WE LIKE
1. Great ride and handling
2. Smooth, sporty acceleration
3. Simple roof mechanism
WE DON'T LIKE
1. Rake-only adjustment on steering wheel
2. Wind buffeting at higher speeds
3. Lack of storage space
Back in 1989 the original Mazda MX-5 rewrote the rule book on two seat roadsters. It even earned a place in the Guinness Book of Records as the all-time top seller in the segment. The third generation MX-5's familiar styling make it instantly recognisable - but that's where the similarities over the earlier cars end. Underneath the skin it's completely fresh - bigger, more spacious, safer and featuring a far higher-quality cabin.
Taller drivers will find the cabin offers much better space compared to the cramped previous generation models. It's still a snug fit though, and the steering wheel only adjusts up and down and not in and out, which hampers the ability to get comfortable. Higher quality interior materials mean it's a far better place to spend time, while your knees will definitely thank Mazda for the removal of the cupholders in front of the gearlever. Practicality is limited by a small boot - there's barely half the luggage space you'd find in a typical family hatchback - although there are some useful cubby holes between the two seats.
The fabric roof mechanism is refreshingly easy to use - unlatch it, fling it backwards and carry on. The folding hard top is just as easy, with a button operating the system that hides the roof in a rapid 12 seconds. The only criticism that can be levelled at it is that it doesn't operate when the car is moving, as convertibles such as Audi's A3 do.
On the road MX-5 is a hoot to drive thanks to rear-wheel drive and enthusiastic engines. Some rigorous weight saving ensures that it's only fractionally heavier than the previous generation model, while high-strength steel has given it a far more sturdy bodyshell. The engine sounds great with the roof up or down and the short-throw gearlever delivers rifle-bolt accuracy.
An automatic gearbox is available for the first time on the MX5 following the facelift of the third generation of the car. Named Powershift, it is a six-speed 'box that can be operated by steering-wheel-based paddles or left to change gears itself as a standard auto. It is frustrating at times as it isn't always willing to sit in a gear, sometimes dropping down two ratios or more when the car is asked to overtake on the motorway. Its changes are smooth though and it adds a welcome extra option to the little roadster.
Ride quality is decent and handling is sublime - with plenty of grip and progressive, predictable behaviour when the limit approaches, plus the reassurance of an optional stability control system. The basic, 126 bhp 1.8 litre engine delivers decent performance, although most buyers will aspire towards the considerably more rapid 160 bhp 2.0 litre version.
Average
User reviews (10)
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GrumpyOne09 August 2009
After a year with the 2.0 folding hardtop MX-5 I can only say it has been brilliant, exceeding all my expectations, especially in the provision of comfortable open top motoring all year round. It's fast enough for the sane among us, but for me it's best burbling slowly down country lanes with my wife and I chilling out in the sunshine and enjoying the scenery. It's comfortable, even for me at 6 foot and 18 stone. Luggage space was a slight concern, but my wife reckons there is enough room in the boot to pack all two people need for a fortnight's touring holiday. At 66 I have never owned a car so well sorted. Almost totally perfect. Thank you Mazda. It's a pity that having created the template we allowed the Japs to make squillions out of it. Same with Frank Whittle and the jet engine. Why are we so abysmally stupid?
Report as inappropriateSam19 August 2009
The sentence isn't finished: (Mazda MX5 review) PERFORMANCE Decently rapid, although the 1.8 litre version can't muster much more than
Report as inappropriategoncalo821 December 2009
I have my MX5 for over a year and is brilliant the only no no is the boot space otherwise is a briliante car. Goncalo
Report as inappropriateCraig McVeigh19 July 2010
I have a Mk1 with pop up lights, 96k miles no problems, tyres, brake pads and once a broken spring only problem since 1992. The MX5 is simply the best value roadster you can buy, and its a dream to drive, utopia on wheels. It made me cry in happiness and joy once (and I'm not gay or a hairdresser lol).
Report as inappropriateDavid Inglis11 November 2010
You say twice that Mazda have got rid of the cupholders in front of the gear lever in the centre console - There were never cupholders there. the ones which they've ditched were in the doors and I have to say that since I bought my Mk3 in 2007, I've never once had any contact between my knee and the cupholder (I'm 5'10", so pretty average height).
Report as inappropriatebob16 November 2010
i have had 2 mx5s the mark2 and now the mark3 both brillant cars never had a problem with either car altra reliable fast and a joy to drive i must say the newer model is a more comftble car for me as im 6.3 i would recomend the mazda to any one.it will put a smile on your face!
Report as inappropriateAnonymous08 January 2011
The MX5 is SUCH a great RWD sports car and I want one. The Audi TT is a little dearer and Mazda beat Audi for customer service. Audis have such a heavy going image about them, and the TT is really a modified Golf, whereas the MX5 is designed and built to be a sports car from beginning to end.
Report as inappropriateTim Humphries10 March 2011
After my Renault Megane CC my new MK 3 is an absolute delight to drive, fuel pricing being the only reason to stop playing in it.
Report as inappropriateDouglas McDermott05 April 2011
This really is an excellent little sports car, that is both reasonably priced to buy (especially second hand) and affordable to run. Our 2.0i Sport Roadster Coupe is well equipped and has the superbly engineered electrically operated hard-top, along with climate control and heated leather seats. The optional Bose sound system is superb too. This is obviously not the most practical of cars, although having said that, thankfully the boot space (which is reasonably sized) is not further compromised when the roof is down. The car handles really well on 'A' roads, although the steering is very 'twitchy' on anything other than super-smooth surfaces. On the motorway it is reasonably comfortable, with the 6 speed gearbox helping to keep the engine revs down, though even then, it is still pretty noisy. The performance is very good, with an impressive compromise between speed/acceleration and economy. The build quality of the car is very good and although we have not owned our car for very long, it has so far been perfectly reliable. Overall, we are delighted with our purchase and extremely impressed with the MX-5, in just about every respect.
Report as inappropriatetonydurham16 May 2011
I've got the 2.0L Sporttech in black and absolutely love it with acceptable power and superb handling.As regards space it's a two seater sports car and not a people carrier so I don't accept the criticsm.My wife and I had a fortnight in France and it was fine.Petrol consumption isn't great but it depends how you use it. Build quality is good with nothing breaking or dropping off in the two years I have owned it.The hood is quick and easy to use and in fully waterproof as opposed to an MG Midget I owned many moons ago Overall I love the car and enjoy driving it fast where roads and conditions are suitable.
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