Agreed. Ive tried all the 4th gen models and have ordered the 1.5 rf. Its got more than enough poke for British roads and the 1.5 reminds me most of the small sports cars I drove way back when. Same growling sound from the exhaust and a cheeky performer around town and excellent at keeping up on the motorway.
I've just purchased a 1.5 sport ......it's amazing to drive , oh I'm 6/2 ....and I fit !!!!!! I daily it to work ......best car I've had massive thumbs up ...)))))
I've had MX5 s for 12 years now , I love them , (otherwise I wouldn't keep buying them ) , however , when watching road tests by much younger men , ( wimps really ) they moan about the soft top roof . I'm 82 years old , with arthritis in my left shoulder , ( probably caused through raising the MX5 s roof ) but still not a problem worth complaining about.
I have a 1.5 and took it to BBR for a remap - turned out it was putting out 143 bhp from factory - now 158 :) and more torque so not so much need to drop a gear if you don't want
I'm 6ft and test drove one recently, no problem at all. Seat was two notches from fully back. Reviewer likely didn't adjust seat more upright so restricted how far back the seat can go. Took me a moment to figure it out too. I'd say someone 6'2 might be able to fit in it. I definitely had a good bit of head clearance.
+Car Keys UK For real!!?? Mazda garage reversed a forecourt car into the rear of our 2litre mk3 venture edition mx5 and it took two weeks and two attempts to repair properly. Had new 1.5 in white for two weeks as a loan.
just bought the Icon limited addition model my brother took me out in his SEL nav model which sold me on getting my own . the MX 5 is a real drivers car but forgiving and so much fun the only other car I have driven that imho was more fun was a Morgan three wheeler but it was also the most impractical car I have driven.
Hi @Lee B, I'm also considering an Icon. Has yours arrived yet? I'm just wondering how you're finding the 1.5 during 'day to day' driving. I'll be getting an MX-5 as a daily and am really taken with the Icon, just not sure how that 1.5 will be to live with (32 mile commute on A roads). I'd be interested in your thoughts as an owner.
Matt Doherty Hi Matt had it for three weeks now, done 800 + miles What IMO you have to remember is although its only a 1.5 the car weighs nothing. Compared to hatchbacks, eg a VW Golf weighs around 1315 kgs the MX5 1100kgs so it has very good power to weight ratio . as well as true 50-50 weight distribution,low centre of gravity & of course the advantage of rear wheel drive. When the wife drives it she likes a more gentle drive so gets much better MPG than me, her best is 51.4mpg and that was on twisty B roads up and down through the gears between 50-60 mph (great little cornering car) We have so far driven 90 miles straight without a break and even though its a low seating position I have found it fine ( I'm 62 and 6'1) as the suspension is surprisingly smooth compared to most sports cars. I haven't had cause to use the heated leather seats yet but the auto wipers and dusk auto lighting is handy The box once you have bedded the selector in (took us 500 miles of windy road changing) is a short shift dream to use The infotainment takes a bit of mastering but the voice recognition is really good as is imo the sound system once you crank it over 50% The only thing against it apart from luggage space which for me is a non argument for a sports car, is being such a car its not the quietest of drives. Personally I just turn up the radio or in my case the 32gb flash drive in the USB slot ( I have a lot of albums lol) and chill out to my favourite tracks (I Tunes produces the best quality IMO when converting your cds to run in this car) What I would say is IMO it would work fine as a daily driver with the added bonus of being great fun, 70 mph (2300 rpm on 7500 rpm motor is nothing) and it feels like you are doing 120 mph compared to my Hyundai i30 hatch back The i30 is fine for shopping and carrying people but it is just yet another hatch back like they all are hot or not, and if i had to choose between the two for my daily it would be good bye to the mundane The MX5 is the car others like to show off to because as I found out, you, and they know you are having more fun so they need to say look I'm faster as if its a competition its hilarious For me 127 mph is enough in a country with 70 top wack and on the bends its just pure fun, most corners you would take at 30 mph you can breeze at 45+ with out even trying. Its obviously your choice Matt at the end of the day take a test drive and see what you think, but if you did get one be sure to join the MX5 owners club www.mx5oc.co.uk/ With 6000 members its much more than just another car club. all the best what ever you decide to do Matt regards Lee PS sorry for the long reply
*****, excellent reply! Thanks for sharing. I think that puts my concerns to bed. You can read review after review but I always find its best from the real world owners. So again, thanks very much!
