Skip advert
Advertisement

BBR Super 175 - Third-gen MX-5 1.8 gets welcome power boost

Oft-overlooked 1.8-litre MX-5 now makes almost 100bhp per litre

The third-generation Mazda MX-5 1.8 was something of an underdog even before the new fourth-generation MX-5 came along with better looks and a lighter chassis.

Now, Brackley-based BBR has extended its tuning expertise to the less powerful of the “NC” MX-5s with a new Super 175 package.

Alterations follow a similar theme to that of both the newer MX-5s and BBR’s existing Super 200 package for the third-generation 2-litre cars.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Pleasingly, it’s almost all “old-school” tuning methods owing to the car’s naturally-aspirated engine. It starts with a pair of camshafts with different timing and lift profiles to the standard car, helping increase both the spread of power and the peak output. Breathing is further enhanced with a new panel air filter and a 4-into-1 tubular exhaust manifold, while an ECU upgrade manages the alterations wrought by the physical changes.

The result is not just a peak output of 175bhp at 7300rpm compared to an official 124bhp at 6500rpm from the standard 1.8 - a 51bhp gain, or 39bhp as measured on BBR’s dyno. Torque too has increased to 143lb ft (from 123lb ft), but BBR also claims significant power gains from 3000rpm, so it’s not all about top-end power.

The standard exhaust system has been retained to the benefit of long-distance comfort and subtlety, but a pair of tailpipe trims allow it to stand out a little more than the regular car, while a small spoiler and BBR badging are equally low-key.

> Also read: Mazda MX-5 review

Pricing starts at £1914 (including VAT) if you’re prepared to fit everything yourself, or £2394 for a drive-in drive-out installation. BBR can also offer chassis upgrades for those wishing for a sharper drive as well as more performance.

Best of all, it’s possible to find early 1.8-litre MX-5s for as little as £3000 in the classifieds, so a tidy one of those would make a great basis for a fairly rapid, inexpensive sports car.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Morgan Supersport revealed – Malvern wants you to swap in your Porsche Cayman
2025 Morgan Supersport – front
News

Morgan Supersport revealed – Malvern wants you to swap in your Porsche Cayman

Morgan got carried away in the process of replacing the Plus Six and ended up with a new flagship. Morgan’s next decade starts here, with the Superspo…
11 Mar 2025
Kalmar RS-6 2025 review – a Porsche 911 restomod that doesn’t cost the earth
Kalmar RS-6 – front
Reviews

Kalmar RS-6 2025 review – a Porsche 911 restomod that doesn’t cost the earth

Kalmar has created a 996-based safari car for £60k – it’s a 911 Dakar for a third of the price
11 Mar 2025
Alpine A290 v Alpine A110 – how much DNA do they really share?
Alpine A290 v Alpine A110
Group tests

Alpine A290 v Alpine A110 – how much DNA do they really share?

Alpine would like us to believe that the A290 shares much of the same DNA that makes the A110 a great driver’s car. Time to put that claim to the test
8 Mar 2025
Used BMW M2 CS (F87, 2020 - 2021) review and specs – Munich's Porsche Cayman GT4 fighter
BMW M2 CS
Reviews

Used BMW M2 CS (F87, 2020 - 2021) review and specs – Munich's Porsche Cayman GT4 fighter

A hugely enjoyable and rewarding M car to drive, the F87 BMW M2 CS is an eCoty champion and a sure-fire future classic
7 Mar 2025
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

​Best hot hatchbacks 2025 – from grassroots greats to supercar slayers
Best hot hatchbacks 2025
Best cars

​Best hot hatchbacks 2025 – from grassroots greats to supercar slayers

Contracted though the hot hatch market may be, there are still some great models out there, from the electric Alpine A290 to the five-cylinder Audi RS…
10 Mar 2025
Used Honda Civic Type R (EP3, 2001 – 2005) review, specs and buying guide
Honda Civic Type R icon – tracking
Reviews

Used Honda Civic Type R (EP3, 2001 – 2005) review, specs and buying guide

The early noughties Civic overcame opinion-dividing looks and flawed dynamics to become a legend in its own lifetime. To rev it is to love it
7 Mar 2025
Used Porsche 911 GT3 (991, 2013 - 2019) review, specs and buying guide
Porsche 911 GT3 (991) front
Reviews

Used Porsche 911 GT3 (991, 2013 - 2019) review, specs and buying guide

The 991-generation GT3 brought massive changes for the GT3 bloodline as a whole, for better and worse
6 Mar 2025