Discussion
Went and drove a 2.0 litre MX-5 yesterday. This one in fact:
First up. I liked it!
Very fun car.
Few things I observed though.
1. Feels and looks like it was designed for LHD as its primary setup
-There's a huge bulge in the foot well (assume Cats/gearbox space), the bulge is in both passenger and driver sides, but about twice the size on the drivers side, I found my leg touched it when sitting in it.
-Handbrake lever is on the wrong side of the consul for RHD, or at least it's in the way, found my arm constantly sitting/rubbing it.
-Little things like the tray on in front of the gear stick (for a phone) is on the left hand side, the wrong side for a RHD car.
Bulge on passenger side:
I didn't get a good pic of the drivers side, but it is about twice the size.
Here you can see the hand brake and it is in the way between you and the gearstick, even once released. Also not the stowage hole in front and to the left of the gear stick.
2. Things I liked.
-gear change
-general handling and ride quality, both were superb IMO
-peppy 2.0 litre engine. It maybe didn't like to rev to the red line as smooth as other engines (felt like it nosed over about 1000rpm short), but I loved the low and mid end grunt from it.
-Noise.
-Speed. I know it's not the quickest thing in the world, but anyone who doesn't thing the 2.0 litre is quick is being absurd.
-Body coloured trim on the doors
-Interior quality and general design
-external looks
-grin factor
-pedals
-and did I say gear change
-Steering wheel
3. Things I didn't like so much
-cabin felt cramped and almost claustrophobic. Now remember I'm comparing this to my smart Roadster. The smart feels spacious and airy in the cabin by comparison.
-The LHD nuances mentioned above
-poor, very poor reward visibility when reversing
-No glove box
-very little usable stowage space in the cabin.
4. Things I felt more neutral about, but things I noted non the less.
-Seat back was very squishy. Found it comfortable for the test drive however.
-Boot looks very small, odd shape and small opening. Way less usable space than the smart Roadster or something like an MGF.
-Steering felt very light, lighter than that of my Rpadster and to me didn't seem to have any more feel. Felt direct and good, but the way people bash the steering on the Roadster I thought it would be miles different and it simply wasn't.
-Lots of body roll, but lots of grip too. I didn't mind either, it still somehow felt taught and responsive. I liked it and thought it suited are roads brilliantly
-Hard to see the front end from the drivers seat, although nothing new compared to many other cars.
-Car felt bigger to drive than maybe it actually is. The Roadster feels tiny, flighty and nimble by comparison. The MX-5 felt quite beasty and bigger on the outside (but smaller on the inside, due to the cramped nature of the cabin)
This colour combo looks the best IMO and would be what I'd order.
First up. I liked it!
Very fun car.
Few things I observed though.
1. Feels and looks like it was designed for LHD as its primary setup
-There's a huge bulge in the foot well (assume Cats/gearbox space), the bulge is in both passenger and driver sides, but about twice the size on the drivers side, I found my leg touched it when sitting in it.
-Handbrake lever is on the wrong side of the consul for RHD, or at least it's in the way, found my arm constantly sitting/rubbing it.
-Little things like the tray on in front of the gear stick (for a phone) is on the left hand side, the wrong side for a RHD car.
Bulge on passenger side:
I didn't get a good pic of the drivers side, but it is about twice the size.
Here you can see the hand brake and it is in the way between you and the gearstick, even once released. Also not the stowage hole in front and to the left of the gear stick.
2. Things I liked.
-gear change
-general handling and ride quality, both were superb IMO
-peppy 2.0 litre engine. It maybe didn't like to rev to the red line as smooth as other engines (felt like it nosed over about 1000rpm short), but I loved the low and mid end grunt from it.
-Noise.
-Speed. I know it's not the quickest thing in the world, but anyone who doesn't thing the 2.0 litre is quick is being absurd.
-Body coloured trim on the doors
-Interior quality and general design
-external looks
-grin factor
-pedals
-and did I say gear change
-Steering wheel
3. Things I didn't like so much
-cabin felt cramped and almost claustrophobic. Now remember I'm comparing this to my smart Roadster. The smart feels spacious and airy in the cabin by comparison.
-The LHD nuances mentioned above
-poor, very poor reward visibility when reversing
-No glove box
-very little usable stowage space in the cabin.