Matt Doherty I forgot to mention Matt I used to do a 30 mile commute every day using a 1.2 three pot Skoda Fabia and clocked up 110,000 miles, so the 1.5 in a light aluminium bodied MX is much bigger compared to that car. Mazda MX5's have a really good reliability record as they are all what ever model straight forward power plants the MK4 1.5 is a MX2 based engine but with an upgraded steel crank, lighter flywheel, all new high spec cylinder head, divot topped dome pistons which gives them a more even power stroke loading and 4,2,1 exhaust manifold to aid cylinder gas scouring. I have no reason to think these latest model MX5's even though its a 13-1 compression engine wont be as reliable as the others and there are plenty of those floating about with well over 200,000 miles on the clock. (I believe the most on an MX5 in this country is a MK2 with 330,000 miles which for any car is impressive)
Ha Ha, yes, good point! As it happens, part of the deal with Wifey for getting this car is that we had to have a more practical car in the 'fleet' to match it with. To that end, I sold my last car to buy my wife an estate (well, if you will ask for practicality!), and while I've been waiting to accumulate a deposit again I've been driving her 1.2 09 Micra [shudders] as my daily - the only way is up from there :-) See you on the OC forums!
Loved the 2 litre I tested with the very helpful guys at Furrows Shrewsbury. With my £30k budget it was excellent value for money and my number one choice except for the small boot. I like a European road trip and it was just too small but the car itself is excellent fun.
Driven all generations and the Nd is fantastic but if you want to save money get a Na , it's still the best of the lot, mine has 360k Kms and still rocks along... great car's either one you get
Considering the car. Too bad here in the Netherlands the 2.0L comes with a 5 grand premium due to Co2 emission penalties. Therefore 1.5L seems the best option, with the TS+ trim (the one just below the GT-M trim).
I'm 6ft my brother is 6ft.3. We both each have a SE 1.5 model and both fit in them. Why the 1.5? Weight . 100lbs lighter than the 2.0 and as neither is super fast, handling for us was more important than gaining just a second 0 too 60. Most legal fun on four wheels you can buy.
Just having my gearbox revised/serviced after only 77000 km's/48K miles. Thank ***** or ****** whichever you prefer, this is being done on warranty. These gearboxes are weak and WILL give up anywhere between 15K miles and 100K miles. But they WILL. I will never buy a Mazda again, I'm completely shocked. This is a well-known problem as it turned out, but one Mazda desperately try to keep the lid on. Whenever you make a test-drive in a pre-2018 (then, they fixed the problem) MX-5 ND, be sure to put the hood up and drive gently at low speeds, slowly accelerating from about 2200 to 3000 RPM. If you hear any metallic, steel-on-steel bearlng-type of noise, return the car to the owner and wish him best of luck...
+John Grytbakk think you might be missing the point slightly, its meant to be a laugh surely? great car though, the engine sounds fantastic for such a small motor
I’m so tempted to buy one of these while I’m young and can get away with it. However I’m not sure about the practicality as a daily, or the tiny cabin, I get pretty claustrophobic.
tried 1.5 and 2.0 - 1.5 much nicer engine and better ride quality.
Agreed. Ive tried all the 4th gen models and have ordered the 1.5 rf. Its got more than enough poke for British roads and the 1.5 reminds me most of the small sports cars I drove way back when. Same growling sound from the exhaust and a cheeky performer around town and excellent at keeping up on the motorway.
MX5 is the ultimate thrill and it looks even better than the old version. These cars rock.
+Shanjan Usman We love them too!
I've just purchased a 1.5 sport ......it's amazing to drive , oh I'm 6/2 ....and I fit !!!!!! I daily it to work ......best car I've had massive thumbs up ...)))))
Is it still good?
I’m thinking of swapping my slow fiesta for one as the insurance is actually cheaper for more power and fun.
I've had MX5 s for 12 years now , I love them , (otherwise I wouldn't keep buying them ) , however , when watching road tests by much younger men , ( wimps really ) they moan about the soft top roof . I'm 82 years old , with arthritis in my left shoulder , ( probably caused through raising the MX5 s roof ) but still not a problem worth complaining about.
