MAZDA MX5 Review

Summary:

What we like: Superb handling, Economical

What we don't like: Limited interior space

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MAZDA MX5 review in detail:

Inspired by the British roadsters of some four decades ago, the Mazda MX-5 roadster has won over legions of driving enthusiasts since its introduction in 1990. It recently ticked over its 800,000th sale and has long since become a benchmark in its class - Mazda must be doing something very right.

Although bigger than its previous generations, the latest Mazda MX5's cockpit remains a snug fit. Still, it is comfortable enough for two on a weekend getaway.

The MX-5 is so well balanced that no matter how demanding the road, it's a dream to drive hard and fast.

Mazda now offers the added convenience of a powered hardtop as well as the long-established soft-top. Due to clever design, only 38kg has been added and the added weight of the powered roof isn't really noticeable on the road. It has the the fastest folding hardtop of them all, at just 12 seconds from fully up to all the way down. There is a manual centre catch at the top of the windscreen that you have to fasten/unfasten, but after that it's fully automatic.

The engine still doesn't have a huge amount of grunt but the six-speed manual gearbox is a delightful unit, even if you have to work at the gearbox to get the best from it.

Because the MX-5 is purely a two-seater, the roof opens behind the back seat, not into the top of the boot.

You do lose some storage space behind the seats when the roof is down, but other than that the design is close to being perfect.

The MX5 a delightful instrument to play, especially with a manual gearbox. Although tuned for a smoother ride than before, the Mazda MX5 still changes direction like a roller skate and speaks to you clearly through the steering wheel and driver seat. With a lowered top and an open road, Mazda's roadster has few equals when it comes to sheer entertainment.