Pardon? How much did you say?
Since the Mazda MX-5 is a pure sports car, it doesn't share much with other North American Mazda products, including the rear-drive platform. If you read between the lines, it basically means the car isn't cheap by today's standards.
A base MX-5 GX lists for $28,995, but our GS tester (the trim we'd recommend the most) sells for $33,495. For that extra sum, you get the aforementioned 6-speed gearbox and cloth top, a limited-slip diff, traction and stability control systems, a sportier suspension, 17" alloys, climate control, a driver's seat height adjuster, and other minor trimmings. It's worth it, especially if you're planning on driving the car year-round.
The Mazda MX-5 doesn't really have any competitors. Its closest rival is the MINI Cooper Convertible, and to a certain extent the Ford Mustang Convertible. The fact that there is nothing like it is what makes us consider the car affordable.
If you're looking for a weekend warrior, a car to enjoy blasting down deserted country roads on sunny days with, or even as a track car to do some lapping in, the Mazda MX-5 will induce many smiles. One mustn't forget, however, that this is and should remain a lightweight and lightly equipped two-passenger car with very limited versatility.
With a small clientele and few changes year after year, the MX-5 is due for a few even though it doesn't feel old. We're concerned about what the next-generation MX-5 will be like - frankly, it kind of worries us. On the other hand, if the rumours are true, this little Mazda should remain poised to see the same success it has over the past 20 years and counting.
Since the Mazda MX-5 is a pure sports car, it doesn't share much with other North American Mazda products, including the rear-drive platform. If you read between the lines, it basically means the car isn't cheap by today's standards.
A base MX-5 GX lists for $28,995, but our GS tester (the trim we'd recommend the most) sells for $33,495. For that extra sum, you get the aforementioned 6-speed gearbox and cloth top, a limited-slip diff, traction and stability control systems, a sportier suspension, 17" alloys, climate control, a driver's seat height adjuster, and other minor trimmings. It's worth it, especially if you're planning on driving the car year-round.
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| The MX-5 GS starts at $33,495. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour/Auto123.com) |
The Mazda MX-5 doesn't really have any competitors. Its closest rival is the MINI Cooper Convertible, and to a certain extent the Ford Mustang Convertible. The fact that there is nothing like it is what makes us consider the car affordable.
If you're looking for a weekend warrior, a car to enjoy blasting down deserted country roads on sunny days with, or even as a track car to do some lapping in, the Mazda MX-5 will induce many smiles. One mustn't forget, however, that this is and should remain a lightweight and lightly equipped two-passenger car with very limited versatility.
With a small clientele and few changes year after year, the MX-5 is due for a few even though it doesn't feel old. We're concerned about what the next-generation MX-5 will be like - frankly, it kind of worries us. On the other hand, if the rumours are true, this little Mazda should remain poised to see the same success it has over the past 20 years and counting.
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