Mazda Canada has just announced pricing and details for the different versions of the new 2019 Mazda MX-5 and MX-5 RF, which should be available at dealerships as of September. The main changes? Increased power, more standard equipment… and a lower starting price. We've had the opportunity to take a first drive in the model - check it out here!
For 2019, the MX-5 gets 17% more power from its SKYACTIV-G 2.0 engine, thanks mainly to reductions in friction and internal weight, according to Mazda. The powertrain will now deliver 181 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque (at 4,000 RPM), or 26 and 3 more than last year, respectively.
The engine can be wedded to a 6-speed SKYACTIV-MT manual gearbox or 6-speed automatic with manual mode and drive mode selector, at no additional cost. Those choosing the latter transmission will get paddle shifters on the steering wheel.
Also new as an option for 2019 (in the GT version), a brown soft-top roof that comes in addition to the black cherry option available last year.
The GS, new base model
The GX is no longer the base model of the MX-5; Mazda now offers the GS as its entry model. It comes with the aforementioned 2.0L engine, but also upgrades in terms of safety thanks to standard Smart City Brake Support (SCBS), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), High Beam Control System (HBC), and a wide-angle rearview camera.
Other new standard features include telescoping steering wheel, seven-inch touchscreen display with Mazda Connect infotainment system and HMI Commander, HD radio, and navigation-ready functionality (requires SD card accessory). Standard equipment carried over from the 2018 MX-5 GX includes push-button start, air conditioning, advanced keyless entry system, LED headlights and rear combination lights, automatic on/off headlights, auto leveling headlights, Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring (ABSM), and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
The GS-P
This is the new mid-range offering for the MX-5. It comes with standard sport suspension with Bilstein shock absorbers, limited slip differential, strut tower bar, and 17-inch black metallic alloy wheels. A Bose premium audio system is now standard and features 9 speakers with AudioPilot 2 noise compensation technology, along with navigation, leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift knob and parking brake handle, heated exterior mirrors, and LED daytime running lights (DRL). The interior features black cloth upholstery with red stitching, and three-position seat heaters.
The GS-P model can also be boosted with an available Sport Package, which includes black 17-inch BBS forged wheels, Brembo front brakes, red painted front and rear brake calipers, and Recaro sport seats (Nappa leather and Alcantara trimmed).
The GT
This is once again the top-dog offering among the MX-5 variants available for 2019. Take everything the GS-P has, and add in automatic climate control, auto-dimming rearview mirror, HomeLink wireless control system, 4.6-inch multi-information colour display in gauge cluster, SiriusXM satellite radio, black leather seating with KODO stitching, convertible top cloth liner, Traffic Sign Recognition System and Adaptive Front-lighting System.
Buyers can also add options like the Dark Cherry cloth soft-folding convertible top, a new brown soft-top option, and Chroma Brown Nappa leather seats with KODO stitching.
The MX-5 RF
Mazda is bringing back the two 2018 trims of the RF model for 2019, and they will get the GS-P designation. The same standard and optional features are present as on the MX-5 with soft top. However, the MX-5 RF comes with a 4.6-inch multifunction colour screen. It can also be boosted with the Sport Package.
Pricing
MX-5
GS 6MT – $32,900
GS 6AT – $32,900
Sport Package (6MT only) – $4,400
GT – $39,900
MX-5 RF
GS-P 6 MT – $39,900
GS-P 6 AT – $39,900
GT 6 MT – $42,900
GT 6 AT – $42,900
Exclusive Package – $900
Grand Sport Package (6MT only) $3,600