4. Things I felt more neutral about, but things I noted non the less.
-Seat back was very squishy. Found it comfortable for the test drive however.
-Boot looks very small, odd shape and small opening. Way less usable space than the smart Roadster or something like an MGF.
-Steering felt very light, lighter than that of my Rpadster and to me didn't seem to have any more feel. Felt direct and good, but the way people bash the steering on the Roadster I thought it would be miles different and it simply wasn't.
-Lots of body roll, but lots of grip too. I didn't mind either, it still somehow felt taught and responsive. I liked it and thought it suited are roads brilliantly
-Hard to see the front end from the drivers seat, although nothing new compared to many other cars.
-Car felt bigger to drive than maybe it actually is. The Roadster feels tiny, flighty and nimble by comparison. The MX-5 felt quite beasty and bigger on the outside (but smaller on the inside, due to the cramped nature of the cabin)
This colour combo looks the best IMO and would be what I'd order.
Edited by 300bhp/ton on Sunday 30th August 12:53
300bhp/ton said:
Went and drove a 2.0 litre MX-5 yesterday....
Interesting report(s), thanks! Did you manage to get a good seating position? I'm a bit worried as well about the lack of independent height adjustment (short legs, long torso). The LHD preference will sadly be a result of the US focus of the car -- so it is either compromises for RHD or much higher cost. Lucky for us on the continent they went for LHD
. The cabin space I was expecting that to be a bit more cramped in comparison to the SR. Much bigger engine, a prop shaft and differential to squeeze into a larger but still pretty compact machine. I wouldn't mind as long as I can find a comfy seating position.
Surprised about the boot. Could be a deal breaker as this would need to hold stuff for a two week tour and that is borderline on the SR (Madame K. does not like to pack light). But at least there is a funky boot rack from Mazda (bit silly they made that in carbon, but hey).
Body roll / grip sounds lovely to me from the description, good thing the stiffer set up is optional. Tyre sizes also seem to be fairly reasonable.
The comment on the steering has me puzzled. From the reviews I'd have guessed at a more favourable comparison. I'm not really 'bashing' the SR feel, but I'm not totally happy with it. Got it weighty enough with lower tyre pressures and sticky rubber, but still not a lot of information coming through. Perhaps you just have a really good setup on yours (or more likely mine needs a geo
).The weight is really impressive IMO. German website quotes 975kg for the 1.5 with the least options and 1062kg for the heaviest version, the 2.0 with Eloop system, Bilstein kit, strut brace, LSD... Wet weight with 90% fuel, sans driver. Hope I can manage a test drive soon and perhaps pass by the local weighing station.
What is less impressive is how they bundled the equipment here. The 'sport' model comes with all the toys including the ELOOP micro hybrid stuff and is the heaviest. I'd like a 2.0 with LSD, AC, heated seats and DAB. Can't have that without also getting the LDWS, light sensor, rain sensor, extra sound deadening in the top and automatic AC. Meh.
I had a go in a 1.5 SE Nav today. Thoughts:
Nice looks
Nice interior
Detachable windbreak and cupholders cheap looking
Very little cabin stowage space
Surprisingly quick
Steering more "pointy" than it would seem
Suspension jittery around corners
Looking forward to trying a 2.0 Sport in a couple of weeks. Dealer had one in black with sand leather which was a thing of beauty.
Nice looks
Nice interior
Detachable windbreak and cupholders cheap looking
Very little cabin stowage space
Surprisingly quick
Steering more "pointy" than it would seem
Suspension jittery around corners
Looking forward to trying a 2.0 Sport in a couple of weeks. Dealer had one in black with sand leather which was a thing of beauty.
SFO said:
...if I go ahead, it will probably be a 2L SE-L (you get the LSD and the strut brace but not the sport suspension) in meteor grey with the £1000 UK fitted dark tan leather interior. the 17" wheels of the 2L will hopefully sharpen up the standard suspension just that little bit to make the car just right. I reckon it is the sweetspot for me.
]
Those are my thoughts too SFO ( but with a different colour).]
However, I haven't found any reports by anyone with experience of a 2L SE-L as yet, so any such reviews would be much appreciated.
Also,SFO, did you get the impression that the leather trimming service was general to most dealers, or just a special service from your own?
