Mazda MX-5 facelift might not go Nagare
Winding Road sat down with the newest print issue of Autocar and discovered that Mazda dealers are particularly pleased with the soap-bar aesthetic of the current MX-5. More to the point, they're hoping that Mazda designers don't nuke the fridge when the iconic roadster goes under the knife next year.
According to Autocar's sources, the new MX-5 won't benefit from the swooping Nagare theme that's expected to influence all of Mazda's future designs, primarily because dealers are happy with the current car. However, Mazda's designers want to kick up the MX-5's flavor, saying that the car was "never radical enough" for their tastes. Since we've always been split on the styling of the current MX-5, we're hoping both parties can be assuaged with a balance between mild and wild. We'll see, and we're looking forward to the clean sheet makeover the MX-5 gets in 2012.
[Source: Autocar via Winding Road]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Nicko 4:14PM (6/04/2008)
The rear end of the current model looks great IMHO. The front end, however, could benefit from some more aggressive styling. Looks a bit like a harmless fish.
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Kevin 4:17PM (6/04/2008)
The current MX-5 definitely needs a little more "stand out" styling. Next to a Solstice, the MX-5 looks like the frumpy girl in school... despite the fact that we all know it puts out.
mikomi 4:18PM (6/04/2008)
I admit it does look like a catfish.
Xcountryflyer 4:48PM (6/04/2008)
Agree the front-end needs to be ajdusted. Its just sort of blah and generic. The headlights in particular need to have a more interesting shape/design and the lower opening needs to have some work done to it. Everthing is just too ovaloid at the moment.
Torrent 4:20PM (6/04/2008)
The mx5 looks too simple.
Grill-Oval
Tail/headlights-oval
Overall shape- fine, but nothing (sharp lines, side vents, etc.) to set it apart from other convertibles like the Sky and Solstice.
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epilonious 4:35PM (6/04/2008)
I find the miata to be reserved and tasteful compared to the "blingy" sky and the "why did you put that THERE!?" solstice.
I feel that every other little roadsters failing was that it tried to be more "sassy" than the miata. The only roadster I would say looks classier than the miata is the TT, and that is even more plain, yet somehow still beautiful.
If anyone is going to make the miata look better it will be Mazda, they are a great design shop... but they definitely need to stay away from the sky/solstice design language because those seem to be from the same team that designed the new focus: "Ohhh, it'll be like a regular sedan but COOLER with bars in the lights and chrome fender vents!"
Torrent 1:49AM (6/05/2008)
Wow, are you blind?
It's obvious you're mad because the Sky/Solstice's design run laps around the Miata's design,but I think you are more angry that 2 American car companies created a better looking car than the MX-5.
You do have one thing right, they are sassier than the MX-5, because that's the way they were meant to be and they have record sales to prove it.
*Jus' spreaddin' da troof*
-blank- 4:51AM (6/05/2008)
Sorry, not hanging with you here.
Solstice's giant bug-eyed, bucktoothed front end makes me ill. I can't hope on that wagon.
Sky, sure. Sexy and sleek.
Miata, overall is quite fine but the front does need it's tweaking. It is somewhat blah, but from what can find blah has worked it's entire life. A very light hint of the new design language could suffice.
As for sales of them all, I don't know numbers so I won't play that but the miata's been around forever so I'd expect there'd be no rush to get one due to it's newness despite the redesign. Sky/Solstice have the "WOW" it's new and "What's that" factor...it's plausible the sales are in respect to that and the adding of new/addtional engines and such.
Torrent 1:11PM (6/05/2008)
Wow does everyone hate American cars?
I'm sorry, I never got the memo that I was supposed to start hating American car companies as of 1987. People who make American cars are trying to make a living, too. I just happen to support my country, despite build quality, the designs are good enough and as long as they get me from A to B, I'm fine. If you have a problem with that, move to Japan.
Joel 4:26PM (6/04/2008)
A few years ago when shopping for a new car I mentioned the MX5/Miata to coworkers and hands down everyone said that it just looked like bathtub on wheels.
Let's face it the car is bit long in the tooth. But considering how many are on the roads it's look that people like. The Pontiac/Saturn's are a bit too drastic for some. The Miata is the car to get when you want top down action but don't want to scream mid life crisis.
With that said it's time for some tweaks. Nothing too radical but it's past due.
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PJ 12:26AM (6/05/2008)
For example, how 'bout getting steering and clutch feedback back to where it was on the M1/M2?
Mazda? Anyone?
Brad Kempeny 4:30PM (6/04/2008)
I understand that the current MX-5 was designed to pay homage to the original but I mean, come on. There is nothing about the car that makes it look aggressive. Kinda the problem with all Mazdas IMHO- generic japanese "style". The best looking Mazda is one that isn't even made- the Furai.
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elpollo 4:33PM (6/04/2008)
mmmmm, not so sure. I like the 3's but use a lot of gas.
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Kiiks 4:32PM (6/04/2008)
I have an idea - just make over the mazdaspeed version. Problem solved.
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david 6:22AM (6/05/2008)
Or maybe create a MX-7 with more agressive styling and a bigger motor and leave the miata as it is.
steve clark 4:35PM (6/04/2008)
I'd say a lot of people like it for what it is/does, rather than its looks.
Give Mazda some credit - they're trying to make a car that's not too polarizing. Many things to many people. Racers can easily turn it into a Jr. giant-killer. Retired people like its ease of use and comfortable ride.
It's not offensive to anyone, and maybe that's it's problem, but it's always sold plenty of cars before and the simpler design tends to age better.
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kazoomaloo 4:34PM (6/04/2008)
I'm going to call that an improper usage of "nuke the fridge", but thanks for introducing it to my lexicon...
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epilonious 4:36PM (6/04/2008)
Indeed. "Nuke the Fridge" made my day.
Jeff 4:59PM (6/04/2008)
The fridge sequence was one of my favorite parts of Crystal Skull, and I cannot believe that it's been turned into the movie version of "jump the shark".
Frankly, if you didn't think that sequence was cool, you have no inner child.
rav3 8:39PM (6/04/2008)
If my inner child got any entertainment out of the ridiculous fridge scene in "Indiana Jones and the CGI Money Grab" I would have smothered it to death instantly.
Fortunately the complete lack of suspense or story, mindless pacing, inarticulate exposition, CGI monkeys and Shia LaBeuf as Tarzan, Karen Allen used as nothing more than a grinning sentimental prop made me forget about the fridge scene.
Though, as dead silent as the theater was for the whole movie, several toddlers giggled at the CGI prairie dogs when Indy got out of the fridge.
Yeah, great movie...