Mazda has given its facelifted MX-5 new headlights, new front bumper, stronger body, six-speed gearbox and more oomph. It has improved the high-back seats and spruced up the instrument panel and stereo system. The 1.8-litre engine makes better use of its 118kW and 170Nm of pulling power thanks to a new valve-timing system. The car will be on show at Big Boys' Toys next month.
Knives are out
They are calling Honda New Zealand's restructuring the night of the long knives. The company is to ditch four of its six Auckland operations: the Honda NZ-owned Manukau and New Lynn outlets and the independents Percy Honda and Fahey Honda. Also losing the right to sell new Hondas are dealers in Riccarton and Lower Hutt. Honda NZ spokesman Graeme Seymour told Autocar magazine that the changes were aimed at creating a "multi-channel sales network more in keeping with the new age of e-commerce." But the industry was buzzing this week with talk that the changes have more to do with increasing sales and internet investment in Honda's multimillion-dollar dealership in Newmarket. The loss of the six outlets reduces Honda's dealerships in New Zealand to 30.
Field of opportunity
Turners Auctions sold a record 61,919 vehicles in the 1999/2000 financial year, up 5 per cent on the 58,970 sold in 1998/99. Now the company is to expand. Managing director Donald Turner told industry newsletter Autofile that its branches in Wellington and Christchurch would be relocated to a "greenfields super-site."
Cliff-top debut
Even a long-time Wellingtonian hadn't heard of it. It's called Boomrock and it's an isolated business retreat perched on a cliff overlooking the Tasman Sea 35 minutes by car from Wellington Airport. DaimlerChrysler launched the C-Class Mercedes-Benz there this week (see main story). Boomrock is part of Papanui Station, a 1295ha sheep and cattle property. To get there, head up the Ohariu Valley from Johnsonville. It got its name from the sound of waves breaking over rocks on the beach below - not from the noise that rally champion Joe McAndrew makes when he gives guests a 135 km/h blast on the property's private metal roads.
Remember Paris?
The original 1957 Lotus Seven stirs the souls of motorsport fans. So does the replica built by a German specialist, says Auto, Motor and Sport. Tonight's Triangle Television show (8.30) looks at a copy of the historic car, called the RCB 77. The programme also looks back on the Paris Motor Show, compares the Holden Astra coupe with the Toyota Celica, tests Audi's latest diesel car - and gets involved in the rough-and-tumble world of autocross.
We are the world
* A New Yorker called Barry Prior accepted a $200 bet to run naked across Brooklyn Bridge singing Beautiful Morning. Prior was knocked down and killed.
* A Reliant Robin three-wheeler was spotted in London sporting the bumper sticker: "Get any closer and you'll need a condom."
Mazda makeover
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