There’s no need to overthink a sports car.
At the forefront, they’re about driving thrills and gigglesome fun, and few do that as well and as simplistically as the Mazda MX-5. Its small dimensions, modest weight and rear-wheel-drive dynamics are timelessly entertaining. The same can be said of the 1989 original all the way up to this current, fourth-generation car.
Let’s get specific, though, and see what makes it tick. A 1.5-litre engine opens the ‘ND’ range with a modest 129bhp for a 0-62mph time of 8.3sec. There’s also a 2.0-litre engine with 158bhp, which was upgraded to produce 181bhp in mid-2018. The latter output allows for 0-62mph in 6.5sec, although it varies depending on your particular configuration – heavier trim levels and the automatic gearbox will slow it down.
Speaking of trims, there are a fair few to choose from. Most notably towards the lower end, you have SE with 16in alloy wheels, LED headlights, air-con, a basic audio system with an aux connection and a single detachable cupholder.
Move up to SE L Nav and it gains a second cupholder for the passenger (or thirsty driver), along with heated seats, cruise control, climate control and a 7.0in infotainment screen (replacing a basic head unit) with a DAB radio, sat-nav and Bluetooth.
If you go for the 2.0-litre engine, a rear limited-slip differential that helps with traction when cornering is included, along with 17in alloys. Sport Nav trim gets you firmer sports suspension with Bilstein dampers, automatic lights and wipers, leather seats, a Bose premium stereo, rear parking sensors and lane-departure warning.
Join the debate
Add your comment
Getting too hot: In issue with the start/stop system (called i-ELOOP) on MX-5s made between 15 May 2015 and 13 April 2017 could lead to it overheating and in extreme circumstances catching fire. Ask a Mazda dealer to check whether your car is affected. If it is, you will need a technician to update its software and inspect the whole system, because certain parts might need to be replaced.
....sounds just great for a car with a supposedly reliable reputation :D
And one Autocar reader had a reliability issue with his MX-5! Can you believe it? What a stinking heap! And have you seen the prices of MX-5s these days?
It does not.
They are generally very reliable (excepting the person who comes on here to tell us that it's his worst car ever ).
The best of British tradition is more meaningless than it was when the first na models came out as small British sports cars were still well remembered, if not commonplace, then. Nowadays if anyone was asked to think of a two seat small sports car, the MX5 is probably what they would first think of.
So it's probably more accurate to refer to best of Japanese tradition now.
I still think the 1.5 is all you need performance wise for the road, it is a fair bit quicker than my '94 1.8 na which I always find quick enough for country road blasts.
30 mph in 6th is not uncomfortable.