… Mazda MX-5 …
I’ve always liked the Mazda MX5. Admittedly the early models were a tight fit for anyone of larger than average size, but once on the move the sheer driveability and chuckability over rides any critical objections.
At one time it was referred to as the Japanese Lotus Elan, but the Mazda has carved its own niche in the small, affordable, convertible, two-seater market. Introduced in 1989 and still going strong, it has also outlasted the Lotus Elan (1962 – 1973), a tribute to Mazda’s ongoing development and refinement – not to mention the sheer driver appeal of the car.
This final evolution of the third generation is evidence of that. It is a thoroughly likeable civilised sports tourer. It’s a wee bit bigger than the original too, with its deformable front end and extended wheel arches, but looks all the better for it.
The cab is still a tight fit, but much more comfortable, although the boot will severely restrict how far you travel and how much you take with you. Even if there’s just the two of you, forget about camping holidays!
That’s not to say it’s only for those who need or want a second car. It is a perfectly usable everyday motor car as long as you don’t need to carry much to and from work, and is great for weekend trips for those who wish to travel light.
First and foremost it is for those who enjoy driving. It’s light, is rear wheel drive and has a 2 litre motor with 158 bhp. That doesn’t sound very exciting, while the nought to 62 time of 7.9 seconds won’t sizzle your socks, but it really feels much quicker than the figures suggest. That’s also down to the fact that it weighs just 1250 kgs. There is also a slightly cheaper version of the car with 126 bhp and better fuel economy, but the 2 litre job will tickle the chuckle muscles more quickly!
It’s got a short-throw six speed gearbox which is a delight to use and makes the most of the punch available. Show it a twisty road, and it feels as quick as anything, losing out only where outright speed gets a chance to drop its trousers.
The only real niggle I had concerned the steering. It felt very light, a shade too light for my liking. When I drove the car earlier last year I thought it was perfect, but here’s the thing, that car was running on Michelins, this latest one was fitted with a set of 205/45 x 17 Bridgestone Potenzas. It felt as though the tyres were over-inflated, but the pressures were spot on the recommendations so it made me wonder if the tyres would make that much difference? A back to back run would be needed to sort that out.
Having said that, once used to the lightness, the wee car could be pointed and squirted wherever the driver wished.
This car had the hardtop roof which meant it was a wee bit more civilised compared to the ragtop, but I think I would prefer the soft top as it take up less room in the boot when it is folded down and the noise differential is not that much greater. In fact, a slightly rortier exhaust note would go down well – it’s just a bit too civilised!
That’s what this car is all about, fun, and enjoying the drive. It’s not about acceleration and top speed, it’s all about agility and involvement.
Mazda reckons that the ‘Combined’ fuel consumption figure should return 36.2 mpg. I was getting 32.4! I reckon the claimed figure is actually achievable, but perhaps if Mazda made it less fun to drive I could have got nearer to the official figure!