Vehicle Segment:
Lightweight, two-seater, rear-wheel-drive sports car
Key Selling Points:
Jinba Ittai ('Horse and Rider as One') driving philosophy, affordability, reliability, open-top driving experience
Primary Competitors:
Nissan 370Z, Porsche Boxster (aspirational), Chevrolet Camaro (segment overlap), Ford Mustang (segment overlap)
Design Philosophy:
Kodo Design (Soul of Motion) starting to influence Mazda's aesthetic, but NC generation retains sharp, purposeful lines
Convertible Options:
Available as soft-top convertible and Power Retractable Hardtop (PRHT)
Engine:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions, engine control systems (ECU)
Transmission:
Manual transmission (MT), Automatic transmission (AT), Clutch system
Drivetrain:
Driveshafts, differential, rear axle
Suspension:
Front suspension, rear suspension, steering system, wheel alignment
Brakes:
Front brakes, rear brakes, parking brake, ABS, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control)
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, body electrical, infotainment, power accessories
Body:
Exterior body panels, interior trim, doors, windows, convertible top/hardtop mechanisms, seats
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system
Safety Systems:
Airbags, seat belts, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System)
Maintenance:
Routine scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, fault code interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting
Repair:
Component removal and installation, system overhauls, component rebuilding
Adjustment:
Brake adjustments, clutch adjustments, door and window alignment
Diagnostics:
Engine diagnostics, electrical diagnostics, ABS/DSC diagnostics
Calibration:
Sensor calibration, steering angle sensor calibration
Depth Level:
Complete factory-level repair and diagnostic information
Diagnostic Tools:
References to factory diagnostic scan tools (e.g., Mazda 'VCM' or equivalent) and procedures
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all systems
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, measurement procedures
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for certain procedures
Engine Code:
MZR LF-VE (2.0L), MZR L3-VE (2.3L - limited markets/earlier NC)
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline-4 DOHC, 16-valve
Displacement:
1999 cc (2.0 Liters)
Horsepower:
167 hp @ 7000 rpm (US Spec for 2012)
Torque:
140 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (US Spec for 2012)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Recommended Octane:
91 Octane (Premium)
ECU Type:
Denso ECU (specific part numbers vary)
Transmission Type Standard:
6-speed Manual Transmission (BorgWarner/Mazda M6M)
Transmission Type Optional:
6-speed Automatic Transmission with Paddle Shifters (Activematic)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulic, dry single plate clutch
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (e.g., Mazda Genuine Oil or equivalent)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Mazda Genuine ATF-MV or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon compatible fluid
Length:
167.5 inches (4255 mm)
Width:
68.7 inches (1745 mm)
Height:
50.2 inches (1275 mm) (Soft Top)
Wheelbase:
91.8 inches (2330 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2470 lbs (1120 kg) (Soft Top)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 3080 lbs (1400 kg)
Trunk Capacity:
5.3 cubic feet (150 liters) (Soft Top), Slightly less for PRHT
NHTSA Front Impact:
5 Stars (2012 Model)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (2012 Model)
IIHS Roof Strength:
Good (2012 Model)
Traction Control:
Yes (TCS)
Stability Control:
Yes (DSC - Dynamic Stability Control)
Anti Lock Brakes:
Yes (ABS)
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution:
Yes (EBD)
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags, Side Airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point ELR front seat belts with pre-tensioners and load limiters
Rollover Protection:
Pop-up roll hoops behind headrests
Head Unit Features:
AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, Auxiliary input jack, available Bluetooth connectivity, available Satellite Radio
Speaker System:
Standard 4-speaker or optional 6-speaker Bose premium audio system
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system (touchscreen interface)
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Tire Pressure Monitoring:
Yes (TPMS)
Bluetooth:
Available for hands-free calling and audio streaming
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 75,000 miles (120,000 km) (Iridium type)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30, API SN/SM, ILSAC GF-5 compliant (e.g., Mazda Genuine Oil 0W-20 is acceptable but 5W-30 is often recommended for this year)
Coolant Type:
Mazda Genuine Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (Blue) or equivalent HOAT coolant
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Dexron III/Mercon compatible ATF
Common Concern Oil Consumption:
Some NC models, particularly early ones, can exhibit oil consumption. This manual will detail checks and potential causes/fixes.
Common Concern Soft Top Leaks:
Potential for water ingress around seals. Manual covers seal maintenance and adjustment.
Common Concern Clutch Actuator:
Some reports of clutch slave cylinder issues. Manual provides diagnostic and replacement procedures.
Common Concern Rust:
While generally well-built, areas prone to rust (e.g., fender lips, sills) are covered in body repair sections.
Common Concern Power Steering Pump Noise:
Can occur with low fluid or pump wear; manual details diagnosis and replacement.
Founding Principle:
Lightweight, affordable sports cars dating back to the Mazda Cosmo Sport and RX-7
Nc Generation Introduction:
Introduced in 2005 as the third generation, replacing the NB generation
Nc Facelift:
Received a significant facelift for the 2009 model year, improving styling, aerodynamics, and chassis rigidity. The 2012 model falls within this facelifted NC range.
Production Plant:
Mazda's Hofu Plant, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan
Production Years Nc:
2005-2015