People once said Japanese cars were so similar and dull you couldn't tell which make or model you were driving but the Mazda MX5 Roadster broke that rule!

Sold in the USA as Mazda Miata but generally known as the Mazda MX5 to the rest of the world, sales were good from the start and this car has set a new world standard in affordability in genuine sport convertibles. The formula of light weight, rear drive, accurate steering, smooth short throw gear change with a responsive, reliable motor have proved popular with thousands of happy owners.

Driving an MX5 Roadster is a pleasure instead of a chore and scenic New Zealand roads with a mix of curvy alpine passes, bush-clad hills and narrow bridges are the perfect roads to drive.

Mazda MX5 Mark 2 NB
After years of successful production the first major upgrade to these roadsters were the improved NB models which can be distinguished from earlier NA models by their faired headlights amongst other improvements and refinements. The engine is a 4 cylinder, 1840cc fuel injected twin overhead camshaft which drives through a superb manual 6 speed gearbox to drive the alloy rear wheels, as a proper sports car should.

From the BBC's Top Gear, Jeremy Clarkson highly regards the Mazda too, see his opinion of the MX5 on Youtube

Air conditioning is standard although you will rarely need it as if its hot enough to be required you will probably have the hood down anyway! On cooler days the heater can supplement the cabin temperature and make a top-down cruise fun.

Mazda MX5 Mark 3 NC current model
In 2005 the NC model with the more powerful 2.0 litre engine was introduced in Japan after a thorough and thoughtful redesign.

A higher level of performance and comfort was achieved without adding weight or losing the precision and sporty feel. Air conditioning is standard, of course, and winter travel is comfortable with the excellent heater.

Brighter HID headlights and bigger brakes with ABS improve safety. Remote locking, Dual front and side airbags with seatbelt pretensioners.

The NC MX5 folding roof is fixed with a single central latch which makes removing the roof a simple affair.

48 litre Fuel tank capacity

Luggage
The approximate boot dimensions on the NB and NC are 1200 x 600 x 300mm (48"x23"x11") and can take one larger or two cabin bags (preferably softside) along with some space for more smaller soft bags in the corners.

These two cabin flight cases can be fitted in the the boot along with soft bags. A shelf behind the seats can be used for coats and soft bags.

Boot rack (NB) for extra luggage storage $5/day

Automobile Association Roadservice Cover
As a backup, the cars are covered anywhere in New Zealand by the NZ Automobile Association 24 hour Roadservice Cover which can help for any problems.
If the issue is non-mechanical such running out of fuel or keys locked in the car, they will help but a callout fee is charged.

Excess Reduction (ER):Hirers can choose to pay $20 per day to reduce liability to pay up to $500 in the case of damage and complete cover for glass windscreen or headlights breakage.

Great South Island driving roads

In New Zealand the majority of cars are imported from the Japanese used car market as they drive on the same side of the road, the left, and the Japanese are encouraged by regulation to trade cars in well before they are significantly worn.

Our MX5 Roadsters are carefully selected and imported from this market and on arrival are fully checked for compliance with NZ regulations then given an NZ Certicate of Fitness. Tyres are checked and replaced if necessary, oils and fluids are changed and the vehicle fully serviced. They are are in excellent condition and additional photos of each vehicle can be provided if required.

MAZDA MX5 Roadster Features

• Mazda NB 1.8 litre DOHC 105 HP at 7000 rpm
• Mazda NC 2.0 litre DOHC 118kW at 7000 rpm
• Front engine, rear wheel drive.
• 5 or 6 speed manual gearbox
• Power steering and power 4 wheel disc brake
• Twin bucket seats with dual SRS airbags
• NC models additional dual side airbags with pretensioners
• Door intrusion beam protection
• Air-conditioning and excellent heater
• Power windows and mirrors
• Stereo CD/Radio with 3.5mm input socket for Ipod/mp3.
• 144 litre rear boot storage
  Boot dimensions 1200 X 600 x 300 high approx.
• Manually operated soft top with glass rear window
• Lockable glovebox, fuel and trunk releases
• Headroom - Good interior headroom for drivers up to about 6' 2" with the roof up.
• Officially fuel economy approx 8.5 litres per 100kms (33mpg, 28mpg/US gallon)
• Checked fuel consumption was 7.8 litres/100 km