Thanks.
Pickle77 said:
SFO said:
...if I go ahead, it will probably be a 2L SE-L (you get the LSD and the strut brace but not the sport suspension) in meteor grey with the £1000 UK fitted dark tan leather interior. the 17" wheels of the 2L will hopefully sharpen up the standard suspension just that little bit to make the car just right. I reckon it is the sweetspot for me.
Those are my thoughts too SFO ( but with a different colour).However, I haven't found any reports by anyone with experience of a 2L SE-L as yet, so any such reviews would be much appreciated.
Also,SFO, did you get the impression that the leather trimming service was general to most dealers, or just a special service from your own?
Thanks.
Leather service was specific to my dealer, not from Mazda.
I bet someone on the MX5 forum would be able to recommend someone.
JoeyD said:
Me and a friend drove one on Saturday, he ordered one later that day and I will be doing as soon as I can afford one! And between us we've owned around 9 MK1's and 1 MK3. They're really hit the nail on the head with this one IMO.
what (1.5 or 2, SE-L or Sport) did he order? do you know why?what would you or order? why?
Finally got to drive a 2.0l Sport this morning. Very comfortable seats and felt quicker than I thought it would. I do get the other comments above about it feeling like it could rev a lot higher than it actually does - weird. Certainly the suspension was quite crashy and steering was quite twitchy at speed. Something that I would have to get used to. Does make me wonder if the 2.0 SE-L would be the one to go for...
Also, felt very controllable though. Went sideways on a wet roundabout with surprising ease. Very fun car!!
Also, felt very controllable though. Went sideways on a wet roundabout with surprising ease. Very fun car!!
SFO said:
what (1.5 or 2, SE-L or Sport) did he order? do you know why?
what would you or order? why?
2.0 Sport Nav, Soul Red, Black interior. And TBH having seen the colours on offer I'd order the same. Only other option for me would be white, but it's kind of too 'in fashion' at the moment. Saw Ceramic in the sunlight and it looked fantastic, but then under a dull sky it looked like they'd forgotten to finish painting it, so that went out the window. And whilst it looks great in black, sod owning a black car! The 2.0 is a must due to potential track work and having the LSD is a big plus too. Sport spec for the leather and toys, not so much the bilsteins as they'd potentially be replaced eventually. But it was such a nice thing to drive. Everything in terms of the drive felt familiar - just vastly improved upon. I've not been impressed by a car this much in a long time tbh! Wouldn't think twice about binning off my MK1 that I've spent literally thousands of pounds and hundreds of hours building for one - I enjoyed it that much!what would you or order? why?
And it even sounded good! Which is a revelation after the previous models.
Edited by JoeyD on Monday 31st August 16:09
Mafioso said:
Finally got to drive a 2.0l Sport this morning. Very comfortable seats and felt quicker than I thought it would. I do get the other comments above about it feeling like it could rev a lot higher than it actually does - weird. Certainly the suspension was quite crashy and steering was quite twitchy at speed. Something that I would have to get used to. Does make me wonder if the 2.0 SE-L would be the one to go for...
Also, felt very controllable though. Went sideways on a wet roundabout with surprising ease. Very fun car!!
I thought the ride was very good, and steering wasn't twitchy either. But maybe I'm coming at it from a different perspective.Also, felt very controllable though. Went sideways on a wet roundabout with surprising ease. Very fun car!!
Well I'm currently driving an Astra GTC with the optional 'flexride' (stiffer dampers on the sport button mode) and, while the 2 litre diesel isn't the best, it's a fine steer. I'm assuming it's not far off the VXR which is apparently the hot hatch to have.
Anyway, what I'm saying is I drive a fairly good handling car (for a big hatchback) and was surprised at how different the mx5 was in a straight line. The initial turn in on damp roads this morning wasn't an awful lot different if I'm honest. I'm on an experience day on the 12th anyway so will have all day to get a proper feel for it. Maybe I'll change my mind?
Anyway, what I'm saying is I drive a fairly good handling car (for a big hatchback) and was surprised at how different the mx5 was in a straight line. The initial turn in on damp roads this morning wasn't an awful lot different if I'm honest. I'm on an experience day on the 12th anyway so will have all day to get a proper feel for it. Maybe I'll change my mind?
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