Mazda unveils new MX-5

It will probably look good and drive well

By PH Staff / Thursday, 3 February 2005 / Loading comments

Mazda will reveal the third generation Mazda MX-5 at the Geneva International Motor Show next month. It will be showing the car for the first time on 28 February, but in the meantime all Mazda could provide us with is this shot of the car in a bra. No prices, no spec, nothing.

The prototype was developed by UK design company International Automotive Design in Worthing, and the finished car was first announced in 1989. Since then, it has built a reputation as a affordable two-seater sports car that's fun to drive, but without so much power that the unwary could find themselves in trouble. As one contributor to an MX5 forum put it, "On a wet road or with a bit of gravel, you might find yourself getting a bit sideways. That's how you know it's rear-wheel drive."

Universally acclaimed for its good driving and build qualities, the MX5 was face-lifted in 1993, increasing engine capacity to 1.8-litres. With good residuals and assuming Mazda doesn't break the elements of the car that have made it a minor classic, it could be business as usual.