Mazda MX-5 1.5L GT Roadster road test review
Long before retro was cool, Mazda dipped into the past to reinvent the classic lightweight roadster – taking inspiration from 1960s British icons such as the MGB, Austin-Healey Sprite and Lotus Elan – to create its original MX-5, which was introduced 25 years ago.
Now, after two successive generations that moved with the times, becoming heavier and more for hairdressers than hard-core driving fans, the Japanese car maker has taken a step back with its fourth-generation MX-5 to try and rekindle the spirit of its modern classic.
It arrives at a resurgent time for Japanese sports cars – such as the Toyota 86 at one end and the Nissan GT-R at the other – but also faces much stiffer competition in the affordable performance car arena with plenty of European hot hatches offering similar bang-for-your-bucks.
What do you get?
The point that has always underlined the MX-5 – particularly with this latest ND generation – is its one-eyed focus on the enjoyment and engagement of driving without the need for headline numbers.
Although that sounds simple in philosophy, the new MX-5 is as revolutionary (yet retro) as the original model in comparison to its predecessors; it's smaller than ever before and almost as light as the first-generation and now comes with a fabric soft-top roof only.
However, for the first time in the model's history there is a choice of engines – 1.5-litre or 2.0-litre four cylinders – that, with two model grades, splits the range across four variants, each of which is available with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.
Not only has its weight and engine capacity been reduced, the entry price has been slashed with the basic 1.5L Roadster kicking off at $31,990 (plus on-road costs) – around $15k cheaper than the last model, which came with a metal-folding hard top only at the end of its lifecycle.
It rolls on 16-inch silver alloy wheels, has cloth interior trim and a simple list of standard equipment that includes push-button start, cruise control and a basic six-speaker audio system with Bluetooth connectivity – a first for the MX-5.
The higher-spec GT Roadster we're testing here costs $37,990 (plus on-roads) and brings a host of additional gear such as heated leather seats with integrated speakers, climate control, keyless entry and a more advanced multimedia system with a 7.0-inch touchscreen that includes sat nav, premium Bose audio and internet radio apps.
The automatic is a $2000 option across the range with the 2.0-litre models due to arrive in showrooms later this year commanding a $2500 premium over the equivalent 1.5-litre cars.
All variants come with four airbags, a suite of electronic safety systems and are covered by Mazda's three-year/unlimited kilometre warranty with a capped-priced servicing plan covering intervals every 10,000 kilometres.
What's inside?
Even though Mazda says the MX-5 is focused on the simple thrill of driving, its strategy to reduce the car's overall footprint for weight reduction hasn't made the strictly two-seater cabin any smaller, and nor has it stripped it bare of toys.
Quite the opposite actually; the latest MX-5 looks classier the moment you open the door – particularly with the tan-on-black leather in our test car – with its dash layout both harking back to the original with its three rotary aircon knobs and the tacho taking pride of place in the centre of the instrument binnacle as well as stepping into the present with the tablet-style touch screen adorning the top of the dash.
Sure, the cockpit is snug (larger or taller occupants may find it a little too tight), but for most all the major controls fall nicely to hand with a great relationship between the chunky three-spoke steering wheel, stubby gear lever and the tight-fitting seats that are set nice and low. There is, however, a decent bump in the floor for the transmission brace, although passengers are likely to notice it more than the driver.
Storage space obviously isn't the MX-5's strong point, with only a few hidey holes for small items (including a handy lockable binnacle between the seats), and the spindly cupholders mounted at the back of the centre console require some contorting to access drinks without spilling over each other.
The boot is also limited to carrying a couple of day bags, but, unlike some other roadsters, it isn't compromised by the folding fabric roof which is brilliantly simple to open and close – simply unclip the latch in the centre of the roof rail, flip it back and lock it behind the seats. With the roof up, there's a bit of wind noise off the trailing edge at highway speeds but otherwise it feels taut and secure. And, although there's a bit of hair-ruffling turbulence with the roof down, it's not enough to be either annoying nor halt a conversation.
Under the bonnet
The 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four cylinder is the smallest engine ever fitted to any MX-5 model, and is a variation of the same motor found in the new Mazda2 city car.
It has been specifically adapted for the roadster – sitting longitudinally and driving the rear wheels first of all – and modified with unique intake and exhaust manifolds and revised internals to rev higher and produce more power.
Officially its maximum outputs are rated at 96kW and 150Nm – produced at 7000rpm and 4800rpm respectively. While that doesn't sound like much, it's a willing engine that has great response, revs cleanly all the way to its dizzying redline and encourages the driver to use every last kilowatt during an enthusiastic back-road blast.
It doesn't generate a particularly appealing exhaust note though, it needs to be worked hard to keep it on the boil – even around town – and it won't win too many races away from the traffic lights. But it is a sweet motor that perfectly encapsulates the character of the MX-5.
With only 1009kg to push around, it's also reasonably efficient, with a claimed average of 6.1L/100km. Although, with a bit of spirited driving, we recorded more than 8L during our test period.
On the road
The MX-5 is more than the sum of its parts in the way it drives. As always, it is a cruisy open-air roadster that is comfortable to drive at any speed and in any environment with compliant suspension that manages to soak up most road irregularities without the bone-jarring consequences of other affordable performance cars.
However, it's at its best the harder you drive it. The steering is sharp, responsive and delicately communicative without being overly sensitive or too heavy in its weight. The stubby manual lever is a delight to row through the gearbox, with a nice mechanical feel and short throws. And although it feels light, it is sits solidly on the road.
The soft suspension and small tyres defy its high levels of grip when thrown into a bend. Turn in hard and the car will roll and lean on its outside haunches while holding huge reserves of speed through the corners. Its rear-drive nature does mean the tail can be kicked out slightly before the stability control intervenes gently, but it's such a progressive transition that it takes some aggressive inputs to push towards those limits.
Verdict
The MX-5 has never been better than it is today. After two generations that appealed more to empty-nesters than genuine enthusiasts, Mazda's drop-top has not only recaptured the spirit of the classic lightweight roadster with its brilliant dynamics and engaging mechanicals but brings the concept into the present with its modern styling and up-to-date equipment.
2015 Mazda MX-5 1.5L GT Roadster price and specifications
Price: $37,990 plus on-road costs
Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cyl petrol
Power: 96kW at 7000rpm
Torque: 150Nm at 4800rpm
Transmission: 6-spd manual, rear-wheel drive
Fuel Use: 6.1L/100km
The Competitors
Toyota 86
Price: from $29,990 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl petrol
Power: 147kW at 7000rpm
Torque: 205Nm at 6400rpm
Transmission: 6-spd manual, RWD
Fuel Use: 7.8L/100km
Our Score: 9/10
Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet
Price: from $43,990 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 1.4-litre turbo/super charged 4-cyl petrol
Power: 118kW at 5800rpm
Torque: 240Nm at 1500-4000rpm
Transmission: 7-spd dual-clutch automatic
Fuel Use: 6.5L/100km
Our Score: 8/10
BMW 220i Convertible
Price: $54,900 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo petrol
Power: 135kW at 5000-6250rpm
Torque: 270Nm at 1250-4500rpm
Transmission: 8-spd automatic, RWD
Fuel Use: 6.4L/100km
Our Score: Not yet rated