Friday 21st August 2009

PH Fleet: Mazda MX-5 Arrives (With Grandad)

RacingPete and Riggers take new and old MX-5s for a summer fling. Who said romance was dead...

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Mazda MX-5. It seems to be the perennial answer to any 'what car to choose' thread in the PistonHeads forums.

The little open-top sports car holds a fond place in many people's hearts for fun countryside motoring. But as cars get fatter, heavier and wider, do the latest versions of the no-longer-so-little Mazda keep the fondness alive? Enter stage left (or pic below) our new Mazda MX-5, which we've added to the PH fleet for a three month stint to find out whether the latest version still has what it takes to warrant those forum recommendations.

Our new Mazda MX-5 in its natural habitat

Mazda seems so confident that the Mk3 version of the MX-5 is as good as the original they have gone all supermarket on us with a BOGOF offer to celebrate the car's 20th anniversary: Borrow One Get One Free. Either that or Mazda has realised that technology has moved so far that he memory of the supreme fun on offer in a first-generation MX-5 is a distant memory that needs refreshing and updating. So next to the latest arrival on the PH fleet, a shiny silvery-grey new MX-5, is a somewhat less shiny original Mk1, sporting 120k - no doubt very pleasurable - miles on the clock.

It's nice when families stick together...

But trundling around the congested roads of London would have been no place for our mini MX-5 owner's club meet. So Riggers and I picked up a map book and plotted a path to some of the best driving roads in the country - the Yorkshire Moors.

A quick game of paper, scissor, stone between myself and Riggers gets me into the new Mk3 for the journey north. Swallowing motorway miles in great chunks was not the intention of this car but, with the electric hard top cleverly stowed away and wind gently brushing the top of my head, it isn't a bad experience. You feel much more in touch with the countryside, despite being on a dull motorway, and with cruise control set it is easy to pity fellow motorists trudging along.

Mk1 MX-5 struggles a wee bit up Chimney Bank

Our 2.0i Sport Tech model gives us an extra ratio so with 6th gear engaged this car is also very frugal. Motorway mileage is seeing MPG in the low 40s, giving me more reasons to smile at the envious glares of the drivers of passing rep-mobiles. The journey gives me enough time to reflect on the previous MX-5 Roadster Coupe the team reviewed for PH which had me talking more about foldable roofs than the enjoyable side of the car. A brief recap of the spec list makes me hope for much more this time around, and a return to good-old MX-5 fun.

Above the standard specification, our Sport Tech model has 17-inch alloy wheels, a front-suspension strut bar, Bilstein shock absorbers and a limited-slip differential - potentially making this version the best handling Mk3 you can pick up from a dealer. With 158bhp ready to fire the rear wheels across hill and dale, my thoughts of tech-specs are broken by the sign to Pickering and the accompanying legend 'Gateway to the Moors'.

Snapper Tim brought his Mk2 along for the ride

The rolling heather opens up before me and I start pushing the chassis through sweeping open bends, the little Mazda instantly rewarding driver input with precise reaction. There is a little bit of the understeer that is annoyingly common with modern cars when really pushing it, but it is only brief before the chassis recovers a more neutral balance. But slower corners is where the fun really is and, up the switchbacks of Chimney Bank, near Rosedale, you can't help pushing the car to break traction at the rear wheels and hooning up the hill like you are setting records at the Harewood Hill Climb. In fact I can tell it looks so good that Riggers wants a go so I hand him the keys to get his opinion...

Riggers compares the MK1 with MK3:

"As an object of pure, simple driving pleasure, the original Mazda MX-5 still has few peers. Even with what seem to be tired suspension bushes and the wear-and-tear of almost two decades on the road, the early 1.6 that Mazda has lent us is still an incredibly sweet car.

Together at the top of Chimney Bank

"The engine runs smoothly, the gearchange is unbelievably precise and sweetly mechanical, the power-assisted steering is direct and feelsome, and the whole car flows along a twisty road with the sort of light, delicate neutrality that makes an open country road such a pleasure.

"It even keeps up with the far more powerful new car over give-and-take B-roads - no mean feat considering its age, skinny tyres and supposed performance deficit.

"Looking at the latest MX-5 side by side with its automotive grandfather, it's hard to imagine that the new one could possibly be blessed with the same sense of simplicity, agility and intimacy that makes the Mk1 MX-5 so special.

