 2011 Mazda MX-5 Special Version. Click image to enlarge |
| Related links More Mazda MX-5 reviews on Autos.caManufacturer’s web site Mazda Canada |
Review and photos by Greg Wilson
Photo Gallery:
2011 Mazda MX-5
What’s so special about the new-for-2011 Mazda MX-5 Special Version? Starting at $40,695, it’s now the most exclusive and most expensive model in the MX-5 hierarchy, which starts with the GX ($28,995) which has a black vinyl convertible top and a five-speed manual transmission; the GS ($33,495) with a black cloth top and six-speed manual transmission; and the GT ($39,995) with a standard body-coloured power retractable hardtop (PRHT) and six-speed manual transmission.
The MX-5 Special Version comes in a unique and rather alluring Newport Slate Metallic exterior colour, and unique tinted grey “semi-aniline” leather seats and trim, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with grey stitching, and a hand brake lever with grey stitching. (GT models offer a choice of Black, Dune Beige, or Havana Brown leather.) The MX-5 Special Version also features unique chrome rings around the gauges and chrome air vent bezels (replacing the silver trim on GT models).
 2011 Mazda MX-5 Special Version. Click image to enlarge |
Other than that, the Special Version is equipped similarly to the GT model with a standard power retractable hardtop, 167-hp 2.0-litre DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engine with variable valve timing, six-speed manual transmission, low profile 17-inch tires, xenon headlights, fog lights, front strut cross brace, limited slip differential, Bilstein shocks, dynamic stability control, keyless entry and ignition start, heated seats, automatic climate control, Bose audio system with seven speakers, six-disc CD changer, Sirius satellite radio, auxiliary jack, and Bluetooth hands-free phone. A navigation system isn’t available.
The only option on the MX-5 Special Version is a six-speed automatic transmission with a lock-up torque converter and a manual shift mode with shift paddles behind the steering wheel ($1,200). This transmission is also optional on the GS and GT models. When equipped with the automatic transmission, MX-5s have a slight drop in horsepower, from 167 @ 7,000 rpm to 158 @ 6,700 rpm, but torque remains the same at 140 lb.-ft. at 5,000 rpm. As well, when the six-speed automatic transmission is ordered, the stiffer sport suspension with Bilstein shock absorbers and rear limited slip differential are deleted from the standard equipment list.
 2011 Mazda MX-5 Special Version. Click image to enlarge |
MX-5s equipped with the automatic transmission burn a little more gas than the manual transmission models: they’re rated at 10.1 L/100 km city and 7.2 L/100 km hwy, compared to 9.7/7.1 city/hwy for the six-speed manual model (Natural Resources Canada). My onboard fuel consumption display was showing an average of 10.9 L/100 km in mostly urban driving. All MX-5’s require Premium gasoline because of the engine’s high 10.8:1 compression ratio.
With nine fewer horses and a 37 kg weight gain over MX-5’s with a soft top, the automatic-equipped MX-5 Special Version doesn’t feel quite as quick as the manual soft top model which can reach 100 km/h in just 7.8 seconds. However, the Special Version’s slightly less choppy ride enhances ride comfort while its smooth-changing automatic transmission makes it easier to drive around town – there’s no need to be constantly depressing the clutch pedal and shifting gears at every traffic light. If drivers want more excitement, they can tap the shift lever over to the left gate and push ahead to shift down or push back to shift up; alternatively, the driver can use the “paddles” behind the steering wheel: pull the left or right paddle with your forefingers to shift up, and push the left or right buttons with your thumb to shift down. Shift times are quick, but I didn’t find this system as easy to use as some others where the left paddle is used to shift down and the right paddle to shift up. As with other manumatics, if the driver fails to shift down as the car slows, the manual mode will do it automatically, and if they fail to shift up, a rev limiter prevents engine damage. Even in Drive, the driver can shift manually but the transmission will revert to automatic mode after five seconds.
I suspect that anyone who wants to shift manually will buy the MX-5 with the six-speed manual transmission. The automatic is for people who don’t want to shift.
On the highway, the MX-5 tracks well with engine turning over just 2,200 r.p.m. in top gear at 100 km/h.
Though its suspension is not as stiff as the manual transmission model, an MX-5 with the automatic transmission is no boulevard cruiser – the MX-5 automatic is still an agile, flat-handling sports car with tremendous handling and quick but rather firm steering (r.p.m. sensitive). Its short wheelbase, tight turning circle (9.4 m/31 ft.), fully independent suspension and standard 205/45R17 all-season tires contribute to nimble-footed agility, manoeuvrability and extremely high handling limits, while its light curb weight (1159 kg/2555 lbs) and big disc brakes haul it down in impossibly short braking distances.
