The diminutive MX-5 roadster has been topping the sales charts of its class for 20 years now. All-round champion in the driving enjoyment department, the MX-5 never really had to worry about the competition.
The other automakers have been trying as best they can to emulate this successful little four-wheeled gem, but to no avail. The last attempts were the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky. But to ensure GM’s future the two models got the axe after just three years of existence.
A birthday present
For the MX-5s birthday Mazda is treating it to a light rejuvenation and an extra dose of standard equipment. It now fits better with the rest of the line-up, thanks to its better defined profile. Essentially, the fog-lights are sharper, the grille is framed with chrome and the taillights have been reworked.
The MX-5 has kept its dimensions and is just as lovely as before. The hard retractable top, an often disfiguring feature, in no way alters the car’s profile when in place. It only adds an extra 36 kg to the car’s total weight compared to the soft top versions.
My GT model is at the top of the hierarchy with its standard 17-inch wheels and bi-xenon lighting. It’s also worth mentioning that the side air bags are standard on all variants for increased safety.
A gift you give yourself
The interior of the MX-5 is a nice exercise in soberness. It is well assembled with a quality finish. The GT version boasts pretty much all the options, including leather seats. This comfort enhancing feature nonetheless has a downside: when the seats are pushed back as far as they can go, the seat backs rub against the panels behind them and squeak at the slightest movement.
Thankfully, the driving position is perfect and the seats are comfortable and formfitting. You’re certainly sitting lower compared to anything else the industry has to offer, but that’s all part of the car’s charm.
The MX-5 is truly a gift you give yourself, but ideally you should have another car parked in the driveway for everyday use. Practicality isn’t its strong suit, let’s put it that way. The engineers don’t seem to have made the most of the available interior space. What’s more, its winter going capacities are nil because of minimal ground clearance and a general feeling of fragility.
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| For the MX-5s birthday Mazda is treating it to a light rejuvenation and an extra dose of standard equipment. |
The other automakers have been trying as best they can to emulate this successful little four-wheeled gem, but to no avail. The last attempts were the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky. But to ensure GM’s future the two models got the axe after just three years of existence.
A birthday present
For the MX-5s birthday Mazda is treating it to a light rejuvenation and an extra dose of standard equipment. It now fits better with the rest of the line-up, thanks to its better defined profile. Essentially, the fog-lights are sharper, the grille is framed with chrome and the taillights have been reworked.
The MX-5 has kept its dimensions and is just as lovely as before. The hard retractable top, an often disfiguring feature, in no way alters the car’s profile when in place. It only adds an extra 36 kg to the car’s total weight compared to the soft top versions.
My GT model is at the top of the hierarchy with its standard 17-inch wheels and bi-xenon lighting. It’s also worth mentioning that the side air bags are standard on all variants for increased safety.
A gift you give yourself
The interior of the MX-5 is a nice exercise in soberness. It is well assembled with a quality finish. The GT version boasts pretty much all the options, including leather seats. This comfort enhancing feature nonetheless has a downside: when the seats are pushed back as far as they can go, the seat backs rub against the panels behind them and squeak at the slightest movement.
Thankfully, the driving position is perfect and the seats are comfortable and formfitting. You’re certainly sitting lower compared to anything else the industry has to offer, but that’s all part of the car’s charm.
The MX-5 is truly a gift you give yourself, but ideally you should have another car parked in the driveway for everyday use. Practicality isn’t its strong suit, let’s put it that way. The engineers don’t seem to have made the most of the available interior space. What’s more, its winter going capacities are nil because of minimal ground clearance and a general feeling of fragility.
 |
| The driving position is perfect and the seats are comfortable and formfitting. |