Delivery Miles: Mazda MX-5
The all-new MX-5 finally arrives in UK later this month at a lower price than you might think
This week I've found myself behind the wheel of the new MX-5 in Scotland. No sun here, admittedly, but it's the perfect opportunity to discover just how well it copes with some of the UK's harshest tarmac. And on first impressions, I have to say, it's doing a fantastic job for me. It's got a compliant ride (even over major potholes), wonderfully precise steering, adjustable handling and a lovely sweet-revving 1.5-litre engine that, for my money, is a better choice than the pricier 2.0 (despite its extra torque, Bilsteins and limited-slip diff).
The new MX-5 has been on pre-order since April, although dealers don't get their cars until August 28. Speaking with Mazda, some interesting stats are starting to emerge. The UK order split is 50/50 between 1.5- and 2.0-litre cars (the initial expectation was more like 30/70), and most are top-spec Sport Nav trim (almost no base-spec SE orders have been taken so far).
What price a Mk4?
Since the order books opened in April, a very healthy 715 orders have been placed by UK customers. That means a waiting list of around two-to-three months - not bad by the standards of a new model that's in heavy demand. But deals are certainly there to be had.
With only a handful of press demo cars currently present in the UK, it's not surprising that there's just one Mk4 in our classifieds. It's in the most popular spec, though: a 2.0 SportNav with metallic Soul Red paint (a remarkable 65 per cent of pre-orders have been for Soul Red cars, not surprising considering its lustrous look). The list price is £23,955 but it's being offered for £24,911 - essentially a £1K premium. Advertised as "arriving soon," it's probably your best chance of getting into a new MX-5 before the autumnal clag kicks in.
Finance deals
If you're not a cash buyer, Mazda UK is offering a number of finance packages that will help keen backsides into a Mk4 bucket. If you want to go the PCP route, and have a deposit of around £4K, you can have a 1.5 (131hp) SE-L Nav (OTR price with metallic of £20,505) for £279 a month over 42 months, with an annual mileage limit of 9,000.
Step up to a 2.0 (160hp) Sport Nav (list with metallic £23,955) and you'll need a £4,700 deposit and £329 a month (APR 5.9 per cent).
If you've got enough for a 50 per cent deposit, Mazda is offering a 'conditional sale' (hire purchase to you and me) deal but you'll pay zero per cent interest on the remainder. This offer is available over 12, 24 or 36 months, but you won't own the car until the final payment is made. On a 1.5 (131hp) SE - on-the-road price with metallic £19,155 - whacking down £9,615 means that over 36 months the cost is £265 per month.
Hard cheese
I'm going to put my hand up and say I don't get the comparison with the Elise. As stated earlier it's 50% more expensive and appealing to a very different target market.
I also don't get the "ah, but I could get a 2nd hand...."
Yes, Yes you could but it's a bit erm Apples and Oranges.
However in the name of fairness....
"20K! I could get a 7 year old Boxster! and some track days........" (I changed the Defender to a Boxster as the funny side may have been missed)
What the Elise has is more focus, but i'd argue that a new 2.0 Miata with no more than a grand chucked at it to firm up the suspension and you'd be looking at fairly similar prospects
- Awaiting hurling of abuse*
What the Elise has is more focus, but i'd argue that a new 2.0 Miata with no more than a grand chucked at it to firm up the suspension and you'd be looking at fairly similar prospects
- Awaiting hurling of abuse*
What the Elise has is more focus, but i'd argue that a new 2.0 Miata with no more than a grand chucked at it to firm up the suspension and you'd be looking at fairly similar prospects
- Awaiting hurling of abuse*
What the Elise has is more focus, but i'd argue that a new 2.0 Miata with no more than a grand chucked at it to firm up the suspension and you'd be looking at fairly similar prospects
- Awaiting hurling of abuse*
The later ones do have an image problem though. Not sure why. It's refreshing Mazda have stuck to their guns over so many years and the latest one is lighter. SUV and MPV drivers for the other car in the household should be lapping these up. They are probably too mature to origami themselves into an Elise. Younger guys and gals should go the 2nd hand Elise route
16 inch wheels as well. The Corsa boys will not be impressed.
I agree 1k of suspension/stiffening/breathing mods will give you a a great amount of road driving joy.
Yes there is an image problem with them, but the less you give a f**k what other people think the happier you will be.
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