When the All-New Mazda MX-5 arrives mid-August, buyers can expect a new look, more technology and a car that has shed plenty of the weight that previous models gained since MX-5 launched at the Chicago Auto Show in 1989.

Incorporating the elegant styling of Mazda's award-winning 'KODO - Soul of Motion' design language and the re-modelling of a cockpit that now includes MZD Connect\* - Mazda's advanced infotainment system - the All-New Mazda MX-5 is almost 100 kilograms lighter than the outgoing model.

When the NA arrived it had a curb weight of 940kg. Increasing to 1,030kgs for the NB, the outgoing MX-5 NC jumped to 1,100kg. The All-New fourth generation MX-5 will weigh in from 1,009kg, closer to that of the initial model.

By completely redesigning the vehicle and taking advantage of the latest SKYACTIV Technology - to improve vehicle performance and fuel efficiency - Mazda has achieved approximately 30 per cent of the weight reduction via chassis and powertrain refinement, 40 per cent due to structure innovation and the remaining 30 per cent thanks to the use of additional lightweight materials.

When the All-New Mazda MX-5 with a 1.5 litre SKYACTIV-G petrol engine and SKYACTIV-MT 6-speed manual transmission goes on sale, the major areas of weight reduction include an engine that is approximately 17kg lighter, a manual transmission that drops 7kg and a differential that loses 10kg compared to its 2.0 litre predecessor. In addition, the suspension system is up to 13kg lighter, while white body weight is reduced by nearly 20kg.

Delving deeper, the engine's main unit - which includes the cylinder block, cylinder head, crank, connecting rod and piston - is reduced by 14 kilograms; 2kg is lost to the discontinued use of the engine oil cooler thanks to the improvement in thermal efficiency, while more compact and lighter intake, exhaust and cooling systems also contribute a 4kg decrease.

The use of new lightweight materials such as high-tensile steel sheet and aluminium have risen from 58 per cent in the outgoing model to 71 per cent in the All-New MX-5. Furthermore, ultrahigh-tensile steel use has improved from 12 per cent to 21 per cent, and by changing the front and rear bumper reinforcements to aluminium, Mazda reduced the weight of overhanging parts by 4.2kg, lowering the yaw inertia moment which helps improve dynamic performance.

The MX-5 is one of the world's most loved cars. It has earned over 200 global awards and continues to hold the Guinness World Record as the world's "best-selling two-seater sports car", passing 950,000 global sales in 2014.

Connect with All-New Mazda MX-5 via Facebook, Twitter & Instagram with #lookupmx5

\*Grade dependant

For further information, please contact:

Karla Leach
Senior Manager - Public Relations
T: (03) 8540 1931
F: (03) 8540 1960
M: 0448 346 213
E: kleach@mazda.com.au

Tony Mee
Public Relations Specialist
T: (03) 8540 1962
F: (03) 8540 1960
M: 0439 347 658
E: tmee@mazda.com.au