The all-new Mazda MX-5 wins Roadster of the Year at the Auto Express New Car Awards 2015

The all-new Mazda MX-5 has been named Roadster of the Year by Britain’s biggest selling weekly car magazine Auto Express. In addition, both the all-new Mazda2 and all-new Mazda CX-3 received commendations from Auto Express in their annual New Car Awards.

After accepting the Award from Auto Express Editor- in-Chief Steve Fowler, Mazda Motors UK Managing Director, Jeremy Thomson commented: “The MX-5 is a brand icon and it embodies all that is great about our products. Its fun to drive character has strengthened the bond between Mazda and its customers for 25 years. Developed under the principle of ‘Innovate in order to preserve’ we’re delighted that Auto Express has recognised our engineers have created an all-new sports car that incorporates modern safety and superb efficiency with the value for money and driver focused enjoyment the original MX-5 is famed for.

“We’re equally delighted that Auto Express has recognised the all-new Mazda2, which brings new levels of refinement, style, quality and technology to the supermini sector, while at the same time delivering a little bit of MX-5 magic with its fun to drive handling. And Auto Express’ commendation of the all-new Mazda CX-3 is a fantastic start for our first ever small SUV, which arrived in dealerships on the 19th June.”

Having made its UK debut at the 2015 Goodwood Festival of Speed, the all-new fourth-generation Mazda MX-5 will arrive in dealerships on the 28th August to round out what has been an unprecedented year of new model launches for Mazda. With a superior power to weight ratio, rear-wheel drive, perfect 50:50 weight distribution and more comfort and technology than ever before, the all-new Mazda MX-5 is offered with a choice of two SKYACTIV-G petrol engines.

James Disdale, Road Test Editor of Auto Express added “the new MX-5 represents a high watermark for Mazda. By combining thrilling driving dynamics with head-turning style and surprising efficiency, the great value MX-5 once again sets the standard in the roadster class.”

With nine models across five trim levels, the all-new Mazda MX-5 promises to reaffirm Mazda’s dominance of the affordable sports car sector. Maintaining the driver-focused ethos that has made the Mazda MX-5 the best-selling two-seater sports car of all time, the engineering philosophy behind the all-new MX-5 has allowed Mazda to retain the agility, fun and engagement that has always defined the MX-5, while at the same time meeting ever-increasing safety and efficiency requirements, alongside improved refinement.

The lightest MX-5 since the iconic original, the all-new Mazda MX-5 is shorter, lower and wider than the outgoing car, with the smallest overhangs and lowest centre of gravity yet. These dynamic proportions combined with Mazda’s KODO: Soul of Motion design philosophy ensure that the all-new Mazda MX-5’s styling reflects its focus on driving pleasure in an unmistakably contemporary and dynamic way.

Featuring Mazda’s award-winning SKYACTIV technology, the all-new MX-5’s ultra-efficient lightweight petrol engines deliver new levels of performance and economy. Across the range the all-new Mazda MX-5 features alloy wheels, LED headlights, a leather steering wheel, plus a lightweight and sleek fabric hood. SE-L models add LED daytime running lights, climate control air-conditioning, DAB radio, Bluetooth®and cruise control, plus Mazda’s MZD-Connect connectivity and infotainment system with 7-inch Colour touch-screen display and Multimedia Commander.

SE-L models with the 2.0-litre 160ps engine are distinguished by 17-inch Gunmetal alloy wheels and piano black door mirrors, and benefit from a strut tower bar and limited slip differential.

Step up to Sport trim and both the 1.5 and 2.0-litre cars feature rain sensing wipers, rear parking sensors, smart keyless entry, Premium Bose®Surround-Sound and heated leather seats.

With the 1.5-litre engine, Sport trim MX-5’s come with 16-inch Gunmetal alloy wheels and piano black door mirrors. Sport models with the 2.0-litre 160ps engine benefit from a dynamic set-up that includes Sports suspension featuring Bilstein dampers, a limited slip differential and strut tower bar, while visually, they are marked out by their 17-inch Bright alloy wheels and body coloured mirrors.

Versions of the all-new Mazda MX-5 fitted with Mazda’s integrated navigation system come with three-years of free European map updates, while the range topping 2.0-litre Sport Nav is available with the optional £350 Safety Pack, which includes High Beam Control and Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

Jeremy Thomson, Mazda Motors UK Managing Director “When it was launched in 1990, the 115ps Mk1 MX-5 cost £14,249 (equal to £31,687 in today’s money), yet 25 years later with vastly more standard equipment, the all-new Mazda MX-5 costs from £18,495, meaning more than ever the Mazda MX-5 sets the benchmark as the one of the world’s best and most affordable sports cars. “

With its lightweight design, sleek cabin, beautifully engineered mechanicals and balanced handling the all-new Mazda MX-5 is ready to cement its place in the hearts of driving enthusiasts.