The Mazda MX-5 delivers an abundance of driving enjoyment at a reasonable cost.
The Mazda MX-5 thrives on joy, not power. However, those seeking the car's maximum potential should act swiftly. Practicality is not its forte, but there's plenty of amusement.
Budget-friendly motoring can still be thrilling. But the Mazda MX-5 is all about driving pleasure. It's practically the only thing it offers. As one of the few major manufacturers to maintain a pure plaything, Mazda has been manufacturing the MX-5 since 1989. Over the years, numerous competitors have come and gone, but the Mazda endures, even surviving its technical twin, the Fiat 124 Spider. Its longevity isn't merely due to good genes; the car's rich heritage plays a significant role. Drawing inspiration from British roadsters, Mazda focuses on compact dimensions, lightweight structure, minimalistic design, soft top, and rear-wheel drive. While the formula may have evolved slightly, its essence remains unchanged.
Clouds rarely gather
Its charm endures. Climb into the driver's seat, fold back the soft top, ignite the four-cylinder engine, grab the thin steering wheel, and shift gears, and you'll find yourself in an immediate rapport with the car. Mazda's suspension, short wheelbase, responsive steering, and unrefined wind in your hair deliver an unforgettable driving experience.
The 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine provides ample power for tackling curvy country roads. While it may not meet the sophisticated musicality of better-endowed sports cars, its linear power delivery and satisfying revs more than compensate.
Not a vehicle for the tall or the luggage-laden
The MX-5's open-top driving experience comes with a few drawbacks. Drivers taller than 1.80 meters may find headroom limited, and cargo space is scarce, too. You'll want to travel lightly, prioritizing essentials only. Despite these compromises, the interior is well-equipped, boasting Mazda's roadster know-how – intuitive features, sleek design, and quality craftsmanship.
Mazda's recent facelift has added Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and the new "Track Mode" to the MX-5's feature set. This addition expands the driver's capability, balancing between flexibility and security. The new Track Mode is an intermediary stability control option that allows a more generous margin of error without sacrificing safety. However, to truly test its limits, a considerably aggressive driving style is required. Even then, the MX-5 maintains its likable demeanor, ensuring a joyful ride, no matter the speed.
A far cry from an everyday car
The MX-5 may not be suitable as an all-season vehicle for the entire family. Its limited cargo holding, cramped passenger footwell, and compact dimensions make it best suited for dedicated summer drives on winding roads. However, even with the roof closed, the sound insulation is less than ideal, and the ride comfort is somewhat lacking. It's all part of the MX-5's charm and obligatory compromise.
In terms of pricing, the MX-5 has become somewhat more expensive. Entry-level models starting at €33,200 in 2012 are now long gone. The current base price sits at €33,200 for the 1.5-liter, 132 hp engine, while the 2.0-liter model commands €37,800. Nevertheless, with the four-cylinder's Euro 6e emissions standard expiring this year, only the 1.5-liter engine will remain in the lineup by year's end. This may compromise some of the MX-5's sportiness, but its core principle – open-top driving pleasure – will remain indomitable.
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The Mazda MX-5 thrives on happiness, not power. However, those seeking to push the car's boundaries should do so quickly. Practicality isn't the MX-5's strong point; but there's plenty of entertainment.
Affordable pleasure can still be exhilarating. But for the Mazda MX-5, joy is a necessity. It's practically all it offers. As one of the few large-scale manufacturers capable of producing a pure pleasure car, Mazda has been manufacturing the MX-5 since 1989. Countless competitors have come and gone, but the Mazda remains, even outselling its technical twin, the Fiat 124 Spider. Its longevity isn't just due to old-fashioned looks; it's the car's significant heritage that ensures its continued existence. Drawing inspiration from British roadsters, the Mazda focuses on compact dimensions, lightweight construction, minimalist design, soft-top, and rear-wheel drive. While the formula may have evolved slightly, its purpose remains unchanged.
Sunshine rarely fades
Its allure endures. Take a seat in the driver's seat, fold down the soft top with your right hand, ignite the four-cylinder engine, grab the thin steering wheel, and shift gears, and you'll forge an immediate connection with the car. Mazda's suspension, short wheelbase, responsive steering, and unfiltered wind make for an extraordinary driving experience.
The 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine provides sufficient power to tackle curvy country roads. Although it may not compete with the sonorous melodies of powerful sports cars, the linear power delivery and satisfying revs more than compensate.
Not a ride for the extra tall or those burdened with luggage
The MX-5's open-top driving experience comes with a few trade-offs. At six feet tall, drivers may find headroom scarce, and cargo space is limited, too. Minimal travel paraphernalia and essential belongings are all that will fit. Despite these compromises, the interior impresses with Mazda's roadster expertise – intuitive features, sharp design, and craftsmanship that shines.
Mazda's facelift adds Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and the new "Track Mode" to the MX-5's arsenal. This expansion enables a more adaptive driving experience, balancing adaptability and security. The new Track Mode is an intermediary electronic stability control setting that allows a more generous margin of error without compromising safety. However, aggressive driving is required to fully test its limits. Even so, the MX-5 retains a pleasant nature, maintaining its focus on fun and enjoyment, no matter the speed.
Less than an everyday ride
The MX-5 isn't suited for all-season, family travel. The limited cargo capacity, cramped passenger footwell, and compact dimensions restrict its versatility. A dedicated summer driver, stuck to winding roads, is the MX-5's ideal niche. Nevertheless, even with the roof closed, the ride quality is somewhat beaten. This is all part of the MX-5's charm, demanding flexibility from its drivers.
The MX-5 has seen a price increase in recent years. Prices starting at €33,200 in 2012 have more than doubled. Entry-level models now command €33,200 for the 1.5-liter, 132 hp engine, while the 2.0-liter is priced at €37,800. Regretfully, due to changing emissions standards, only the 1.5-liter engine will remain in the lineup by year's end. This may dampen some of the MX-5's sportiness, but the core principle – open-top driving pleasure – remains unscathed.
The MX-5's open-top experience might be challenging for taller individuals and those carrying luggage. Its compact dimensions and limited cargo space necessitate light packing and may not cater to everybody's needs.
Nevertheless, Mazda's latest facelift of the MX-5 includes enhanced features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and the new "Track Mode," amplifying the driving experience while maintaining a balance between flexibility and security. The new Track Mode offers a more relaxed handling experience without compromising safety, offering a thrilling ride for drivers seeking to push the car's limits.
