Mazda MX-5 review
The Mazda MX-5 has become a sanctuary for anyone that savours cheap and simple, but hugely rewarding motoring.
- Cash
- £23,775
- Monthly
- £296*
- Used
- £14,248
What's good
What's not so good
Find out more about the Mazda MX-5
Is the Mazda MX-5 a good car?
While previous generations of the Mazda MX-5 had numerous alternatives to worry about, this latest car really is in a class of one, undercutting sports cars such as the upcoming BMW Z4, Audi TT Roadster and Mercedes SLC on price.
It’s available with a cloth roof that folds down manually, or with a metal roof that does so electrically – which is called the Mazda MX-5 RF. Here we’re focusing on the former.
This is the smallest Mazda MX-5 ever built – it’s 100kgs lighter than the car it replaces. Mazda’s attention to detail (when it comes to weight) makes its presence felt both on the straights and in the corners. It means the MX-5 doesn’t need super-stiff suspension to contain its lean in corners, making it more comfortable on the UK’s bumpy broken roads.
That’s also helped by its 132hp 1.5-litre engine that’s slightly smaller than the entry-level engine in the old car – allowing Mazda to sit it further behind the front wheels.
The Mazda MX-5 is a brilliant sports car. The fact it's the best-selling sports car only reinforces that claim
The larger 184hp 2.0-litre petrol offers more power and torque, but doesn’t weigh a huge amount more. Both are non-turbocharged so need to be revved hard for maximum performance, but that’s no hardship in a car that’s so enjoyable to drive quickly.
Despite its very reasonable price, the Mazda MX-5 comes well equipped – even base models get LED headlights, 16-inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning, electric windows, remote central locking, heated wing mirrors, traction control, stability control and a multitude of airbags.
This kind of simple driving enjoyment that the Mazda MX-5 provides is hard to match at any price, but the fact that it should be reliable and economical too only makes it more tempting. Assuming you only need two seats, and luggage space isn’t a priority, it seems rather difficult to find any weaknesses.
How practical is it?
The Mazda MX-5 is much more practical than you would expect of a sports car, with a reasonable boot and space for two adults – but don’t go expecting miracles
Sports cars tend to focus on the driver, and the MX-5 is no exception, but Mazda's engineers have managed to make the car work remarkably well for a couple
What's it like to drive?
The fourth generation MX-5 has undergone extensive mechanical changes to make it the finest handling version yet
There's no point beating around the bush – the MX-5 is the best car to drive for the money
What's it like inside?
As you’d expect, in a small, two-seater sports car, the driving environment is very focussed on the driver.
Mazda MX-5 colours
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- From £570
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- From £570
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- From £570
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- From £690
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- From £810
- Cash
- £23,775
- Monthly
- £296*
- Used
- £14,248
Build your own MX-5 on carwow
Save on average £1,026 off RRP
*Please contact the dealer for a personalised quote, including terms and conditions. Quote is subject to dealer requirements, including status and availability. Illustrations are based on personal contract hire, 9 month upfront fee, 48 month term and 8000 miles annually, VAT included.