Segment:
Lightweight sports car, convertible roadster.
Philosophy:
Jinba Ittai (horse and rider as one), focused on driving dynamics and pure driving pleasure.
Competitors:
Honda S2000 (though discontinued during this period), Porsche Boxster (higher price bracket), BMW Z4.
Chassis Layout:
Front-engine, rear-wheel drive.
Body Styles:
Soft-top convertible, retractable hardtop (PRHT).
Handling Emphasis:
Renowned for its balanced chassis, precise steering, and lightweight construction.
Engine:
Complete engine overhaul, diagnostics, repair for L8 and LF engines.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, alignment, shock absorbers, springs, bushings.
Driveline Axle:
CV joints, driveshafts, differential, wheel bearings.
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS, EBD, brake pads, rotors, calipers, lines, bleeding procedures.
Transmission Transaxle:
Manual and automatic transmission service, fluid changes, rebuild procedures.
Steering:
Power steering system, rack and pinion, steering column, alignment.
HVAC:
Heater, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system diagnostics and repair.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, component testing, fuses, relays, lighting, battery, charging system.
Body Exterior:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, convertible top mechanism, glass replacement.
Body Interior:
Interior trim, seats, dashboard, airbags, seatbelts.
Chassis Frame:
Frame structure, reinforcements, collision repair information.
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, injectors, fuel pressure diagnostics.
Cooling System:
Radiator, fan, thermostat, coolant types and capacities.
Exhaust System:
Catalytic converter, mufflers, exhaust pipes, sensors.
Emissions Control:
EVAP system, EGR valve, emission control devices and diagnostics.
Diagnostic Tools:
OBD-II diagnostics, specific Mazda diagnostic procedures.
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plugs, belts.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
Repair:
Component removal, installation, adjustment, and rebuilding.
Disassembly Assembly:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for major component overhauls.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Testing circuits, diagnosing sensor faults, PCM and ECU troubleshooting.
Torque Specifications:
Accurate torque values for all critical fasteners.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized Mazda tools.
Depth:
Comprehensive; covers everything from basic scheduled maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Displacement Lf:
2.0 L (1999 cc)
Displacement L8:
1.8 L (1839 cc) - Less common, primarily for specific markets/early NC models.
Horsepower Lf:
Approx. 170-175 hp (depending on market and specific tuning)
Torque Lf:
Approx. 140-145 lb-ft
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Redline:
Approx. 7,200 RPM
Induction:
Naturally Aspirated, Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 91 octane (or higher) recommended
ECU:
Engine Control Unit (ECU) with integrated diagnostics.
Valvetrain:
DOHC, 16 valves, Variable Valve Timing (VVT) on intake camshaft.
Length:
Approx. 157.1 inches (4000 mm)
Width:
Approx. 67.7 inches (1720 mm)
Height:
Approx. 49.4 inches (1255 mm) (soft-top), 49.5 inches (1257 mm) (PRHT)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 91.7 inches (2330 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2,400 - 2,550 lbs (depending on trim and roof type)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Typically around 3,200 lbs
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 4.4 - 4.6 cubic feet (with roof up/down)
NHTSA Frontal Crash:
5-Star (for relevant model years)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System.
Ebd:
Standard Electronic Brakeforce Distribution.
TCS:
Standard Traction Control System.
Esc:
Standard Electronic Stability Control (DSC - Dynamic Stability Control).
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger front airbags, side airbags (in seat backs).
Rollover Protection:
Pop-up roll bars behind headrests.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners.
Oil Change:
Every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first.
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (often recommended at 30,000 miles).
Cabin Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (often recommended at 30,000 miles).
Spark Plugs:
Typically at 75,000 miles (iridium type).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
Inspect at 45,000 miles, replace if needed or at higher mileage intervals (e.g., 100,000 miles).
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Inspect at 45,000 miles, replace if needed or at higher mileage intervals (e.g., 90,000 miles).
Engine Oil:
0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil meeting Mazda's specifications.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.8 US quarts (with filter)
Coolant:
Mazda Genuine Long Life Coolant (FL22 or equivalent).
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 6.2 US quarts
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Oil Consumption:
Some early NC models experienced higher-than-normal oil consumption, often addressed by oil control ring updates (though less prevalent in later models).
Convertible Top Mechanism:
Occasional issues with the manual or power convertible top mechanism requiring lubrication or adjustment. PRHT can have more complex issues.
Clutch Release Bearing:
Some instances of noisy or failing clutch release bearings.
Power Steering Pump:
Rare instances of early failure, though typically robust.
Legacy:
Successor to the iconic Mazda RX-7 and previous generations of MX-5 Miata.
Nc Generation Introduction:
Introduced in 2005 for the 2006 model year, with updates and facelifts occurring during its production cycle.
Facelift 2009:
Significant update for the 2009 model year, including revised front and rear styling, improved interior, and engine tuning.
Manufacturing Location:
Mazda's Ujina Plant No. 2 in Hiroshima, Japan.
Production Years Nc Generation:
2005 - 2015