Your arthritis comment made me laugh
I have a 1.5 and took it to BBR for a remap - turned out it was putting out 143 bhp from factory - now 158 :) and more torque so not so much need to drop a gear if you don't want
kram namwen You made the good choice ! Does it rev higher with bbr remap ? what does change ? fuel economy ?
I'm 6ft and test drove one recently, no problem at all. Seat was two notches from fully back. Reviewer likely didn't adjust seat more upright so restricted how far back the seat can go. Took me a moment to figure it out too.
I'd say someone 6'2 might be able to fit in it. I definitely had a good bit of head clearance.
my brother is 6.3 and owns one no problems for him it's all about (as you say setting it up just right including the thigh support adjuster
I had one of these for two weeks as a loan car. F-ing brilliant.
+Ricco123tube Lucky you! If you want one for real, come give us a call ;)
+Car Keys UK For real!!??
Mazda garage reversed a forecourt car into the rear of our 2litre mk3 venture edition mx5 and it took two weeks and two attempts to repair properly. Had new 1.5 in white for two weeks as a loan.
Ricco123tube Well we can save you some money on one if you're interested in getting a new MX-5 - www.carkeys.co.uk/mazda/mx-5/convertible
+Car Keys UK ha..already bought a new car last month.
just bought the Icon limited addition model my brother took me out in his SEL nav model which sold me on getting my own .
the MX 5 is a real drivers car but forgiving and so much fun the only other car I have driven that imho was more fun was a Morgan three wheeler but it was also the most impractical car I have driven.
Hi @Lee B, I'm also considering an Icon. Has yours arrived yet? I'm just wondering how you're finding the 1.5 during 'day to day' driving. I'll be getting an MX-5 as a daily and am really taken with the Icon, just not sure how that 1.5 will be to live with (32 mile commute on A roads). I'd be interested in your thoughts as an owner.
Matt Doherty Hi Matt had it for three weeks now, done 800 + miles
What IMO you have to remember is although its only a 1.5 the car weighs nothing. Compared to hatchbacks, eg a VW Golf weighs around 1315 kgs the MX5 1100kgs so it has very good power to weight ratio . as well as true 50-50 weight distribution,low centre of gravity & of course the advantage of rear wheel drive.
When the wife drives it she likes a more gentle drive so gets much better MPG than me, her best is 51.4mpg and that was on twisty B roads up and down through the gears between 50-60 mph (great little cornering car)
We have so far driven 90 miles straight without a break and even though its a low seating position I have found it fine ( I'm 62 and 6'1) as the suspension is surprisingly smooth compared to most sports cars.
I haven't had cause to use the heated leather seats yet but the auto wipers and dusk auto lighting is handy
The box once you have bedded the selector in (took us 500 miles of windy road changing) is a short shift dream to use
The infotainment takes a bit of mastering but the voice recognition is really good as is imo the sound system once you crank it over 50%
The only thing against it apart from luggage space which for me is a non argument for a sports car, is being such a car its not the quietest of drives.
Personally I just turn up the radio or in my case the 32gb flash drive in the USB slot ( I have a lot of albums lol) and chill out to my favourite tracks (I Tunes produces the best quality IMO when converting your cds to run in this car)
What I would say is IMO it would work fine as a daily driver with the added bonus of being great fun, 70 mph (2300 rpm on 7500 rpm motor is nothing) and it feels like you are doing 120 mph compared to my Hyundai i30 hatch back
The i30 is fine for shopping and carrying people but it is just yet another hatch back like they all are hot or not, and if i had to choose between the two for my daily it would be good bye to the mundane
The MX5 is the car others like to show off to because as I found out, you, and they know you are having more fun so they need to say look I'm faster as if its a competition its hilarious
For me 127 mph is enough in a country with 70 top wack and on the bends its just pure fun, most corners you would take at 30 mph you can breeze at 45+ with out even trying.
Its obviously your choice Matt at the end of the day take a test drive and see what you think, but if you did get one be sure to join the MX5 owners club
www.mx5oc.co.uk/
With 6000 members its much more than just another car club.
all the best what ever you decide to do Matt
regards Lee
PS sorry for the long reply
*****, excellent reply! Thanks for sharing. I think that puts my concerns to bed. You can read review after review but I always find its best from the real world owners. So again, thanks very much!