"And yet...and yet...despite its extra size, weight and power the new MX-5 does still have that same zingy spirit that made the original such a hit. True, you don't feel quite as connected with the road as you do in the original, but that's probably because you're a lot more comfortable. The steering, gearchange and general handling balance still make the latest MX-5 one of the most involving and rewarding sports cars this side of a Lotus Elise.

"That the Mazda manages to remain true to its heritage while packing in a folding metal roof, cruise control, plenty of oddment space and cupholders, a decent sound system and climate control is a thoroughly commendable achievement.

"But I'd still take the old one, because on a pleasant summer's evening - and on an open, empty road - there is no car on earth that could put a bigger smile on my face at any money, let alone for the £2000 it would cost to get you a nice early example."

 

In conclusion:

I'm not sure I agree with Riggers. As we turn to head south back to PH HQ, the sun is shining again and I am smiling at the prospect of going home with the roof off. If the past week is anything to go by, the next few months of MX-5 ownership is going to be a pleasure.

So watch out on the forums, as I will probably be joining those recommending the MX-5 as your 'car to choose', too!

Photos: Tim Watson

[pbirkett]

Nice review!

The MX5 does seem to be enjoying a cult following these days. Even I've been bitten by the bug and I never imagined myself driving one of these. Great cars.

[robert_raw]

I love the MX5 and can't wait till the day i can afford to buy one.

[Gizmo!]

It is great to hear that the Mk3.5 is as good as the Mk1. Those of us who will perhaps never buy a new car will have many more years of top-down, toe-down hooning as the successive models become more affordable

[golders]

I have recently bought a MK 2.5 (MX5) and it is simply one of the best handling cars I have ever driven!

[M.AlmondsStomach]

robert_raw said:

I love the MX5 and can't wait till the day i can afford to buy one.

Unless you're still getting pocket money I can't imagaine you wouldn't be able to afford one?

[timrw81]

Great article.

I bought a MK2 MX-5 a year ago and, since then, it's been teaching me how to drive.

Start to lean on the chassis, and you can really drive on the throttle. Lift off slightly, mid-corner, and the car tucks in and tightens up its line - the front grips and the back goes lighter. Add power back in and it will slide in the most deliciously balanced way - whether four wheels or just the rears.

It is a little (well, quite a lot) underpowered on the straights, but too much more power would only serve to distract from concentrating on keeping the momentum up and balancing the car through the corners. A narrow twisty B-road is a very involving experience.

It's such a rewarding car to drive because the weight transfers so proportionately with driver input. It communicates to you when you're doing something wrong, and just as importantly, doing something right.

As an entry into performance driving, I couldn't recommend it any higher.

Tim W

[BlueEyedBoy]

I can understand that the MX-5 is a good handling car, but seriously, why would anyone ever really want one, maybe if they did a supercharged version dishing out 300bhp I would be tempted, but its far too safe a car to ever get excited about, and then there's the fact that like it or not, you always expect to see a fit girl driving one, not a bloke.

[Howard-]

BlueEyedBoy said:

I can understand that the MX-5 is a good handling car, but seriously, why would anyone ever really want one, maybe if they did a supercharged version dishing out 300bhp I would be tempted, but its far too safe a car to ever get excited about, and then there's the fact that like it or not, you always expect to see a fit girl driving one, not a bloke.

You've never driven one, have you?

[Warick Hunt]

Stricktly a girls car.

[BenjC]

Howard- said:

BlueEyedBoy said:

I can understand that the MX-5 is a good handling car, but seriously, why would anyone ever really want one, maybe if they did a supercharged version dishing out 300bhp I would be tempted, but its far too safe a car to ever get excited about, and then there's the fact that like it or not, you always expect to see a fit girl driving one, not a bloke.

You've never driven one, have you?

Or a car with 200bhp per ton?

[chunkymonkey71]

Anyone who thinks the MX5 is a hairdressers car... go drive one.

Punt it round a roundabout then try NOT to smile.

[DMRider_10]

Lol the age old question. Someone slags the "5" off, all you need to ask is "have you driven one?" if the answer is "no" then their opinion just doesnt matter

[katulu]

BlueEyedBoy said:

I can understand that the MX-5 is a good handling car, but seriously, why would anyone ever really want one, maybe if they did a supercharged version dishing out 300bhp I would be tempted, but its far too safe a car to ever get excited about, and then there's the fact that like it or not, you always expect to see a fit girl driving one, not a bloke.

