Mazda MX-5 Convertible Review

Design and Engineering

Design and Engineering

 Good

This third generation MX-5 was launched here in late 2005, however the mid life facelift from March 2009 sees the addition of a large cheeky, smiling front grille (flanked by triangular fog light housings), sexy side sills and a massaged rear end (nicer rear bumper and new tail-lights). Underneath, the suspension has been retuned, as has the steering and the basic body is even stiffer than before. As previously, the MX-5 retains a perfect 50 / 50 front to rear weight distribution. The new hardtop roof (Roadster Coupe grade) opens or closes at the push of a button (plus the manual unclipping of a lever) in an impressive 12 seconds, adds only a low 37kgs to the MX-5’s weight and creates a quieter cabin in the process. (We’re not surprised the vast majority of new MX-5’s sales go to the more livable Roadster Coupe over the soft-top grades.)
Not so good

Like every other hard top convertible in the market, the MX-5 Roadster Cope looks noticeably less sexy with the roof up (a little ‘Bubble Boy’ like), so the soft-top remains the more elegant option. The top spec Roadster Coupe features expensive BBS branded (quality stuff) alloys, however the multi spoke design is a touch too old school in our eyes.
Interior and Styling

Interior and Styling

 Good

Overall the latest MX-5 is quieter, refined and more comfortable than before. Extra lashings of silver trim on the dash help brighten the interior (most noticeable when the roofs up) and softer touch plastics on the centre console are more comfortable for an elbow to rest. Standard goodies include cruise control, a six disc CD player, electric windows and mirrors, with the Touring grade adding leather trim and a 200W seven speaker Bose sound system. The 2010 update also sees the driver’s seat featuring height adjustment, something smaller types will be happy with. The MX-5 features a decent sized glovebox, useful door mounted storage nets and four cupholders (in a two seater car?!). The optional folding hard-top roof takes up no extra boot space over the soft top. The boot is deep, (helped by the fact that Mazda don’t fit a spare tyre, one is asked to make do with a puncture repair kit).
Not so good

Bigger, chunkier blokes will note legroom isn’t overly generous and headroom is also limited (with the roof up of course). They also might be more comfortable with the standard seats as the top grade features grippy Recaro’s which hold you in nice and tight. The steering adjusts for rake but not reach. The MX-5 remains cosy and intimate inside with two up (however this could also be a plus?!).
Performance

Performance

 Good

On paper the 2.0L four cylinder engine doesn’t look that impressive (producing 118kW of power and only 188Nm of torque) and misses out on turbo or supercharging, however with a low kerb weight of just over 1,100kg (entry level grade) one need not worry. On the road the MX-5 feels as smooth-spinning as ever, absolutely loves to be revved and yet by most accounts is a most reliable engine. Plus no turbo = no turbo lag, just a linear smooth transgression all the way up the rev range to it’s 7500rpm cut-off (manual gearbox), that’s 500rpm higher than previously! The six speed manual gearbox has a lovely short throw, is nice and precise (free of notch and baulk). Furthermore this MX-5 sounds better than ever, along with the facelift Mazda introduced Induction Sound Enhancer (ISE) to the MX-5 - amplifying the induction noise closer to your ears via a duct in the dashboard! And the exhaust still emits a little throaty burble.
Not so good

Compared to the standard 6 speed manual, the auto (also a 6 speed) MX-5 comes with a slightly detuned engine (power and torque remains the same, yet peak power arrives 300rpm lower). However we wouldn’t discount this option as gear shifts remain ever so smooth and the ratios are well spaced.
Ride and Handling

Ride and Handling

 Good

This is where the MX-5 truly shines. The steering feel is excellent, maybe a touch toey at straight ahead and over eager when turning into a corner (we’re being very picky) however we shouldn’t complain as overall it’s very impressive. The MX-5 is great at communicating the relationship between the front tyres and the tarmac (faithfully tracing it up through the steering wheel into the fingers of your hands). At the same time you feel equal amounts of communication sitting low down in Mazda’s comfortable bucket seats (or the tasty Recaro’s). Yet whilst this is going on, ride comfort stays impressively high.
The ride remains refined, so much so that you can travel interstate in this generation MX-5 and dismount feeling fine (something that we wouldn’t have said on the more minimalist first and second generation models). Overall, the MX-5 is a great choice for driving along a twisting road with handling that stays predictable and balanced.
Not so good

More than desired tyre noise. Yep, we’re struggling to come up with much else.
Buying and Owning

Buying and Owning

 Good

Ticks the safety box with standard dual front and side airbags and Electronic Stability Control (experienced driver’s will be glad that this and the Traction Control can be turned off at the push of a button). Whilst a Lotus Elise is unlikely to ever be a realistic daily driver, the more refined MX-5 can handle this role.
Not so good

The headlamps should be better and the MX-5 misses on out a spare tyre. Fuel consumption of 8.1L per 100kms (for both the manual and auto) isn’t bad but for such a small vehicle we’re not jumping for joy (Mazda could have fitted taller gearing which would provide a lower figure, but this would come at the expense of driver fun, which is surely the purpose of the MX-5, so we’re glad they didn’t).