Name: New Mazda MX-5 models and Specifications
Brand: Mazda

15-132-prime-line-2dr

An enjoyably revvy 130bhp 1.5-litre non-turbo engine that'll suit those who are more interested in cruising or want the cheapest running costs. The 0-62mph time is a reasonably nippy 8.3 seconds yet official economy is in the mid-forties. It’s the pick of the line-up because it’s a fair bit cheaper than the 2.0-litre, and although it's not lightning quick, there’s plenty of fun to be had in driving it hard. Only available with Prime-Line and Exclusive-Line trims.

1.5 [132]

If your budget can stretch to it, this 2.0-litre engine ups power to a healthier 181bhp and drops the 0-62mph time down to just 6.5sec. That’s some way off pricier and more potent rivals, yet the engine is a joy to rev out and it's just about fast enough to be exciting. Despite that, it’s still capable of over 40mpg both in official figures and the real world. It’s only available in Exclusive-Line and Homura trims.

2.0 [184]

Available with either the 1.5 or 2.0-litre engines, Exclusive-Line offers the best value because you get useful extras such as rear parking sensors, automatic wipers, auto high-beam assist, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, and automatic emergency braking. You also get leather trim and an uprated Bose sound system.

Exclusive-Line

This is the range-topping MX-5 that comes exclusively with the larger 2.0-litre engine, and replaces GT-Sport Tech. It differs from the rest of the range because it has 17in BBS alloy wheels, red Brembo brake calipers, and a light stone interior. All those things are nice, but not necessarily worth it over a 2.0-litre Exclusive-Line trim.

Homura

Entry-level Prime-Line has everything you’d need, including the all-important heated seats necessary for driving with the roof down in cold weather. You also get sat-nav as standard, along with cruise control and 16in alloy wheels.

Prime-Line

Sports

Mazda can be summed up in a single word: bold. Not only do its cars generally look like nothing else on the market, but it’s also invested heavily in innovative engine technology.

So, while many car makers have moved to smaller turbocharged engines, Mazda instead offers larger motors that are still efficient. For example, the entry-level petrol option in the Mazda 3 is a 2.0-litre unit –&nbsp;far larger than what you’ll find in most rivals – but it remains very clean.

Highlights of Mazda’s line-up include the MX-5 sports car, which has won our Convertible of the Year Award multiple times, and the CX-5 large SUV, which was named as our inaugural best car for dog owners.

MAZDA

MX-5

2.0 [184] Homura 2dr

20-184-homura-2dr

1.5 [132] Prime-Line 2dr

1.5 [132] Exclusive-Line 2dr

15-132-exclusive-line-2dr

2.0 [184] Exclusive-Line 2dr

20-184-exclusive-line-2dr

Mazda MX-5

The MX-5's boot is unaffected by the roof’s position, so you can drive with the top down and still have a reasonable amount of luggage space. The soft-top Roadster version has 130 litres of boot space, while the RF has 127 litres because it loses a bit of space to the complex folding metal roof.

The high sill and restrictive oval-shaped opening makes loading chunky items a pain, but it's big enough to take a couple of carry-on suitcases.

Your golf clubs will need to go inside the car taking the place of your passenger. Alternatively, you’ll want to look at the Z4, which offers more than double the capacity.

<h2 dir="ltr">Practicality overview</h2>

Strengths: Boot space unaffected by roof positioning

Weaknesses: A bit of a squeeze for taller occupants; lack of storage space

Considering the MX-5 is a relatively inexpensive car, its interior looks commendably smart. There’s a good array of soft textures and a metal-effect trim that adds to its visual appeal, helping to disguise an interior predominantly put together with hard-touch plastics.

Ultimately, a Z4 has a far greater spread of squishy plastics, while the Porsche 718 Boxster is in a different league entirely.

The well-damped switches and stalks do give you the feeling this is at least a well screwed together interior, though.

<h2 dir="ltr">Interior overview</h2>

Strengths Easy to use infotainment system; smart interior

Weaknesses Seats could be more supportive; infotainment screen could be bigger; taller drivers might struggle with the driving position

Introduction

Performance & drive

Interior

Passenger & boot space

Costs & verdict

The Mazda MX-5's driving seat is mounted fairly high, and&nbsp;while you can tilt the base, you can’t adjust the height, so you might feel a little perched behind the wheel.

The driver’s seat in the RF doesn’t go as far back or recline quite as much as it does in the Roadster, but in both you sit with your legs straight out forwards as if you were in a go-kart, with your posterior close to the road. Many will undoubtedly like that set-up, but getting in and out can be a touch, er, inelegant.

