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You probably want to customize a Mazda MX-5 (now you can)

As in you can already do it in the Philippine market

The new body color is called Deep Crystal Blue Mica. PHOTO FROM MAZDA

I’m willing to place a bet that there are many car owners out there who dream of being able to spec their vehicle before driving it out of the showroom. Or getting what they really want for their money’s worth, in other words. I know I do. But whom am I kidding? How do we make this possible without the carmakers raising the prices of products that are specifically aimed at budget-conscious customers?

Okay. Understood.

But then, automotive brands should—and must—be able to offer customization options for aspirational models. Particularly if we’re talking about sports cars. Like the Mazda MX-5. Because this type of car needs to look unique, both at the parking lot and on the road. A roadster is not a practical subcompact sedan, after all.

Fortunately, that’s exactly what Mazda Philippines has in store for MX-5 clients. For the 2021 model, buyers will now be given the privilege of picking from a total of 78 combinations under the “Build Your Personal MX-5 Program.” This means your brand-new (and bespoke) Miata might be the only one of its kind in our market.

Also new for the 2021 model is the fabric roof's Dark Cherry color. PHOTO FROM MAZDA

Available exterior colors are Soul Red Crystal, Machine Gray, Polymetal Gray, Snowflake White Pearl, Arctic White, Jet Black and a new paint job called Deep Crystal Blue Mica. If you prefer the soft top, Dark Cherry has been added to the usual black roof. You then pair any of these with either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic gearbox. And then you proceed to tick off the features you fancy, like a nine-speaker Bose audio system and even Bilstein dampers.

Customers who wish to park a personalized MX-5 in their garage can expect anywhere from four to six months from order to delivery. They can also expect to cough up a substantial reservation fee, which is designed to ensure that they won’t walk away from a made-to-order sports car that is already halfway done.

Speaking of costs, the 2021 Mazda MX-5 will be priced from P1,980,000 to P2,260,000 for the Soft Top, P2,290,000 to P2,390,000 for the RF, and P2,690,000 for the RF Club Edition.

We may never be able to purchase (at least for now) a customized pickup or MPV, but aren’t you glad an affordable sports car can already be tailored to your individual taste?



Vernon B. Sarne

Vernon is the founder and editor-in-chief of VISOR. He has been an automotive journalist since July 1995. He became one by serendipity, walking into the office of a small publishing company and applying for a position he had no idea was for a local car magazine. God has watched over him throughout his humble journey. He writes the ‘Spoiler’ column.



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