The 2019 Mazda MX-5 is Now More Powerful, Safe and Fuel-Efficient

How can something good-looking be powerful? Just ask the 2019 Mazda MX-5. This uber popular and lovable roadster has gotten a significant power surge from its engineers, now boosting a hefty 181 hp (and 205 Nm of torque) from its original 155-hp engine.

Still, this isn't really the sole purpose why they made these changes to the MX-5.

"The Mazda MX-5 has never been about power," says Mazda. "It’s a car whose sole purpose is to help the driver and passenger fall in love with driving. But, a little extra power never hurts, which comes as one aspect of numerous updates for the 2019 model year."

Aside from the 17 percent increase over its predecessor, it's also inching its redline higher, bumping its speedy 6,8000 rpm to a much spunkier 7,500 rpm. Its higher final drive ratio now comes at 3.59 compared to its previous 3.45. What's more, its exhaust system has also been changed, with a much richer sound when you floor the pedal.

According to Mazda, this power and speed surge is mainly because of a much lighter engine, together with friction and exhaust loss reduction, plus other engine enhancements.

Better Safety, Fuel Economy, and Added Features

The MX-5 also gets a boost in the safety department. It now has some of Mazda's i-Activesense Safety technologies, such as Driver Attention Alert System, a Traffic Sign Recognition System, Advanced Smart City Brake Support, and a Smart City Brake Support that detects vehicles and obstacles behind you. A backup camera is now a standard feature as well.

Another significant change is its fuel economy. There are no details yet, but Mazda stated that it "will outperform the current 28 mpg city, 35 highway, 29 combined achieved with the 2018 MX-5 with the optional automatic transmission."

Aside from the power, speed, safety and fuel economy boost, more changes like visual enhancements and added features have been made. The MX-5 now comes with a black 17-inch wheels, a brown soft top (optional), the first-ever, factory-customized telescoping steering wheel, and modified seat levers. What's more, the doors have been enhanced so they can be opened easier.