The Mazda MX-5 is an absolute riot

What’s new?

The fourth-generation Mazda MX-5 has been with us for some time now, having first gone on sale back in 2015. Over the years since the original MX-5 was launched back in 1989, the recipe has remained largely the same: two seats, convertible roof and rear-wheel drive.

This formula has led to Mazda selling more than one million MX-5s globally, and this latest model’s looks will only continue this incredibly impressive sales success. Our test model was a top-of-the-line Sport Nav model, and made use of Mazda’s 2.0-litre, four-cylinder SkyActiv-G engine.

Looks and image

The latest Mazda MX-5 is a very pretty little car. It’s arguably the best-looking example of Mazda’s Kodo design language, and its long, sculpted bonnet and short rear end, looks every bit the sports car. To our eyes at least, it is a far more attractive car than its sister model – the Fiat 124 Spider.

Like the MX-5’s exterior, the cabin is every bit a pleasing place to sit. It’s a typical Mazda affair, with a dash-mounted infotainment system, rotary control knob on the centre console and an overall sense that everything has been put together in a fashion that will stand the test of time. Our Sport Nav model was also upholstered in tan-coloured leather, which really lent the MX-5 a more upmarket feel.

Space and practicality

As a strict two-seater sports car, the MX-5 was never going to win any awards on the practicality front. Storage space is fairly limited, and the traditional glove box has been eschewed in favour of a storage compartment in between the driver and passenger seats.

Although the convertible roof does give you the option of having an unlimited amount of headroom, you have to remember this is Britain, and that means that chances to put the roof down will be few and far between – particularly in the winter months. With the roof in place, headroom is immediately compromised, and taller passengers will likely find that the MX-5 becomes an uncomfortable place to sit.

The Mazda’s boot is also far from being capacious. At just 130 litres, there’s only just enough room for a couple of soft weekend bags, or a small weekly shop. Sports car rivals such as the Toyota GT86 and Fiat 124 Spider both offer more, with 237 litres and 140 litres respectively.

Behind the wheel

With the roof down on a sunny day, the MX-5 is tough to beat for pure driving pleasure. While it’s not especially fast in a straight line, through the corners it’s a riot. The steering is fairly light, but still communicative, and while there is a slight amount of lean through the bends, you can still point it where you want with confidence.

Mazda has also worked a trick with its six-speed manual gearbox. Its notchy, short-throw will soon have you looking for any excuse to work your way through the gears. In fact, one of the most rewarding aspects of driving the MX-5 is keeping the revs up so you can make the most of the car’s modest 158bhp power output.

Turning off the back roads and onto the motorway, the MX-5 becomes a relatively comfortable cruiser – depending on how tall you are. With the roof in place, loftier drivers and passengers likely won’t find the MX-5 a particularly pleasant place to be over longer periods of time, although the more vertically challenged buyer shouldn’t have too much cause for complaint.

On UK roads – which, let’s face it, aren’t exactly known for being meticulously maintained – the MX-5 handles itself relatively well. As its suspension set-up errs on the slightly softer side of things, it doesn’t crash too badly over uneven surfaces – although larger imperfections will send a bit of a jolt through the cabin.

Value for money

While Mazda will sell you a 1.5-litre MX-5 from as little as £18,795, a basic 2.0-litre SE-L Nav model will cost from £21,595 – however, that figure does get you the more powerful motor, and satellite navigation, DAB radio and Bluetooth connectivity as standard.

Our test car was the top-flight Sport Nav model, which costs £24,195. That extra couple of thousand pounds will get you heated seats, 17-inch gunmetal alloys, a premium Bose sound system and rear parking sensors among other features. While the Sport Nav is a fair bit more expensive than the standard 2.0-litre car, those heated seats almost justify the extra asking price all by themselves.

Who would buy one?

The MX-5 isn’t really a car that will appeal to everyone. Family buyers will steer clear, as there isn’t really room for anything other than a driver and one passenger, and younger drivers may find it a tad too expensive to be a realistic option. As a result, the MX-5 will likely appeal to people who are in the market for an incredibly fun and relatively affordable sports car – but don’t have to worry too much about whether or not it has room to take the kids to school.

FACTS AS A GLANCE

ModeL: Mazda MX-5 2.0i Sport Nav
Base price: £24,195
Engine tested: 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol
Power: 158bhp
Torque: 200Nm
Max speed: 133mph
0-60mph: 7.1 seconds
MPG: 40.9
Emissions: 161g/km