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Mazda Motor Corp's all-new Mazda Roadster (known as MX-5 outside Japan) has been named the 2015-2016 Car of the Year in Japan.
The all-new Roadster is the sixth model in Mazda's new-generation lineup of vehicles that feature the full range of Skyactiv technology and KODO-Soul of Motion design. This lightweight open-top two-seater front-engine rear-wheel drive sports car is designed for pure Jinba-ittai driving fun.
In redesigning the model, Mazda aimed to further deepen the experience of driving fun and managed to both perfect the driving position and reduce the weight of the car by over 100 kilograms. While ensuring that the model would remain a true driver's car, Mazda engineers were determined to make the vehicle practical enough for daily use, adopting a weatherproof, easy-to-open-and-close top and ensuring enough space in the luggage compartment for two carry-on-sized bags.
All passenger vehicles with an expected annual sales volume of over 500 units, announced or launched in Japan between October 1, 2014 and October 31, 2015 are eligible for this year's Car of the Year Japan award. The Roadster follows the Mazda Demio last year to become the sixth Mazda vehicle to take the Car of the Year award Japan.
"This result is thanks to everyone's enthusiastic support, and we are both grateful and proud that our Roadster has received such a prestigious award," said Masamichi Kogai, President and CEO of Mazda. "Inspired by this win, we will continue building cars that offer driving pleasure, aiming to become a 'one-and-only' for our customers that they will choose again and again."
© JCN Newswire
7 Comments
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TrevorPeace
Reminds me of my 1972 Spitfire. I've already got one ordered, in Italian racing yellow, just for fun! Catch me, if you can.
JeffLee
I liked the simplicity of the first couple of series. I hate it when sports cars get cluttered. wonder what this is like?
Raymond Chuang
@JeffLee, I think you'll like it. Mazda went out of its way to keep the new MX-5 as simple as possible (while still meeting today's safety regulations). The US-market version only weighs 2,332 pounds (1057 kilograms), very light considering the modern safety equipment required.
cvdopxx
good to see a proper sports car win this award, rather than some boring as hell econo green box
SenseNotSoCommon
Except it works? Miss my (same vintage) MG, though.
wtfjapan
Catch me, if you can. the 1.5L engine isnt really that powerful, my 350hp EVO will catch it and pass it easily.
Chop Chop
I think Mazda should add more power on MX5. It will be fantastic if MX5 has 205 KW on Wheels. The horse power in Convertible Sport cars from Toyota, Honda and Mazda are less than Coupe version cars. Only Nissan sport cars have same horse power in Coupe model and Convertible model. I want to see 2 liters engine twin turbo with 205 KW in future MX5.