2016 Mazda MX-5 shows off its 50:50 weight distribution by being balanced on a see-saw.

MAZDA HAS RELEASED a video showing off the 50:50 weight distribution of its 2016 Mazda MX-5. The three-minute-long video shows an MX-5 being driven onto a see-saw and then balancing perfectly. MX-5 project manager, Dave Coleman is quoted in the video saying: “Having the weight distribution 50:50 makes the car behave more predictability and more constantly.

“Weight is the single most important factor in developing this car – when you’re trying to make a car perform well you do it with brute force with lots of power and big tires or you can go completely the opposite way and reduce the amount of work that the car has to do respond to the driver’s input by making it lighter.”

In production now, the Australian-spec entry-level Roadster and top-spec Roadster GT will be available in Australia with1.5 litre SKYACTIV-G petrol engine and with a choice of either a SKYACTIV-Drive 6-speed automatic or SKYACTIV-MT 6-speed manual transmission. The engine boasts 96kW and 150Nm of torque, the new MX-5 weighs in from 1009kg, a reduction of 91kg over the outgoing 2.0-litre car and close to the 950kg weight of the NA and significantly lighter than its opposition in the Toyota 86 and Nissan 370z.  Only the Lotus range gets close with the Elise and Exige.

The new MX-5 will be priced from $31,990 (+ORC) when it goes on-sale in Australia mid-August.