The steering wheel adjusts for reach and rake, but taller drivers might wish it came towards them a little more. It's also worth mentioning that the pedals are slightly offset to the right.

All but the tallest drivers will be able to get comfortable in the snug seat, so long journeys won't be a chore – although the BMW Z4 is better for long-distance comfort.

The MX-5's stubby, high-set gear lever is in just the right place, and there’s a well-placed padded central armrest and a sensible dashboard layout that’s easy to use.

OUR PICK

Fuel 

Gearbox

0-62 MPH

http://example.com

15-132

20-184

The MX-5's entry-level Prime-Line trim comes well equipped, with goodies such as climate and cruise control, 16in alloy wheels, heated seats and a touchscreen infotainment system.

Exclusive-Line trim – which is our pick of the range – adds extras such as keyless entry, leather seats and some additional safety kit. It's worth noting that 2.0-litre Exclusive-Line cars add 17in alloys, adaptive LED headlights, a number of suspension upgrades and a limited-slip differential (LSD) over 1.5-litre cars.

Top-spec Homura is only available with the 2.0-litre engine but adds cosmetic tweaks, including BBS alloy wheels, red brake calipers and Nappa leather seats. It’s quite a bit more expensive than our chosen version&nbsp;but still won’t cost you as nearly much as the entry-level Z4.

The Mazda MX-5 is one of the best loved and most recognisable sports cars you can buy, with millions of fans around the world and a string of awards to its name.

You can choose between a regular soft-top model, the MX-5 Roadster, for care-free fun in the sun, or the MX-5 RF (Retractable Fastback), which has a folding metal roof for added security. This review covers both body styles.

Mazda launched the first-generation MX-5 more than 30 years ago, with a focus on plastering a big silly grin on your face. It has earned its stripes as a "fun car"&nbsp;since then, and the current MX-5 sticks with all the essential elements that have made it such a hit, including the lowest price in its class.

The thing is, a lot has changed since the first MX-5, so how does it stack up against the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/sports-cars/n24412">best sports cars</a>,&nbsp;including the light and lithe <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/alpine/a110/coupe/review/n185">Alpine A110</a>, the formidable <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/porsche/911/coupe/review/n98">Porsche 911</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;the MX-5 convertible’s closest rival, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/z4/sports/review/n64">BMW Z4</a>?&nbsp;

Read on to find out whether the Mazda MX-5 is the right car for you...

The Mazda MX-5 is small&nbsp;and feels it inside. The driver sits in&nbsp;close proximity to their passenger and can touch their door without stretching.

Taller drivers might feel that leg room is tight, too, especially in the RF version that has an altered rear bulkhead to accommodate the folding metal roof. It means you can’t slide or recline the seats quite as much as in the regular MX-5, so those over six feet tall need to try both before they buy.

You’ll feel the roof being close to your head with the roof closed in either version, so if you're quite big, we’d recommend looking at the larger BMW Z4.

Storage space is at a premium, and there are no door bins. You can stow smaller items (such as keys) in the shallow central armrest cubby or on a small tray at the base of the dash. You do get two removable cupholders that can each take a large coffee, though.

The MX-5's lightness helps to make it feel nimble, while the steering's accuracy gives you the confidence to sweep the nose from one corner to the next with enthusiasm.

You can sense the RF’s additional 45kg over the regular version when pressing on, otherwise it doesn’t affect the handling too much in everyday driving. In addition, the rear-wheel-drive set-up makes it feel more balanced than most similarly priced front-wheel-drive&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/hot-hatches/n17005">hot hatches</a>.

The soft suspension of the 1.5-litre models does mean they suffer from quite a lot of body lean in corners. The stiffer suspension of the 2.0-litre versions keeps body lean under tighter control and makes them feel keener to turn in to corners.

The stiffer suspension of the 2.0-litre versions keeps body lean under tighter control and makes them feel keener to turn in to corners. That’s helped further by a limited-slip differential, which aims to give greater traction out of corners.

The MX-5 is no <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/porsche/boxster/sports/review/n27">Porsche 718 Boxster</a> but we think it'll put a bigger grin on your face than the BMW Z4.

Every MX-5 gets a smart 8.8in touchscreen with wireless <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/what-is-apple-carplay/n1193">Apple CarPlay</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/what-is-android-auto/n1194">Android Auto</a> smartphone mirroring, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-sat-nav-apps/n24915">sat-nav</a>, DAB radio and Bluetooth connectivity.

The display is clear and the system is far easier to use than the touchscreens in some rivals because you get a physical rotary dial and shortcut buttons.

