SPORTING OPTIONS
Just as any band struggles with ‘second album syndrome’, Mazda faced many dilemmas when creating a second-generation MX-5 – a follow-up to the company’s hugely successful newcomer of 1989. The next MX-5 had to be just as characterful, entertaining and sporty, but perhaps a little more sophisticated and practical. In the end, the latest MX-5 took a bow at the 1997 Tokyo Motor Show, going on sale in the UK the following year.
The new model was larger than the Mk1 and (controversially) did away with its pop-up headlamps, although it was still instantly recognisable as an MX-5. Under the bonnet there was the same choice of 1.6- or 1.8-litre power, this time offering outputs of 108 and 140bhp respectively – the latter bringing a top speed of 126mph, with 0-60 in 7.8 seconds, figures that were impressive for a car bigger, heavier and better equipped than its predecessor.
