Everyone knows that I’m a big fan of the Mazda MX-5, the best selling roadster of all time. If this is news to you then you should check out my posts Happy Birthday, Little MX-5, MX-5 Owners Club National Rally 2014, and Goodwood Festival of Speed.
This month marks the UK launch of the fourth generation of MX-5. I’d already seen the new car on a static display at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, but was delighted to be invited by Mazda to a VIP event in the Cotswolds where I’d be able to drive the car. Needless to say I took my camera along too…
It was great to be able to compare the new MX-5 to my 20 year old first generation model and see how the design and technology have moved on. For a start, the 1.5l engine of the new car is great and so much more spritely than the 1.8l in mine and I guess more economical too. There is a 2.0l version of the new MX-5, but I can’t see why you’d need it. That said I did have some fun with a fellow test driver who had the 2.0l model – he couldn’t match me on the corners (due to my skill, I’d like to think!), but on a hill climb he beat me comprehensively.
The short-throw gearbox makes for quick gear changes and the brakes are really sharp compared to my car. The accelerator pedal seemed odd at first but I quickly took to it. The new car certainly has a lot less rattles too!
The gadgets and gizmos really put my car to shame. Integrated satellite navigation and entertainment system, power steering, built-in USB chargers, nifty cup holders (which I found also make great lens holders!), climate control, heated seats had me drooling with desire.
For me it’s an almost perfect car, greatly doing what it’s designed to do. The only three niggles I could name are that the steering feels too light for me (I think it’s ‘fly by wire’ and you get very little feedback), the two exhausts are on one side rather than one on each side (my OCD likes symmetry), and the lack of pop up headlights (due to pedestrian safety laws).
So, will I be buying one? Absolutely. Well, in a couple of years when the prices fall. Of course, if any readers want to do a car swap or buy me a new MX-5 then get in touch!
