2015 Mazda MX-5 to start from $31,990

Mazda's legendary sportscar can be parked in you garage for $15K less than its predecessor to make it the potential bargain of the decade

THE 2015 Mazda MX-5 will start at $31,990 when it goes on sale here in August. The $15K haircut for the MX-5 is not a reaction to its only affordable, rear-drive rival, the $29,990 Toyota 86, says Mazda Australia.

However, rather than say the new pricing – by comparison, the old MX-5 started at $47,280 – is a direct response to the threat posed by the 86, Mazda says it has priced its new roadster to take into account its lightweight design, as well as attracting more DINK – double income, no kids – buyers to its showrooms.

“I don’t know if you could say the MX-5’s pricing is in response to the Toyota 86,” Mazda Australia public relations senior manager Karla Leach told Wheels. “I don’t think people would cross-shop cars out of a segment.”

She also said she did not believe that the previous-generation MX-5 was overpriced by comparison with the new one, which will sell initially with a 96kW 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine before a larger 2.0-litre powerplant joins the range later this year.

“Some people [who paid almost $50,000 for the previous-generation MX-5] will be disappointed, but it’s acknowledging our need to get back to the MX-5’s core values of lightweight, low cost fun,” she said.

Despite its severe price cut, standard equipment on the MX-5 will run to a Bluetooth phone connection – not even available as an option on the previous-generation car – cruise control, and front and side airbags.

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Mazda is also yet to announce pricing for the 2.0-litre version of the MX-5, due in about October. It is believed it will also price well under the outgoing model, pricing from about $35,000.

Leach said Mazda expected some buyers would pass on the 1.5-litre version of the MX-5, and instead wait for the bigger engine’s arrival.

Both the Mazda MX-5 and the Toyota 86 are previous winners of Wheels Car of the Year, the MX-5 taking the prize in both 1989 and 2005, with the 86 sharing the award with its mechanial twin, the Subaru BRZ, in 2012.

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