The Bluetooth function works well and you can hold a hands-free phone conversation at motorway speeds with the roof down if you raise your voice a touch. You get two USB-C connectors at the base of the dash, next to a cubby designed to take a mobile phone, although larger devices can get in the way of the gear lever.

All models except entry-level Prime-Line get a punchy nine-speaker Bose sound system. The Z4’s infotainment system is better still, but the MX-5’s system is easier to use than almost every other rival, including <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/porsche">Porsche models</a>.

You might be surprised to see a three-star result here, but it’s all a case of context. After all, the Mazda MX-5 occupies the same class as brutally powerful beasts including the Porsche 911.

In such company, the 130bhp 1.5-litre MX-5, which covers 0-62mph in 8.3 seconds, seems rather tame. That’s especially true of the RF, which due to its heavier roof arrangement takes a little longer to 62mph at 8.7 seconds.

We still recommend the 1.5, because it provides lively performance for the cost, but we can understand you plumping for the 2.0-litre. With 181bhp, it provides more mid-range punch and a far more enthusiastic top end, and drops the soft-top version's 0-62mph time to 6.5 seconds.&nbsp;

That can't match the Alpine A110 but is a&nbsp;bit quicker than the entry-level <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/z4/sports/review/n64">BMW Z4</a>. The hard-top RF takes 6.8 seconds or 7.9 seconds when fitted with an <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/automatic-gearboxes-everything-you-need-to-know/n17022">automatic gearbox</a> so it will have a hard time outpacing the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/hot-hatches/n17005">best hot hatches</a>.

The much-loved MX-5 sports car is great to drive and doesn't cost a fortune

The MX-5 is strictly a two-seater, with no usable rear passenger seats. For that, you’ll need to look at a four-seater convertible – the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/4-series/sports/review/n173">BMW 4 Series Convertible</a> for example.

There's a square glovebox-sized cubby between the seats, with enough space for the service manual and maybe a small packed lunch.

Noise levels with the soft or hard-top roof up are acceptable for a sports car but there’s still a fair bit of wind and tyre noise at motorway speeds. As you might expect, with the roof down, the convertible is a little blustery, but it’s the RF’s redesigned roof that’s the problem, scooping more air into the interior.&nbsp;

Both engines can be quite loud at idle on a cold start, but deliver a throaty rasp when driven enthusiastically, so it's a hoot to rev them out.

The manual gearbox, with its short, precise shift pattern, adds another joyful facet to the driving experience and is arguably one of the best in the business. The optional automatic (on the 2.0-litre RF) is smooth but nowhere near as involving, and takes some fun out of the MX-5.

You will experience some engine vibrations coming through the steering wheel and pedals when the engine is at very low or high revs. They're more of a background issue than a constant pain, but the Z4 is more refined.

<h2 dir="ltr">Driving overview</h2>

Strengths Lively engines; agile handling; manual gearbox is joyful to use; forgiving ride comfort

Weaknesses Automatic gearbox dampens performance; heavier RF isn’t quite as balanced; noisy on motorways

In our 2023 <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/2022-what-car-reliability-survey/n23397">What Car? Reliability Survey</a>, the MX-5 finished towards the middle of the sports car category, sitting above the Porsche 911 and BMW 4 Series Convertible&nbsp;but below the Porsche 718 Boxster.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/make/mazda">Mazda</a> as a brand performed fairly well as a manufacturer, placing 13th out of the 32 included car makers. That places it way below Mini and one place below BMW, but above Porsche.&nbsp;

The MX-5 comes with a three-year, 60,000-mile warranty. That can be extended at extra cost with the option of European roadside assistance.

The 1.5-litre version is softly sprung and proves relatively comfortable over most road surfaces, despite its low-slung appearance. It’ll cope easily with speed bumps and isn't too unsettled by awkward road cambers.

The 2.0-litre models get firmer sports suspension for a more focused handling set-up, along with bigger (17in) alloy wheels. You’ll notice rough surfaces and expansion joints more, but not uncomfortably so.

The Mazda MX-5 is the only two-seat sports car you can buy new at this price level, especially if you go for the 1.5-litre models. That said, even the 2.0-litre versions are way cheaper than bigger and more powerful rivals, costing significantly less than an entry-level BMW Z4.

The MX-5 is predicted to depreciate faster than most of its rivals, but when you combine the low CO2 output and cheaper list price, it’ll still cost less in tax as a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-company-cars/n22605">company car</a>. You can find the latest offers on our <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals">New Car Deals pages</a>.

