Bay Harbour: June 07, 2017

Wednesday June 7 2017
Latest Christchurch news at www.
.kiwi
BAY HARBOUR
PAGE 21
Still Pedalling!
of advanced engineering
Mazda claims a sevenlitre
per 100km (40mpg)
combined cycle fuel
usage average, which sat
well with the 8l/100km
(35mpg) figure showing
on the test car’s trip
computer when I took it
back to the dealership.
I’ve often been a bit
critical of the MX-5
and the sound that is
generated within the
cockpit, history has it
that it has always been
a bit noisy. I guess
performance car buyers
like that and they may be
disappointed in the hardtop
as it is far quieter and
far more to my liking;
there is an angry engine
sound when it’s working
hard, but under normal
conditions the hardtop
promotes a quiet
in-cabin environment
and I relate to that.
Not only is the engine
a delight in terms of
flexibility and honesty,
the MX-5’s greatest
virtue is that of its
feel-good factor. The
suspension and chassis
engineering is a marvel.
Of course, drive is sent
to the rear wheels and
• Price – Mazda MX-5
RFS, $54,995
• Dimensions –
Length, 3915mm;
width, 1735mm;
height, 1235mm
• Configuration –
Four-cylinder, rearwheel-drive,
1998cc,
118kW, 200Nm, sixspeed
manual
• Performance –
0-100km/h, 7.4sec
• Fuel usage –
7l/100km
that promotes a pure
handling sensation, add
in the fully involving feel
from the steering wheel
and the compliance
within the spring and
damper rates and you
have a true sports car,
one which delivers the
fun factor along with
the ability to conquer
the most challenging of
corners.
Take into account, too,
that the tyres aren’t huge
(205/45 x 17in), there
isn’t a lot of load put on
them, and with a height
of just 1235mm there is
little gravitational force
working against the
convertible in a quick
corner, it handles flat and
controlled.
There’s some flexibility
built into the traction
control system, you can
make it a little tail-happy
before the electronic
devices counteract
oversteer, but that doesn’t
interrupt the fun. The
MX-5 in this form has
lost none of its playful
character and that is
why it has been such a
popular car, it has been
built with character
in mind and it doesn’t
disappoint.
For someone whose
old joints don’t work
quite as well as they once
did, I didn’t find entry
and exit into the test car
onerous, in fact I was
finding excuses to get in
the vehicle and go for a
drive.
There’s a raft of
amazing product coming
out of the Mazda
factories these days, it’s
no surprise then that the
MX-5 in this form is so
desirable. I’m so envious
of those who get to own
one.
Trevor Crowe’s been involved with cars for a
while. You can benefit from his experience at...
Subaru Specialists
Full Workshop services
WOF’s | Service Checks | Wheel
Alignment | Brakes | Clutches | Tyres etc
Great range of Subarus & other
makes from $5,000 - $35,000
View at www.crowesport.co.nz
518 Moorhouse Ave (East end)
Phone 379 7615 or
email: service@crowesport.co.nz
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