Segment:
Lightweight, rear-wheel-drive, two-seater sports car
Philosophy:
Jinba Ittai (Horse and rider as one) driving experience
Key Competitors:
Nissan 370Z Roadster, BMW Z4, Porsche Boxster (though often at a higher price point)
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for its balanced chassis, agile handling, and communicative steering
Convertible Options:
Available as a soft-top convertible or a power-retractable hardtop (PRHT)
Engine Orientation:
Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout
Engine:
All engine mechanical and electrical systems (e.g., MZR LF-VE 2.0L)
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic transmission systems
Drivetrain:
Driveshafts, differentials, rear-wheel drive components
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension, steering components, wheel alignment
Brakes:
Brake system components, ABS, DSC, parking brake
Electrical:
Complete electrical diagrams, lighting, ignition, charging, starting systems
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, convertible top mechanism, interior trim
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning systems
Fuel:
Fuel system components, fuel pump, injectors, evaporative emission control
Exhaust:
Exhaust system components, catalytic converter
Cooling:
Cooling system, radiator, water pump, thermostat
Safety Systems:
Airbags, seatbelts, SRS system
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plug replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, fault code interpretation, common problem diagnosis
Repair:
Component removal, disassembly, reassembly, and installation
Diagnostics:
Engine diagnostics, electrical system diagnostics, chassis diagnostics
Rebuilding:
Engine, transmission, and differential rebuilding procedures
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, and adjustments
Wheel Alignment:
Alignment procedures and specifications
Convertible Top:
Convertible soft top and power-retractable hardtop maintenance and repair
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds and complex diagnostics)
Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve
Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1999 cc)
Horsepower:
Approx. 167-170 hp (depending on market and specific model year variant)
Torque:
Approx. 140-143 lb-ft (190-194 Nm)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Bore X Stroke:
87.5 mm x 83.5 mm
Length:
Approx. 167.5 inches (4255 mm)
Width:
Approx. 67.7 inches (1720 mm)
Height:
Approx. 49.4 inches (1255 mm) (soft top) / 50.2 inches (1275 mm) (PRHT)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 91.1 inches (2315 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2450-2650 lbs (1111-1202 kg) (varies by transmission and trim)
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 4.4 - 5.3 cubic feet (125 - 150 liters) (depends on soft top vs. PRHT and convertible top position)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (for applicable model years)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for applicable model years)
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Traction Control System (TCS)
Brakes:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
Airbags:
Front airbags, side airbags, and often active front headrests
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced A-pillars and pop-up roll hoops
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or 6-12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact recommendation based on driving conditions)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 60,000 - 75,000 miles (96,000 - 120,000 km) for iridium-tipped plugs
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 API SN or ILSAC GF-5 (check manual for most precise spec)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Mazda FL22 Long Life Antifreeze (or equivalent G12/G12+ compatible coolant, blue color)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 gear oil (e.g., Mazda Genuine Gear Oil)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Mazda ATF-J2 (or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon compatible fluid)
Oil Consumption:
Some owners report slightly higher oil consumption than expected; regular checks are advised.
Convertible Top Leaks:
Water leaks around door seals and convertible top seals can occur over time; maintenance of seals is important.
Clutch Actuator:
While less common than in earlier generations, some clutch system issues can arise. The manual will detail diagnostic steps.
Marque Specialty:
Mazda is known for its focus on driving pleasure and innovative engineering, particularly with rotary engines and lightweight sports cars.
Nc Generation Start:
The NC generation debuted for the 2006 model year and received a significant facelift for the 2009 model year, which is covered by this manual.
2009 Facelift Updates:
Updated exterior styling (front fascia, headlights, taillights), revised suspension tuning, improved interior materials, and often an increase in power output.
Production Plants:
Primarily Hofu, Yamaguchi, Japan
Car Of The Year:
Consistently praised by automotive journalists for its driving dynamics; has been a perennial nominee and winner of various 'best sports car' awards.
Ward Auto World 10 Best Engines:
The MZR 2.0L engine has been recognized for its performance and efficiency in the past.
Reliability Reputation:
Generally considered reliable, with a strong owner satisfaction record, especially regarding its core driving experience.
