To be honest, we’ve had the ST X and ST XA coilover kits for the iconic Mazda MX-5 (NA) and (NB) in our lineup for quite some time. But true Mazda MX-5 roadster fans always want more.
A small but passionate group of MX-5 fans, who occasionally give lease drivers a hard time on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, made such a buzz that we decided to go one step further. Starting now, the ST XTA coilover suspension is also available for the first two generations of the Mazda MX-5 Roadster!
Built from 1989 to 1998 with those beautiful pop-up headlights, the Mazda MX-5, also known as the Miata in North America and the Mazda Roadster or Eunos Roadster in Japan, became a true success story. In the 1990s, there was hardly a more affordable way to drive a roadster. And to be honest, nothing in that price range felt sportier: high-revving four-cylinder engines with up to 131 hp, a short wheelbase, precise steering, and a curb weight of just 1030 kilograms. Simply unbeatable.
The Mazda MX-5 (NB), built from 1998 to 2005, followed in the same footsteps. However, the second generation of Mazda’s open two-seater no longer featured pop-up headlights. Still, the MX-5 (NB) delivered just as much driving fun on country roads as its predecessor. Under the long hood, the four-cylinder engines with 1.6 and 1.8 liters of displacement produced up to 146 horsepower.
Even with the stock suspension, the original Miata handled corners well and was a blast to drive on twisty country roads. But there’s always room for improvement, and that’s where we at KW automotive come in. After all, it’s our mission to enhance every car’s driving dynamics, driving pleasure, and safety with our suspension brands.
As mentioned earlier, if you take your roadster to track days or love carving through mountain passes, you won’t recognize your MX-5 (NA) after a proper installation of the ST XTA coilover suspension. The same goes for NB models built from 1998 onward.
While the well-known ST X suspension for the Mazda MX-5 NA and NB does not feature adjustable dampers, both the already available ST XA and the new ST XTA come with rebound-adjustable dampers. The difference between these two ST coilover kits, which allow fine-tuning in the low-speed rebound range, lies in the setup: the XTA, equipped with motorsport springs, is tuned for a firmer damping characteristic. Once again, this shows our commitment to meeting the demands of the dedicated Mazda MX-5 community.
With 16-click rebound adjustment, the XTA coilover suspension allows for more direct handling on both Mazda MX-5 models. Lower rebound forces increase ride comfort at low speeds, while higher rebound forces improve handling feedback.
Adjusting or fine-tuning the factory preset setup is no big challenge. A quick tip: make sure your installer provides you with the adjustment guide that always comes with the kit. If they don’t, or if you’ve misplaced it, you can download it from us free of charge.
Just head over to the ST suspensions website, configure your Mazda MX-5 in the online shop, select the ST XTA coilover suspension, and you’ll find the instruction manual available as a free PDF download on the product detail page. By the way, the same goes for the parts certificate.
With the XTA coilover suspension, both Mazda models sit much more firmly on the road, respond far more precisely to steering input, and benefit from significantly improved grip. Compared to the stock suspension, the XTA surprises performance-oriented roadster fans with its well-balanced residual ride comfort.
There is another difference between the ST XTA and the other two ST coilover kits available for the Mazda MX-5 (NA and NB): maintenance-free uniball-mounted top mounts for the front axle struts
Due to their design, the NA and NB Mazda MX-5 models do not feature camber adjustment. For the other ST coilover kits (ST X and ST XA) available for the Mazda MX-5 (NA) and (NB) the original factory top mounts are used.
For both Mazda MX-5 models (NA and NB), the continuously adjustable lowering range is between 30 and 60 millimeters on the front and rear axles. Although the lowering range is the same, the ST coilover kits for the Mazda MX-5 (NA), produced from 1989 to 1998, and the Mazda MX-5 (NB), built from 1998 to 2005, differ in detail at the mounting points.
When ordering these made-to-order coilover kits, it is essential to pay close attention to the exact vehicle model.
The ST XTA coilover suspension for the Mazda MX-5 (Type NA) and Mazda MX-5 (Type NB) can also be ordered with a spring color other than yellow for a small additional charge. Custom spring labeling is also possible. Simply configure it directly in our online shop.
If you have any questions about the ST XTA coilover suspension for the Mazda MX-5 Type NA and Mazda MX-5 Type NB, feel free to contact our sales team. And if you’d like to learn how we develop coilover suspensions at KW automotive, check out episode 3 of our YouTube series ‘Ask the Expert’. Enjoy!
