Comments on: Mazda MX-5 Retro Road Test

By: John

John — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 04:50:50 +0000

Hi, I have the same 2009 auto model shown above minus the BBS wheels and recaro seats.

Anyway, I’m sick of people bagging the new auto hard top car.

Yes, it has an auto trans if you like, but what people fail to mention is that you can flick it over to a sequential shifter and it also has paddleshifters on the steering wheel. I have personally found the transmission arrangement to be brilliant. Also, I’m annoyed about the flack regarding the folding metal roof – at the press of a button the open top turns into a stylish coupe – all in 12 seconds!

My last convertible was a ’89 capri and the MX5 is light years ahead!

As much as I longed to own the first gen MX5, side by side comparisons wouldn’t see me swap my current model.

You have to forget tradition, and see the Roadster Coupe auto for what it is – a beautiful looking, sophisticated, quality place to live.

By: franz chong

franz chong — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 11:29:38 +0000

Without this car there would be NO Z3 OR Z4 BEEMERS,MERCEDES SLK OR PORSCHE BOXSTERS not to mention the short lived reborn MG amongst others out there.

By: MisterTwo

MisterTwo — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 20:40:54 +0000

The Battery is now under the bonnet.

Having driven a Toyota MR2 (SW20) for a number of years I am now an MX-5 convert. We have a 2006 Roadster Coupe (folding hard top) in manual and it is excellent. Would never buy one of these (or any sporty car for that matter) in auto – totally misses the point.

By: imugli

imugli — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 02:55:46 +0000

My brother in law has a supercharged 1.6 89 model (obviously aftermarket) and even without any chassis / supsension mods the thing handles and corners like it’s on rails. It’s just rock solid.

The gearshift and steering, even now, are amazing.

A pure ‘sports car’ legend.

By: Technofreak

Technofreak — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 11:14:54 +0000

We love ours (2000 model) such a fun car to drive and true to the sports car vine in every way!!

By: Mega

Mega — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 22:51:06 +0000

Yeah where is the turbo engine. I’d much prefer a grunty turbo than a peaky NA 2.0L that has to rev to 7k.

By: toxic_horse

toxic_horse — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 23:48:08 +0000

thanks for the interesting read. Great to read this sort of article.
I love the origional MX5 , my cousin had one for years and it was so much fun to drive.
I could never own one though, if you have another bloke in the passanger seat it looks like you are both off to oxford st for a make over.

By: Nightshifter

Nightshifter — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 09:46:37 +0000

I think ppl understand what you said but it’s just a waste to have so little horse power when you have a good handling machine. This is what ppl don’t understand!

By: John of Perth

John of Perth — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 21:53:57 +0000

have they improved access to the battery in the boot, in the newer models?

By: Devil's Advocate

Devil's Advocate — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 04:13:51 +0000

I have seen quite a few Hondas of that vintage with crazed/peeling paint. Going by the fact you called it a Miata, I guess you are American (I don’t know of any other counrty that doesn’t call it an MX-5). The sun here in Australia is quite harsh so even Hondas left out in the weather show the ravages of our harsh environment. They seem to be no better or worse than Mazda in that department over here in my experience. However I do agree the paint on the Mazdas at that time could have been better, but they were far from the worst.