3- 2012 Mazda MX-5 SV
This simple car gets us every time. It's the least powerful, very unassuming, most relaxed and jovial of the test and yet its diminutive stature and good-natured soul hide a most capable, nearly track-ready chassis.
The MX-5 is a possum in koala's clothing; but not just any koala, a feisty and athletic one. The car's 167 hp 2.0L engine has only to deal with 1,182 kg (2,600 lb) so saying that it's sluggish would be an all-out lie. The 2012 Mazda MX-5 is not fast, but is certainly quick enough for excellent times around the track.
So quick in fact that some of the testers managed their best lap times in the MX-5. The first and possibly most exploitable part of the car is its steering. Turn in is the sharpest of the lot, or better explained, the most immediate. Nearly all of us, as we rolled onto the track with the MX-5, found ourselves turning in too early towards the first corner.
Next up is the transmission. Clutch action is progressive and the shifter's short throws and playful gate beg the driver to swap cogs non-stop. Pushing the buzzy engine to redline is always rewarding, never scary, and always exciting.
The biggest letdown here is the MX-5's overly soft suspension. Body roll is pronounced and largely unpleasant, but at the same time serves as a clear indicator of what the car's weight transfers are up to. This is where the car falls behind.
Sadly, the tested SV makes do without a standard on GS and GT models: Bilstein shocks and sport suspension. This could have made a huge difference, but probably not enough to change the Mazda's Comparo 2.0 classification.
This car's fun-factor is superior to all. The snug cabin, ideal piloting position and tight seats hold the driver well in place. Driving hard is easy and can be done all day in the MX-5.
This simple car gets us every time. It's the least powerful, very unassuming, most relaxed and jovial of the test and yet its diminutive stature and good-natured soul hide a most capable, nearly track-ready chassis.
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| Photo: Sébastien D'Amour |
The MX-5 is a possum in koala's clothing; but not just any koala, a feisty and athletic one. The car's 167 hp 2.0L engine has only to deal with 1,182 kg (2,600 lb) so saying that it's sluggish would be an all-out lie. The 2012 Mazda MX-5 is not fast, but is certainly quick enough for excellent times around the track.
So quick in fact that some of the testers managed their best lap times in the MX-5. The first and possibly most exploitable part of the car is its steering. Turn in is the sharpest of the lot, or better explained, the most immediate. Nearly all of us, as we rolled onto the track with the MX-5, found ourselves turning in too early towards the first corner.
Next up is the transmission. Clutch action is progressive and the shifter's short throws and playful gate beg the driver to swap cogs non-stop. Pushing the buzzy engine to redline is always rewarding, never scary, and always exciting.
The biggest letdown here is the MX-5's overly soft suspension. Body roll is pronounced and largely unpleasant, but at the same time serves as a clear indicator of what the car's weight transfers are up to. This is where the car falls behind.
Sadly, the tested SV makes do without a standard on GS and GT models: Bilstein shocks and sport suspension. This could have made a huge difference, but probably not enough to change the Mazda's Comparo 2.0 classification.
This car's fun-factor is superior to all. The snug cabin, ideal piloting position and tight seats hold the driver well in place. Driving hard is easy and can be done all day in the MX-5.
 |
| Photo: Olivier Delorme |