Segment:
Lightweight two-seater convertible sports car
Philosophy:
Jinba Ittai (Horse and rider as one), focusing on driver engagement and pure driving pleasure.
Competitors:
Lotus Elise, Honda S2000 (older models), Porsche Boxster (higher end), Nissan 370Z Roadster, Chevrolet Camaro Convertible.
Driving Dynamics:
Rear-wheel drive, balanced chassis, low center of gravity, responsive steering, independent suspension.
Body Styles:
Soft-top convertible, Power Retractable Hardtop (PRHT)
Engines:
Primarily Mazda MZR (LF-DE 2.0L, LF-VE 2.5L) inline-four engines.
Coverage Years:
2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015
Regions Covered:
Global (North America, Europe, Asia, etc.)
Estimated Page Count:
Approx. 1500-2500 pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals)
Type:
Factory Service Repair Workshop Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical (MZR 2.0L, 2.5L), lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions, engine control systems (ECU, sensors), exhaust systems, manual transmission (MX-5), automatic transmission (optional).
Drivetrain:
Clutch, transmission (manual and automatic), driveshafts, differential, axles.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, power steering, brakes (hydraulic, ABS, EBD, DSC/TCS), wheel alignment.
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), instrumentation, gauges, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), audio system, climate control HVAC, SRS airbag system, body control module (BCM), fuse box diagrams, wiring diagrams.
Body:
Body construction, exterior panels, doors, hoods, trunk lid, convertible top (soft top and power retractable hardtop - PRHT), interior trim, seats, glass, mirrors, bumpers.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, belt inspection and replacement, spark plug replacement, brake fluid flush, coolant flush, air filter replacement.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), diagnostic procedures for various systems (engine, transmission, ABS, etc.).
Repair:
Engine component repair (head gasket, pistons, etc.), transmission overhaul, brake system repair (calipers, rotors, lines), suspension component replacement (shocks, struts, control arms), steering rack replacement, electrical component repair, convertible top mechanism repair, body panel repair and replacement.
Installation:
Component replacement procedures, accessory installation guidelines, timing belt/chain replacement procedures.
Depth:
Comprehensive factory-level detail, including torque specifications, clearances, diagnostic flowcharts, component testing procedures, wiring schematics, and exploded views.
Engine Code 2.0L:
LF-VE (NC1, NC2), MZR 2.0 DISI (NC3 - Europe/Japan)
Engine Code 2.5L:
L5-VE (NC2, NC3 - North America)
Bore X Stroke:
87.5 mm x 83.1 mm
Compression Ratio:
9.7:1 (NC1), 10.8:1 (NC3 DISI)
Horsepower:
170 hp @ 7000 rpm (NC1), 167 hp @ 7000 rpm (NC2), 155 hp @ 6000 rpm (NC3 DISI - varies by market)
Torque:
140 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (NC1), 142 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (NC2), 148 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (NC3 DISI - varies by market)
Bore X Stroke:
94.0 mm x 90.0 mm
Horsepower:
167 hp @ 6000 rpm (NC2), 167 hp @ 6000 rpm (NC3)
Torque:
165 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (NC2), 167 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (NC3)
Injection Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) / Sequential Multi-port Fuel Injection (SMPI) / Direct Injection (DISI in some markets for NC3)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Recommended Octane:
91 AKI or higher (check owner's manual for specific market recommendations)
Type:
6-speed manual transmission (MX-SG)
Type:
6-speed automatic transmission with Activematic (optional, often on higher trims or specific markets)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulic, single dry plate
Gear Ratios:
Refer to manual for specific ratios per gear and final drive.
Shift Modes:
Driver-selectable, steering wheel paddle shifters (optional on some models)
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
Mazda GL-5 SAE 75W-90 (or equivalent)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Mazda ATF-FZ (or equivalent)
Length:
Approx. 154.1 inches (3915 mm)
Width:
Approx. 67.7 inches (1720 mm)
Height:
Approx. 49.4 inches (1255 mm)
Height:
Approx. 49.6 inches (1260 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 82.7 inches (2100 mm)
Front Track:
Approx. 58.7 inches (1490 mm)
Rear Track:
Approx. 58.9 inches (1495 mm)
Curb Weight Approx:
2600 - 2800 lbs (1180 - 1270 kg), varies by trim and transmission
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Refer to vehicle placard for exact GVWR.
Trunk Volume Soft Top:
Approx. 4.4 cu ft (125 Liters)
Trunk Volume Prht:
Approx. 4.5 cu ft (127 Liters) with roof closed, significantly less when open.
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-star rating (typical for this generation)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good rating (typical for this generation)
IIHS Rear Impact:
Acceptable/Good rating (typical for this generation)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (standard)
Ebd:
Electronic Brake-force Distribution (standard)
Dsc:
Dynamic Stability Control / Traction Control System (TCS) (standard on most models)
Tire Pressure Monitoring:
TPMS (standard on some trims/years)
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags, side-impact airbags (optional or standard on some trims).
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced A-pillars, pop-up rollover hoops behind the seats (standard on all NC models).
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system, optional Bose premium sound system with subwoofer. Steering wheel mounted audio controls on higher trims.
Navigation:
Optional in-dash DVD-based or HDD-based navigation system (availability varied by trim and year).
Climate Control:
Manual or automatic climate control systems.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models.
Keyless Entry And Start:
Optional on some trims (Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System).
Auxiliary Input:
Standard 3.5mm auxiliary audio input jack (location varied).
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming functionality (availability varied by trim and year).
Service Intervals General
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, whichever comes first (dependent on driving conditions, refer to manual).
Engine Oil Filter:
Replace at every oil change.
Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (recommend replacement every 30,000 miles).
Cabin Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (recommend replacement every 15,000-30,000 miles).
Spark Plugs:
Replace typically around 75,000-100,000 miles (refer to manual for specific plug type and interval).
Coolant Flush:
First service at 60,000 miles, then every 30,000 miles thereafter ( Mazda FL22 coolant recommended).
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 24 months or 30,000 miles (DOT 4 recommended).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 5.1 US quarts (4.8 Liters) with filter change (check manual for exact capacity).
Engine Oil Viscosity:
0W-20 (preferred for fuel economy and performance), 5W-20, 5W-30 (check manual for temperature range suitability).
Coolant Type:
Mazda FL22 Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent, typically silicate-free, long-life green type).
Convertible Top Mechanism:
Potential for binding or slow operation, especially in PRHT models, requiring lubrication and adjustment.
Oil Consumption:
Some reports of oil consumption on higher mileage 2.0L engines, monitor oil level regularly.
Interior Rattles And Squeaks:
Common in lightweight convertibles, often resolvable with lubrication of seals and trim pieces.
Power Steering Pump:
Occasional failures reported, leading to loss of power assist.
Lineage:
Successor to the hugely popular NA (1989-1997) and NB (1998-2005) generations. Continues the Mazda M (or MX) series legacy of affordable, fun-to-drive roadsters.
Nc Generation Introduction:
Introduced for the 2006 model year. A complete redesign from the NB generation, featuring a larger chassis and engines.
Nc1 Facelift:
2009 (NC2): Minor styling updates including revised front bumper, headlights, taillights, and interior enhancements. Introduction of the 2.5L engine in North America.
Nc2 Facelift:
2013 (NC3): Further styling updates, including a revised front grille, more aggressive front fascia, and updated interior trim. Introduction of direct-injection (DISI) 2.0L engine in some markets.
Manufacturing Plant:
Mazda's Hofu Plant, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan.
Production Years:
2005-2015
