Mazda MX-5 review

Driving position

The obvious point first - you get just two seats in the MX-5’s snug cockpit. You sit low in classic roadster style, with legs stretched out in front.

There’s actually quite a lot of space for the two occupants, considering the modest dimensions of the car.

It’s neat and well-built without being a showy prestige car. The dashboard is another link with the rest of the Mazda family, and Mazda 3 owners will feel right at home.

It’s a user-friendly, robust design. The lovely, precise six-speed manual gearbox is more popular than the slightly less economical six-speed automatic option.

If you struggle to get comfortable behind the wheel, models sold after 2018 have a more adaptable driving position as the steering column is adjustable to and fro from that point.

When shopping around, look out for the confusing list of regular ‘special editions’ of the MX-5 that come with various packages of optional extras – check they’ve got what you need.

Tech and features

All models are fairly well-loaded with equipment and luxuries. Even basic versions get electric windows, air-con and a steering wheel with multi-function controls.

Higher trims add extras like climate control and a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth and DAB radio. It’s all very easy to use.

Top-spec cars come with premium features like automatic headlights and wipers, rear parking sensors, heated leather seats, key-free operation and a superior Bose stereo.

Handling and ride comfort

It’s a sports car that suits driving enthusiasts because of its perfectly balanced, precise handling and traditional rear-wheel-drive character.

It’s an old-fashioned concept – a lightweight sports car that’s entertaining and brisk, yet not a high-performance supercar.

It’s all about the responsive nature of the controls, rather than the power of the non-turbocharged 1.5-litre or 2.0-litre petrol engines.

A stiffer sports suspension is available, though all MX-5s prove very nimble on winding country roads. The car is also comfortable and composed on motorway cruises.

Engines and power

The smaller petrol engine is fine for town driving and short journeys. The bigger, more expensive 2.0-litre unit adds a little more refinement for motorway cruises.

It also comes with a limited-slip differential, a clever mechanical link that provides slightly better cornering for the keener driver.

The fabric roof is considered one of the best because it’s quick and easy to raise and lower, and is well-insulated and resistant to leaks.

This soft-top hood can be folded away in seconds and doesn’t impact the boot space.

The RF version offers a powered folding metal roof with more weight and more security. Overall, this latest generation has more safety kit than ever before.

Boot space

This is a sports car, so there are compromises. The obvious one is that the boot is nowhere near a hatchback’s. You’ll fit in shopping and overnight cases – not golf bags.

Storage solutions

There are a few cubby holes in the cabin, and a few maps and jumpers might slip behind the seats.

One of the best optional extras to look for are the speakers mounted into the headrests that give great quality, even speeding with the roof down. It’s like wearing headphones.

Fuel economy

The latest MX-5 generation, since 2015, is the most economical yet. It compares well against any rival sports car.

The impressive official combined figures for the two different petrol engines are 41mpg and 47mpg.

All other running costs are likely to be slightly more than a normal hatchback, but a lot less than an exclusive sports or executive car.

Look for versions with the start-stop system and manual gearbox to maximise fuel economy.

Reliability

The MX-5 has had an excellent record for reliability and buyers generally rate the ownership experience highly.