Whichever engine you go for, the MX-5 is very cheap to run by sports car standards. It's a relatively light car, and both the petrol engines are fairly efficient, managing more than 40mpg in WLTP tests and our own real-world testing. In our <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/truempg/mpg-calculator">True MPG tests</a> the 2.0-litre returned an impressive 45.1mpg, which is even better than the official figure.

PCP deals can prove tempting and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/make/mazda">Mazda</a> often offers interest-free finance and cheap monthly payments, although they can be dependent on you making a hefty initial deposit.

The testers at <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/the-safest-cars-on-sale-today/n19724">Euro NCAP</a> gave the MX-5 four stars out of five for safety in 2015, but that has since expired. The Z4 was tested in more stringent tests in 2019, making it hard to directly compare the two, but with a score of five stars it’s likely to be a safer car.

One reason the MX-5 scored four rather than five stars&nbsp;was that automatic emergency braking (<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/what-is-aeb-and-how-does-it-work/n3283">AEB</a>) is not standard across the range, but it’s actually only entry-level Prime-Line trim that goes without it. All other versions do have AEB, along with lane-departure warning and traffic-sign monitoring.

Additional standard safety equipment on all models includes roll bars, stability control, four airbags and an Isofix child seat mounting point, along with a bonnet that springs up to help reduce the severity of pedestrian injuries in an impact.

There’s an alarm and engine immobiliser as standard, and Thatcham Research gave the car a maximum five stars for resisting being stolen, with four stars for resistance to being broken into.

<h2 dir="ltr">Costs overview</h2>

Strengths Well equipped; plenty of trim levels; strong fuel economy

Weaknesses Entry-level trim misses out on important safety kit

For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter <a href="https://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html">here</a>

The passenger seat has a lever to control the backrest angle and slide it forwards and backwards. You can't&nbsp;get height or lumbar adjustment, or electrically adjustable seats on any trim level.

prime-line

exclusive-line

homura

The Mazda MX-5 Roadster and MX-5 RF with the 1.5-litre engine and Exclusive-Line trim are terrific two-seaters for those that don’t want to spend a fortune. They're not as fast as more expensive sports cars, but with free-revving engines, a sweet gearbox and nimble handling, they’re well worth considering.

The MX-5 provides its driver with clear forward visibility. Looking down the sloping bonnet gives you a real sports car feeling and the windscreen pillars don’t obscure your view at junctions and roundabouts.

With the roof up, the view back towards the rear corners of the car is poor and the rear window is tiny. What’s more, the RF has an over-the-shoulder obstruction when the roof is down because of its rear buttress.

To make parking easier, rear parking sensors are standard across the range, while all 2.0-litre models also get a reversing camera.&nbsp;

All trims get LED headlights, that provide great illumination at night, and rain sensing windscreen wipers. Exclusive-Line also adds an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, which is particularly handy in a low-slung car that sits the driver in line with the headlights of most other cars.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Ride comfort shouldn’t be sacrificed at the altar of handling sharpness</li> <li>Plenty of power from a melodic engine</li> <li>Handling that doesn’t come at the expense of a back-breaking ride​​​​​</li> <li> Practicality is not essential but nice to have </li></ul>

Driving fun is right at the top of any sports car buyer's priority list, and every one of our award candidates has backroad entertainment coded into its DNA.

What we're looking for:<ul><li>Wind-in-the-hair excitement</li> <li>Roof that’s quick and easy to raise and lower</li> <li>Comfortable seating for four adults</li> <li>Sufficient practicality for everyday use</li> <li>Little wind buffeting</li> <li>Quietness, whether the roof is up or down</li> <li>Minimal shaking and shimmying over bumps</li></ul>

Despite the British weather, UK car buyers are among the biggest enthusiasts for wind-in-your-hair motoring, so convertibles have always been surprisingly popular here. It’s best to be able to react to the fickle climate, though, so a roof that opens (and closes) quickly is every bit as important as good top-down cruising refinement.

There are precious few bespoke drop-tops these days, so your choice of models is generally limited to soft-top versions of existing models. But there are still some fantastic options out there.

Convertible

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Strong performance</li> <li>Good balance between ride and handling</li> <li>Excellent build quality</li> <li>Decent practicality</li> <li>Sophisticated interior</li></ul>

Coupés are all about style, but while practicality undoubtedly takes a back seat to aesthetics, these cars still need to be easy to live with on a daily basis. It’s this that distinguishes a coupé from an out-and-out sports car.

Fortunately, there’s a wide range of style-focused models available, and you don’t even need to spend silly money to buy or run one.

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