What a showman
As has long been the case, the MX-5 is incredibly enjoyable to put through its paces. Heel and toe shifting will become instinctive, and you’ll probably find any reason possible to downshift or accelerate.
The 167 horsepower will push heads into headrests, though MX-5 isn’t so brutally quick that it denies enjoyment in fear of a speeding ticket. Fairly short gears allow for great sounding full-throttle romps through first, second and third while staying out of demerit-point range on most highways. More sound effects, more shifting and less speeding tickets—that’s the idea.
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| Ride characteristics are solid, sporty, and tight without being jarring or uncomfortable by roadster standards. |
Sharpening a scalpel
Few could accuse the MX-5 of needing any sharpening in the handling department, but engineers have tweaked various components for even more precise and stable cornering. The steering rack is quick, and new passengers and drivers will often compare it to a go-kart.
On public roads, you'll find grip comes at a considerably higher level than you'll ever use. Pushed to the limit, MX-5 understeers slightly, while lift-off oversteer makes itself felt more as a warning and less as a threat.
Ride characteristics are solid, sporty, and tight without being jarring or uncomfortable by roadster standards. The steering wheel no longer tries to wrench out of the driver's hands over highway bumps, which is nice.
In all, as with the style and drivetrain, Mazda's just slightly bettered a very good thing here.
MX-5 gets soft inside
Same goes for the interior. Those familiar with the car will appreciate a few subtle additions, including (finally) soft leather padding on arm-rest surfaces and a splash of aluminum trim across the dashboard.
A comprehensive information centre is now mounted between the gauges, too. It includes an oil-life monitor, fuel consumption meter and thermometer—the latter representing an important addition for owners who will drive their MX-5 year-round.
Standard interior complaints arise. Space is at a premium, the car is snug-fitting, and blind-spots are enormous when the hardtop roof is up. Trunk space is somewhat limited too-- though it should accommodate a two-person weekend trip if packed carefully.
Of course, if you’re shopping for a two-seat drop-top, you already know about the limitations to cargo and passenger capacity.
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| A comprehensive information centre is now mounted between the gauges. |