Segment:
Lightweight, rear-wheel-drive sports car
Key Selling Proposition:
Pure driving enjoyment, affordable sports car experience
Key Competitors:
Fiat 500 Abarth, Toyota GT86/Subaru BRZ, Chevrolet Camaro (lower trims)
Chassis Design:
Lightweight, balanced chassis with excellent handling characteristics
Powertrain Layout:
Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Body Styles Available:
Soft-top convertible, Retractable Fastback (RF) hardtop
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for its 'Jinba Ittai' (horse and rider as one) philosophy
Engine Mechanical:
Complete engine disassembly, assembly, component replacement, timing, diagnostics
Engine Management:
Fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control, ECU diagnostics and repair
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission service, repair, fluid changes, clutch replacement
Drivetrain:
Driveshafts, differentials, axles, bearings, and seals
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, alignment procedures
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, wheel alignment specifications
Brakes:
Brake system components (discs, pads, calipers, lines), ABS, parking brake, bleeding procedures
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system, starter, lighting, fuses, relays
Body And Chassis:
Body panel repair, door mechanisms, glass replacement, structural components
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system service and repair
Interior:
Interior trim, seats, dashboard, and accessory installation
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), testing procedures
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tire rotation, spark plug replacement
Repair:
Component replacement, rebuild procedures, component adjustments
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic flowcharts for common and complex issues
Diagnostics And Testing:
Electrical testing, mechanical testing, sensor calibration
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for all fasteners
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced diagnostic procedures, including oscilloscope and scan tool usage
Engine Code:
MZR LF-VE (North America), other variations globally
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline-4 DOHC
Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1999 cc)
Horsepower:
Approximately 167 hp @ 6700 RPM (US market, may vary slightly by year/region)
Torque:
Approximately 140 lb-ft @ 5000 RPM (US market, may vary slightly by year/region)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Premium recommended)
Emissions Control:
Catalytic Converter, Oxygen Sensors, EGR (where applicable)
Type:
6-Speed Manual Transmission
Type:
6-Speed Automatic Transmission (with paddle shifters on some trims)
Manual Clutch:
Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch
Manual Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios detailed in manual, designed for sporty performance
Automatic Features:
Sport mode, paddle shifters (optional), electronic control unit
Length:
Approx. 167.5 inches (4255 mm)
Width:
Approx. 67.7 inches (1720 mm)
Height:
Approx. 49.4 inches (1255 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 91.7 inches (2330 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2500 - 2650 lbs (1135 - 1200 kg), varies by trim and transmission
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Specified in manual, typically around 3300 lbs
NHTSA Frontal Crash:
5-Star (varies by specific model year and configuration)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (varies by specific model year and configuration)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Esp:
Standard Electronic Stability Control (DSC - Dynamic Stability Control)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags, side airbags (standard or optional depending on trim)
Rollover Protection:
Pop-up roll bar hoops behind headrests
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners
Head Unit:
Mazda Connect infotainment system (standard on later models within this range, base models may have simpler audio)
Display Size:
Varies by trim and year; typically 5.8-inch or 6.1-inch touchscreen (later models might have larger)
Audio Features:
AM/FM/CD, MP3 compatibility, auxiliary audio input, USB input (optional), Bluetooth hands-free and audio streaming (optional)
Navigation:
Optional GPS Navigation system
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Bluetooth:
Available for hands-free calling and audio streaming
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact specification)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions
Spark Plug Replacement:
Iridium spark plugs: 75,000 miles
Transmission Fluid Change:
Manual: Check periodically, change based on severe usage (refer to manual). Automatic: Every 60,000 miles (or as per manual for optimal performance).
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-20 API SN/GF-5 or equivalent. Capacity: Approx. 4.8 US quarts (4.5 liters) with filter change.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90. Capacity: Approx. 2.1 US quarts (2.0 liters).
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Mazda ATF-FZ or equivalent. Capacity: Approx. 7.7 US quarts (7.3 liters) for overhaul.
Coolant:
Mazda FL22 Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent OAT coolant). Capacity: Approx. 5.8 US quarts (5.5 liters).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, rear differential bushings, soft top mechanism (for convertibles), wheel bearings
Potential Engine Issues:
Oil consumption on some higher mileage units, carbon buildup on intake valves
Potential Electrical Issues:
Occasional issues with power windows, convertible top motors, or minor sensor faults
Suspension Notes:
Alignment checks recommended periodically, especially after aggressive driving
Brand Focus:
Mazda's reputation for sporty, driver-focused vehicles
Nc Generation Introduction:
Introduced in 2005 as the third generation of the MX-5 Miata
Nc Updates 2009:
Significant facelift for the 2009 model year, including revised front and rear styling, improved interior, and suspension tuning.
Production Period:
NC generation: 2005-2015
Manufacturing Location:
Hiroshima, Japan
Car And Driver 10Best:
Frequently featured on Car and Driver's 10Best list in previous generations, establishing a strong reputation.
Automotive Journalism Accolades:
Consistently praised for its handling, affordability, and pure driving experience by automotive publications.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Generally rated as average to above average for reliability, with specific model years and common issues addressed in the manual.