Matt Doherty I forgot to mention Matt
I used to do a 30 mile commute every day using a 1.2 three pot Skoda Fabia and clocked up 110,000 miles, so the 1.5 in a light aluminium bodied MX is much bigger compared to that car.
Mazda MX5's have a really good reliability record as they are all what ever model straight forward power plants the MK4 1.5 is a MX2 based engine but with an upgraded steel crank, lighter flywheel, all new high spec cylinder head, divot topped dome pistons which gives them a more even power stroke loading and 4,2,1 exhaust manifold to aid cylinder gas scouring.
I have no reason to think these latest model MX5's even though its a 13-1 compression engine wont be as reliable as the others and there are plenty of those floating about with well over 200,000 miles on the clock. (I believe the most on an MX5 in this country is a MK2 with 330,000 miles which for any car is impressive)
Ha Ha, yes, good point! As it happens, part of the deal with Wifey for getting this car is that we had to have a more practical car in the 'fleet' to match it with. To that end, I sold my last car to buy my wife an estate (well, if you will ask for practicality!), and while I've been waiting to accumulate a deposit again I've been driving her 1.2 09 Micra [shudders] as my daily - the only way is up from there :-) See you on the OC forums!
Just bought the Artic special edition,I love it such a fun car to drive
Loved the 2 litre I tested with the very helpful guys at Furrows Shrewsbury. With my £30k budget it was excellent value for money and my number one choice except for the small boot. I like a European road trip and it was just too small but the car itself is excellent fun.
Yeah I could see it being used by me on a day to day basis and I wouldn't be ashamed to! :)
+Daniel Anderson Should never be ashamed to drive an MX-5! :)
Driven all generations and the Nd is fantastic but if you want to save money get a Na , it's still the best of the lot, mine has 360k Kms and still rocks along... great car's either one you get
Considering the car. Too bad here in the Netherlands the 2.0L comes with a 5 grand premium due to Co2 emission penalties. Therefore 1.5L seems the best option, with the TS+ trim (the one just below the GT-M trim).
I'm 6ft my brother is 6ft.3.
We both each have a SE 1.5 model and both fit in them.
Why the 1.5?
Weight .
100lbs lighter than the 2.0 and as neither is super fast, handling for us was more important than gaining just a second 0 too 60.
Most legal fun on four wheels you can buy.
That's good to know, I'm a fraction under 6/3 and have just put a deposit on one! (couldn't test drive due to distance and covid rules.....)
Just having my gearbox revised/serviced after only 77000 km's/48K miles. Thank ***** or ****** whichever you prefer, this is being done on warranty. These gearboxes are weak and WILL give up anywhere between 15K miles and 100K miles. But they WILL. I will never buy a Mazda again, I'm completely shocked. This is a well-known problem as it turned out, but one Mazda desperately try to keep the lid on. Whenever you make a test-drive in a pre-2018 (then, they fixed the problem) MX-5 ND, be sure to put the hood up and drive gently at low speeds, slowly accelerating from about 2200 to 3000 RPM. If you hear any metallic, steel-on-steel bearlng-type of noise, return the car to the owner and wish him best of luck...
Handles brilliantly and so worthy of its tag of the Best Sports Car in History!
+Mr. Mazda So true!
"Buy a car with no roof" ? .......but it has a roof.
Such a cool little car. ...must be so fun to drive. ....sure want one.
+John Grytbakk .....the 2,0 would be a more sensible buy though.
+John Grytbakk think you might be missing the point slightly, its meant to be a laugh surely?
great car though, the engine sounds fantastic for such a small motor
John Grytbakk I've driven both and the 1.5 is the better car by quite a bit, smoother and revs higher, the 2.0 is for fat yanks
@@danielthomas2621 good to know, I have the 1.5 arriving in 5 days :)
I'm 6'3.....I'd need to buy two of them. One for each foot. lol Love the redesign though. Had a 2014 Mazda 3s Touring 5dr. Loved it! great fun
I’m so tempted to buy one of these while I’m young and can get away with it. However I’m not sure about the practicality as a daily, or the tiny cabin, I get pretty claustrophobic.
I'd use that as a daily
Liam Neeson is looking good for his age...