Mazda has released a refreshed version of its MX-5 (Miata) sports car in Japan (where it is called the Mazda Roadster). The revised model has been facelifted, literally, as it sports an aggressive new appearance up front.
These changes are likely to be adopted on cars sold in North America later this year or early next, as an interim measure to keep the product fresh pending introduction of an all-new MX-5 as a 2015 model.
The more aggressive look may preview what to expect in the next-generation MX-5, the platform for which Mazda will share with Alfa Romeo.
Highlights of the refresh include a bigger front grille opening, new front chin spoiler and revised foglamp bezel.
Inside, new tan-coloured luxury leather is available for the seats and a new saddle tan-coloured convertible top is optional.
In addition, throttle characteristics have been revised to provide improve linearity and response when accelerating off corners, in manual transmission models, and changes have been made to the power brake booster to make control of front/rear load easier in all models, Mazda says.
In Japan, at least, the Roadster also gets a pedestrian-protection system that raises the rear of the hood in a crash to help reduce pedestrian head injuries.