2013 Mazda MX-5 Facelift on the way

A mildly revised Mazda MX-5 for 2013 will be launched later this year with a new nose and tweaks to the brakes and throttle systems.

It’s probably a bit of an exaggeration to call the 2013 Mazda MX-5 a facelift. In truth, it’s only really getting a slightly modified nose.

But as well as the new nose, which features a new, more aggressive front bumper, the 2013 MX-5 gets ‘upgraded’ panel decor and matching steering wheel spokes. Mazda certainly knows how to spoil its customers.

As well as the cosmetic tweaks Mazda has also had a play with the responsiveness of the MX-5. Throttle pedal actuation has been modified on MX-5’s with a manual ‘box to increase the feel and, say Mazda, give more control when accelerating or playing on B roads.

As well as improving throttle fell, Mazda has also tweaked the vacuum brake booster to optimise baker return control which, in conjunction with the increased throttle feel, should make the B road blat more enjoyable with smoother, faster responses.

The final change for the new MX-5 is the introduction of an active bonnet which automatically raises the trailing edge of the bonnet if you happen to scoop up a pedestrian while you’re busy enjoying the new responsiveness, potentially mitigating serious injury.

Nothing major, but the Mazda MX-5 is still a cracking little car and these small tweaks promise a better drive. The 2013 MX-5 will launch later in 2012.