin to a Subaru Club accepting a Toyota 86 into their fold just because it’s a Subaru underneath, or a BMW Club allowing the Toyota GR Supra to join because it’s basically a Z4 underneath.

Mazda Adds New Colors, Improved Interior for 2020 MX-5

While most of the attention was focused on Mazda’s first-ever production EV, the MX-30 at the 46th Tokyo Motor Show 2019, eagle-eyed show goers would have also noticed the updated for 2020 MX-5. Known as Roadster in Japan, it gets a wider options catalogue including a new exterior hue and soft-top color.

The most notable change to the 2020 MX-5 is the availability of Polymetal Gray Metallic as an exterior color. First making its debut on the all-new Mazda3, this color is said to “combine the hard feeling of metal with the smooth luster peculiar to resin.”

The new color aside, 2020 MX-5 adds perforation to its leather seats, the swapping of the red stitching to gray, and stainless steel scuff plates. It also adds Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to its Mazda Connect system, while the addition of Advanced Smart City Brake Support with pedestrian detection makes it even safer.

Taking a cue from the 30th Anniversary Edition model, the 2020 MX-5 gets optional forged RAYS alloy wheels (RAYS ZE40 RS) which reduces the overall weight by 3 kilograms. Opting for these sportier wheels also unlocks front Brembo brakes, too. For those who aren’t fans of RAYS wheels, the BBS wheels continue to be another option.

Fans of the Nappa leather interior will also be glad to know that aside from the brown-hued one, Mazda will now be introducing a burgundy-colored option as well.

Moreover, aside from the usual black and cherry red soft top, the 2020 MX-5 is now available with a silver-colored top as well. Opting for the “Silver Top” edition swaps the high-gloss black mirror caps to body-colored ones, while the wheels themselves move from a gun-metallic color to one with a high sheen.

Mazda MX-5 Restoration Parts Are Coming to the Philippines

It looks like good things happen in threes with the Mazda MX-5. After being inducted into the Japanese Automotive Hall of Fame and the announcement of its very own one-make racing series, the Miata Spec Series in the Philippines, Bermaz Auto Philippines has confirmed that first-generation “NA” owners will soon get their hands on official restoration parts for their beloved roadster.

The announcement was made no less than by MX-5 Global Ambassador Nobuhiro Yamamoto after North America, the largest left-hand drive market, was confirmed to start getting restoration and reproduction parts.

Yamamoto-san will provide the full list available for Philippine customers in the next few weeks, but it could span over 1,100 different parts. All these parts are re-manufactured using modern methods and materials, but maintain the look and feel of MX-5s of that era.

Among those in the list include a newly-developed fabric soft top that uses the same rear screen material from the original version, the original Enkei wheels but made lighter and stronger thanks to modern technologies, and many moving parts from the roller for the side windows to the brake piston caliper.

According to Bermaz Auto Philippines, there are more than 400 units of first-generation MX-5 units still running around the country, and these will greatly benefit from the announcement of the restoration parts program.

P 2.5-Million Will Get You A Ready-to-Race Mazda MX-5

Tapping into 30 years of Jinba-ittai spirit, Bermaz Auto Philippines, the exclusive distributor of Mazda formally announces the one-make Miata Spec Series featuring the 2019 MX-5 sportscar. Organized and run by veteran racer Allan Uy and RaceGAS Dynamics, the inaugural season starts in May of next year.

Unlike the MX-5 Global Cup which uses a race track-only version of the open-top roadster, the local Miata Spec Series uses fully road legal fourth-generation MX-5s that can be driven to and from the track. The series aims to promote gentleman driving etiquette, sportsmanship, and positive racing values while using the most raced car in the world: the MX-5.

All Miata Spec Series cars will have common specifications to ensure parity in performance. Based on the 2019 MX-5 soft top equipped with a 6-speed manual, the Spec Series cars uses Cusco Street Coilovers, Cusco front & rear sway bars, and a Cusco Power Brace. Standard Concept One wheels (17 x 7.5) and Nitto NT555 G2 tires measuring 215/45 R 17 complete the handling package.

Opening the hood, a Mazdaspeed Strut tower brace is visible, and yet, the engine and drivetrain are kept in showroom stock condition. That said, the Miata Spec Series cars sport a custom exhaust for a livelier note on the racetrack as well as steel-braided brake lines for more consistent stopping power.

For on-track safety, a custom six-point roll cage and driver’s foot plate is fitted as standard. Meanwhile, the OE steering wheel, seats, and safety belts are swapped for Sparco ones. A Sparco kill switch and tow harness round up the safety package.

Organizer RaceGAS Dynamics is targeting to run the entire inaugural season at the Clark International Speedway (likely coinciding with the Miata Cup). It will be a 4-round championship with 12 laps per round. For the inaugural season, there will be a minimum grid of 9 cars.

For those interested in taking their racing to the next level, the MX-5 Miata Spec Series race car can now be ordered. The turnkey price is P 2.5-Million and this includes a racing suit, gloves, shoes, and all the MX-5’s stock parts (helmet and HANS device not included).

Present owners of the 2019 MX-5 soft top can also convert their cars to take part in the Miata Spec Series, including those equipped with the 6-speed automatic. If this route is preferred, the organizers will have to send a technical team to give the car a check to make sure it still adheres to all series rules and specifications.

With more than 2,500 MX-5s hitting the race track every weekend around the world, it truly is a global icon, especially in grassroots motorsports. The announcement of the Miata Spec Series for the Philippines will hopefully elevate motorsports to a new level—one that satisfies Mazda’s challenger sprit, and one that keeps drivers always inspired to take the wheel.