Mazda MX5 Review

The Mazda MX5 is officially the world’s most popular open-top sportscar. A genuine icon, the MX5 fuses Mazda’s fresh and modern design with traditional sportscar values to deliver the best driving experience in its class.

The Mazda MX5 is available with two engines, either a 124hp 1.8-litre mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, or a 158hp 2.0-litre connected to a snappy six-speed manual (with Mazda’s six-speed paddle shift automatic also offered on the PowerShift variant). In 2.0-litre Sport Tech tune the MX5 also gets Bilstein sports suspension delivering even more agility and performance.

With the Japanese engineers calling upon Mazda’s rich sportscar heritage, the MX5 is a joy to drive. Thanks to close attention to detail and low weight, the MX-5 is one of the lightest two-seater roadsters on the market, helping to reduce CO2 emissions to as low as 167g/km and increase fuel economy to as much as 40mpg. The Mazda MX5 is highly efficient.

The MX5 is practical for a two-seater sportscar too. It has a classic folding soft-top but, uniquely, also offers a power folding retractable hardtop Roadster Coupe alternative. This is as strong and light as possible, collapsing completely in just 12 seconds. Unlike any other car though, the roof is stowed between the cabin and the boot ensuring the full 150 litre boot capacity is always accessible and available.

Inside, chrome highlights around the cabin and air conditioning as standard make the MX5 a sumptuous place to sit – and with a Bose premium sound system and integrated Bluetooth connectivity as options, the MX5 has plenty of kit on offer to match all the performance.

Standard-fit Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Mazda’s Traction Control System (TCS) ensures the MX5 is safe to drive. With all the power from the spirited engines and a limited slip-diff on SE and Sport Tech models for drivers who are serious about driving, it’s reassuring to know Mazda’s superb safety systems are there to offer a hand. A standard alarm and immobiliser on all models also ensures there are no worries about security with the MX5 either.