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Articles and Road Tests
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2009 Mazda MX-5 Preview
by Luc-Olivier Chamberland / Auto123.com
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The 2009 edition of the Mazda MX-5 aims to apply the brand's latest design cues to its famous little roadster. Mazda is building on a 20-year tradition of offering pleasant performance and sporty looks in a friendly, affordable two-seat package. The car formerly known as the Miata indeed celebrates 20 years of open-top motoring success in 2009.
 | | The automaker significantly revised the front fascia, bringing it in line with its new design language. |
Several modifications have been made for the new model year, not only to the design but also to safety and equipment. The automaker significantly revised the front fascia, bringing it in line with its new design language. Similar to the next-generation Mazda3, the huge opening in the lower bumper is flanked by two smaller ones incorporating fog lights. In the back, the taillights essentially look the same as those from last year, although their internal configuration is different.
Once again, the three trim levels will be GX, GS and GT, all of which get new standard features in order to make them safer and more competitive in today's expanding roadster market. Likewise, two roof options are available. The soft top comes standard in GX and GS trim, while the hard top is optional on the GS model and standard on the top-of-the-line GT.
The MX-5 uses the same engine across the line, namely a 2.0L 4-cylinder sending 164 horsepower to the rear wheels (16 inches standard) through a 5-speed manual gearbox. The GS model can be equipped with a number of options that come standard in GT trim.
The latter stands out with a more distinctive look, including a chrome-ringed front grille and 17-inch alloys, not to mention a 6-speed manual transmission. As for safety, seat-mounted side airbags are now found in every MX-5, while HID bi-xenon headlights further set the GT model apart.
For 2009, the Performance Package is fitted to all MX-5 models with 6-speed manual transmission. A limited-slip differential, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with traction control and a sport suspension featuring Bilstein shocks are included.
 | | Several modifications have been made, not only to the design but also to safety and equipment. |
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