Mazda MX-5 1.5 (ND): PH Fleet
The 2.0 is gone, replaced by a 1.5-litre MX-5 - might it actually be the one to have?
It would be fair to say that the 2.0-litre MX-5 RF, run on the PH Fleet towards the end of 2018, won most of us over. Really it didn't do much beyond what the MX-5 has always done - combine affordable rear-drive roadster entertainment with a Japanese knack for packaging - but it was the latest engine tweaks that really brought it alive. It was, and remains, a much missed car.
On the face of it, the 1.5-litre model that we've replaced it with appears to be a less significant update of the ND range. Where the power of the larger engine climbed pretty noticeably, just a solitary horsepower has been found from old car to new. So that's 132hp, and an extra pound foot of torque as well, for 112 in total. Still, this is the first time we've had an opportunity to drive the smaller-engined MX-5 for an extended period, and those who've driven both - before the facelift, that is - have had nothing but praise for the dinkier engine. The talk is often of a freer, keener, more exciting unit, one that perfectly matches the MX-5's lightweight ethos despite its deficit in performance compared to the 2.0.
For our long-term car, the 1.5-litre engine is combined with the traditional soft top and SE-L Nav trim. That means it's one of the lightest MX-5s you can buy (the larger engine and more complex roof obviously adding kilos), but is still decently equipped. The most notable absentees from the option list are the leather interior, the Apple CarPlay (a £350 tick) and the active safety tech such as Lane Assist and City Braking Assist. Are they missed? The leather not especially, the CarPlay quite a bit, and the safety tech was noticeable really for how little it felt the need to do anything - must have been the standard of the driving(!).
None of the 1.5-litre cars are available with the limited-slip diff that is standard on the 2.0-litre MX-5s in Sport trim and above (and which contributes to them being such a giggle) - but it's early days so we'll leave the handling analysis for another time. Early impressions are of a car that steers with less inertia (presumably thanks to the reduced mass over the nose), is more willing to change direction (because it weighs less overall) and might rev even more enthusiastically. On a nerdy hunch, that could well be because the stroke of the 1.5 is shorter at 85.8mm against 91.2.
As for the rest of the car, it won't be a surprise to learn that there's a lot to like, chiefly because plenty that is good is found in all MX-5s. It's compact, wieldy and nimble, squeezing into spaces even ostensibly small cars now struggle with (which is of even greater benefit when your commute includes the London Congestion Zone). The manual gearbox is a dream, the simple and intuitive HVAC controls make every other system seem needlessly complex and, speaking personally, the MX-5 looks great in the signature Soul Red paint. Just a shame about the black wheels.
So the baby MX-5 is off to a good start with us, a refreshingly simple antidote to an increasingly complicated contemporary performance car zeitgeist. With the weather now on the turn, we expect it to get more entertaining still.
FACT SHEET
Car: 2018 Mazda MX-5 1.5 Skyactiv-G SE-L Nav +
On fleet since: February 2019
Run by: Matt
Mileage: 2,321
List price new: £20,795 (as standard; price as tested £21,585 comprised of £790 for Soul Red Crystal Metallic)
Last month at a glance: Does a less powerful MX-5 mean a less enjoyable MX-5?
Photos: Dafydd Wood
Really proves to me that more power isn't always more fun. To the contrary almost. Simlar things about tyres. Narrowish 16" are just right for the job, too.
And it doesn't cost a fortune. It's even frugal.
Almost perfect car. Only thing it misses are a rear seat and 600l of luggage space
and perhaps a LSD for ultimate winter/gravel fun?I assume more people like the black wheels if that’s what manufacturers are moving towards...
Wheels aside, having driven both, the 1.5 would be my choice (if I were to replace my NA). It’s a cracking car!
Mazda please offer a diff as an option like they do in Japan, even if its a aftersales part people would buy them
There is another bonus to these, you can, if you try... easily get 60 plus mpg out of one of these, which makes the man maths add up for a dual purpose city/commuter/trackday car, should you need one
If you want something more extreme get the turbo kit for 210bhp but they don't seem good value on the 1.5 to me.
They had a converted car for sale on their website, still shown now but sold, and it states it's the only 1.5 BBR turbo in the UK. So if you got one it would be an extremely rare car, whether that's a good or a bad thing you decide
My wife - who was not a fan of driving - has really warmed to it and actually enjoys driving it - which is as a strong endorsement as they come.
Whenever I consider replacing it I always ask myself, why need more?
It's just a fantastic car.
Appreciate your comments about the heating and ventilation controls. I presume that dials have been replaced by soft buttons integrated into infotainment screens because it is a cheaper solution for the manufacturers. Can anyone verify that or provide a better reason??
I can't, however, get over the 'iPad stuck on the dash' look at it and many other cars have these days. Always looks like a half-arsed attempt rather than properly integrating the Nav into the dash. Surely I can't be the only one to think this.
With the 1.5, I also struggle with the concept that for only £1,500 more, I could have 50+ additional Japanese ponies.
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