Here in the US, convertibles in general have that stigma, but I tend to not give a damn.. I love my sebring convertable, and would definately drive an MX-5

having driven a highly modified gen 1, as well as a bone stock one (which was, interestingly enough owned by one of my girlfriends) these cars do give you a connection to the road that has only been surpassed by my first generation CRX, though that does not give you the convertable feel, even with the sunroof open

everyone can think what they will about my sexuality..I'm married with 3 children.. I will continue to proudly drive my sebring, and an MX-5 could easily be in my garage if the right one comes by

[ben_reza]

nice review of the new one. looking forward to a hoon in ours when i get home now.

[BlueEyedBoy]

BenjC said:

Howard- said:

BlueEyedBoy said:

I can understand that the MX-5 is a good handling car, but seriously, why would anyone ever really want one, maybe if they did a supercharged version dishing out 300bhp I would be tempted, but its far too safe a car to ever get excited about, and then there's the fact that like it or not, you always expect to see a fit girl driving one, not a bloke.

You've never driven one, have you?

Or a car with 200bhp per ton?

What I haven't driven a car with 200bhp per tonne? I owned a 4.5 Cerbera for 3 years. My current cars weight is 1.3 and has 270bhp.

I don't know of any factory mx5 with 200bhp per ton, which one is that, that sounds like something I would be interested in.

[BlueEyedBoy]

Howard- said:

BlueEyedBoy said:

I can understand that the MX-5 is a good handling car, but seriously, why would anyone ever really want one, maybe if they did a supercharged version dishing out 300bhp I would be tempted, but its far too safe a car to ever get excited about, and then there's the fact that like it or not, you always expect to see a fit girl driving one, not a bloke.

You've never driven one, have you?

No, but I have been in the passenger seat of a Gen 2 1.8 some special edition one, and I thought it was crap. No acceleration, too firm suspension and too noisy, not in a nice way.

I actually think the latest one looks quite good, I just wish they would give it a bit more power, that is all I am saying, and then I may be tempted to have a drive in one.

I like cars to have more power than grip.

Edited by BlueEyedBoy on Friday 21st August 15:20

[sprinty]

My girlfriend got a mint 2.5 a few years ago, the Navarda model, at first I wouldn't go near it as the stigma attached (and I'm 6'1"+16 stone so makes it look even funnier), then one wet night she needed me to pick her up and my car was in the shop, well I ended up getting moaned at as I was over an hour late!!, I just couldn't belive how much fun this car was round the bends (exiting round-a-bouts is a particular favourite of mine) now whenever I get the chance to drive it on my own (even in the day!) I always have some fun with the little '5', although she has started to notice that her rear tyres don't last nearly as long as they used to!

Edited by sprinty on Friday 21st August 15:31

[Herman Toothrot]

The face lifted mk3 has just had a Forged crank and floating pistons popped in the engine as standard, kind of makes me thing a turbo or supercharger will be coming soon. The Cosworth kit of course will be available again soon (withdrawn as the pre facelift cars didn't have a strong enough engine).

[ninjaboy]

BlueEyedBoy said:

Howard- said:

BlueEyedBoy said:

I can understand that the MX-5 is a good handling car, but seriously, why would anyone ever really want one, maybe if they did a supercharged version dishing out 300bhp I would be tempted, but its far too safe a car to ever get excited about, and then there's the fact that like it or not, you always expect to see a fit girl driving one, not a bloke.

You've never driven one, have you?

No, but I have been in the passenger seat of a Gen 2 1.8 some special edition one, and I thought it was crap. No acceleration, too firm suspension and too noisy, not in a nice way.

I actually think the latest one looks quite good, I just wish they would give it a bit more power, that is all I am saying, and then I may be tempted to have a drive in one.

I like cars to have more power than grip.

Edited by BlueEyedBoy on Friday 21st August 15:20

Each to his own but grip and power are not the only messures of a sports car that matter. not to me anyway.

[skylinecrazy]

Warick Hunt said:

Stricktly a girls car.

You don't like anything though do you?

You're a proper troll.