How come Mazda offered these two engine options ?
I sort of get the ND 1.5/2.0 breakpoint as the first is entry level with all the goodies profit loaded into the latter.
But the 1.8/2.0 in the NC had some similarities in trim level whatever engine size you bought.
Just curious as a newbie
You can get a higher spec 1.5L, always have (and still can) been able to. If of course what constitutes higher spec appeals.
There has always been two engine options for the MX-5, both the NA and NB had 1.6 and 1.8 options.
More choice over more markets, different engines suit different driving styles too.
No engine options 1989-94. 90hp 1.6 was introduced in some markets alongside the 1.8 (in a small number of markets, it was the only option) because of rising insurance costs. With the NB, in quite a few markets, there was just a single engine option.
Its not about offering more choice to consumers (otherwise a 1.8 NC and 1.5 ND would have been offered in North America) but about recognising the complexities of different markets. Among European consumers, performance is less important compared to cost of ownership. Mazda’s raison d’etre is to serve the shareholder. That service to shareholders (maximising sales, reducing costs) coincides with giving “customers more choice”. Offering lower power options in the US will likely lead to increased inventories, and thus costs.
Its not just about Americans eschewing lower power cars, but also other markets only get a 2.0 option. And other markets only get a 1.5 option
Thailand only gets a 2.0, Roadster or RF
Japan only gets a 1.5
HK only gets a 2.0, RF only
https://www.mazda.com.hk/vehicles/mazda-mx-5-rf
etc.
Possibly only Europeans and the British get a choice in engine size.
Having come from an Audi TT with a turbo that gets the torque steer frightening me under 4K I was initially very disappointed. Lucky then we adapt so quickly given such superior handling. I’ve never tried the 2.0 but I have to say the 1.8 is so liquid smooth upto 4.5k revs. After that it coarsens which is a shame.
In Cornwall 60mph is very fast so I’m enjoying some smooth exciting driving without breaking out fifth gear…
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