Mazda MX-5 1.5 (ND): PH Fleet
Why 132hp and 975kg really might be all you need (most of the time)
Typically the point of these long-term tests is to discover the kind of irks or annoyances that might make a new car awkward or tricky to live with. The sort of issues that wouldn't usually crop up in a week-long test drive, and yet are the ones that are hopefully of some use to a prospective customer. That's what we aim to do, at least...
Our MX-5 though has been turning that idea rather on its head, chiefly by becoming ever more and more likeable as time passes. More and more miles with it only has only proved the point more convincingly that light, simple, clever cars really are the best thing for the future of motoring. Much as they were in its past.
Now that pared back nature does have its drawbacks. In the recent windy weather, the little Mazda did feel a little precarious at motorway speed, and noisier than most people would think ideal. Truth told 112lb ft into a headwind didn't really feel sufficient, either. Furthermore, the 1.5 does lose out on a few bits compared to our previous 2.0-litre - CarPlay is certainly an option box worth ticking (especially as the Mazda nav seems to miss a few things, like roundabouts), the keyless entry was so good it's now much missed and there's been the odd occasion when the limited-slip diff would be handy. Nowhere near as many as you might think, though.
By and large, however, what's coming through from living with an MX-5 is how well sorted it is as a 975kg car out of the box. Of course there will be tuning options, but the fact that it works so sweetly as standard is a mark of its development and tuning. Moreover, it does nothing that rankles or irritates in everyday use. Some cars will have a seat that's a bit too high, controls in illogical places or sub-par contact points that taint what's often a very good overall product; not so in the MX-5. It's all just methodically, thoroughly, near-perfectly done.
Nothing is hidden behind a veil of high-adrenaline mode options, either. The MX-5 just works in damn near every situation because it's been so cleverly engineered; there isn't a button for a sharper throttle, or weightier steering, or a different sound from the speakers - and it's never felt like needing one. Many if not most of the sports car benchmarks that Mazda always hoped to emulate made it without modes, and hopefully the MX-5 can continue in that vein - because there's simply no need when the car is this well sorted.
And, as has been discussed previously, the benefits of reducing weight and complexity produces better results everywhere. Petrol in this 1.5-litre car seems to last forever (and it's not used any oil despite how it's driven), the brakes and tyres show barely any signs of wear and they'll be cheaper to replace when the time comes because they're so small to start with.
It's a philosophy employed by the Alpine A110, albeit with a little more technology, to similarly captivating effect. Sure, the A110 is turbocharged, automatic and features a Sport mode, but that seem feeling of low-mass, low-inertia energy courses through the whole car as it does in the MX-5. And it feels absolutely fantastic. Let's hope a few more manufacturers will catch on soon.
FACT SHEET
Car: 2018 Mazda MX-5 1.5 Skyactiv-G SE-L Nav +
On fleet since: February 2019
Run by: Matt
Mileage: 3,404
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: Back to basics is best!
Previous reports:
Does less power equal less fun?
This MX5 shares a similar power to weight ratio to the 80s hot hatches that provide (in my opinion) a great balance of fast enough for thrills without feeling that every time you mash the throttle for more than a few seconds you are into >100mph ban territory even if it does mean that once in every umpteen journeys someone in a diesel family car will get in your way & you wish you had an extra 100Hp.
The best roads are the twisty ones. A narrow light small car like the MX5 is ideally suited to those still. Use the NA engine, rev it out, don't be scared by silly grip levels or acceleration, just have fun.
As people get cars ever bigger size and weight wise I am sure this Lotus ethos for the MX5 will get more people buying it, taking the red pill rather than the blue pill.
The success of the Alpine A110 shows people are still not totally besotted with bhp and acceleration times.
My only gripe with the ND MX5 is they went to EPAS. Should have kept it as it was.
BBR did a turbo version for the 1.5 but I am not sure it has proved too popular. Shame as the 1.5 is a lighter car and a good way to fill out the performance without going over the top. Remove the aircon and move the battery to the boot and the front to back weight balance would still be fine with the added turbo weight.
All this with 50mpg economy despite the occasional foray to the 7500 red line.
Can only think of replacing it with another one of the same, and that's a first for me!
No seriously, good going, same here, lighter is almost always better and mostly only post here because I have to sit behind a computer and wait for calculations to come through... rather be out
On power/weight I found a really sweet spot with my old Audi S4 Quattro 200hp/tonne and 250 ft lbs a tonne nice for the road. My new Octavia VRS with 140bhp tonne and 190 ft lbs tonne is not quiet enough. 400hp & ft lbs per tonne on my track-day Audi is great but too much for the road.
I can see why the Golf R's are going down so well, just a nice amount for every day.
This MX5 shares a similar power to weight ratio to the 80s hot hatches that provide (in my opinion) a great balance of fast enough for thrills without feeling that every time you mash the throttle for more than a few seconds you are into >100mph ban territory even if it does mean that once in every umpteen journeys someone in a diesel family car will get in your way & you wish you had an extra 100Hp.
Would definitely go for this spec MX5 if I was in the market; lower powered cars are underrated!
Regarding the ND MX5 and light weight sports cars in general -- I think that's the only mainstream ICE kit that is going to stay relevant. The rest will move to electric sooner than anticipated. Power/weight is not everything, there is a real benefit of light weight independent of engine power and you can't do light weight with current batteries.
I think our next garage will be MX5 + Swift Sport (+ something silly if budget allows) and will stay that way for a while.
..I once owned a Fiat 124 Sport Spider - an original. Fantastic car. A mate took a photo of me in it once with the roof down - what an idiot I looked - he bloody published it on Facebook too
I sold it not long after that. Don't understand the UK fascination with convertibles, especially considering the s
t weather. Why look a dick when you don't have to I once owned a Fiat 124 Sport Spider - an original. Fantastic car. A mate took a photo of me in it once with the roof down - what an idiot I looked - he bloody published it on Facebook too
I sold it not long after that. Don't understand the UK fascination with convertibles, especially considering the s
t weather. Why look a dick when you don't have to If being perceived as a dick by people like you is the price of having fun in an MX5, it's the bargain of the century.
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