RE: Mazda launches centenary edition MX-5

[Rob_F]

robinandcamera said:

shantybeater said:

Lovely combo, the new MX5's really do look like a modern day S2000 to my eyes.

I've had a stab at creating my own modern S2000 with one and I like how it has turned out, bbr super 220 pack with some ohlins and larger anti roll bars. Not tracked it yet, but a lot of fun on road. Glad I took a punt on it, it will be staying!
The 30th was a much better spec though with the brembo and recaro seats

Edited by robinandcamera on Monday 3rd August 18:37

Your car looks the absolute business! You should create a thread in readers cars if you haven't already I'm sure others would have lots of questions too.

Are the recaros better than the standard seats, and if so in what way? Better bolstering? Lumbar? Adjustment? Big fan of these but I did find it quite uncomfortable to be honest.

[flukey5]

Rob_F said:

Your car looks the absolute business! You should create a thread in readers cars if you haven't already I'm sure others would have lots of questions too.

Are the recaros better than the standard seats, and if so in what way? Better bolstering? Lumbar? Adjustment? Big fan of these but I did find it quite uncomfortable to be honest.

I've driven a normal MX-5 and own a 30AE. Would say the recaros have much better bolstering and still have all the same adjustments as the standard seats. I think they are slightly less comfotable maybe? But for sure the materials wear much better. I've seen the standard seats looking tired and 'permanently sat in' after less than 10k miles. I think alcantara just wears better maybe.

Edited by flukey5 on Tuesday 4th August 17:43

[KS1959]

Why oh why doesn't Mazda see to it to offer a third fixed roof ( no ,not an RF) version of the MX5??......More rigidity , better aerodynamics, lighter weight?, less expensive?, increased luggage capacity , quieter than roadster, provide more interior space......Seems it would provide some spice to the line up, add some additional competition for the 86/BRZ, and potential to sell more units,etc. C'mon Mazda ......

[WJNB]

arkenphel said:

30k seems a lot.

Me too, in fact I was convinced it was a typo.
Ridiculous price for a lot of cheap tatty add-ons, so sad they have to milk the thing to death.
£30k used would buy you so much better in terms of performance, build quality & cache'.

[NorthernSky]

shantybeater said:

Lovely combo, the new MX5's really do look like a modern day S2000 to my eyes.

Whoa, let's not be too hasty.

[robinandcamera]

WJNB said:

Me too, in fact I was convinced it was a typo.
Ridiculous price for a lot of cheap tatty add-ons, so sad they have to milk the thing to death.
£30k used would buy you so much better in terms of performance, build quality & cache'.

Used to indeed, damn inflation and taxation on manufacturer fleet emissions. It is only a little more than what an ep3 civic type r cost when it came out if you factor in inflation (they were about 17k in year 2001). A boxster was 31-43k back between ‘96 and ‘04 (Parkers). I think you need to update what you think 30k should get you!

[anonymous-user]

Good points about inflation, but 12 months ago I bought the top spec regular car for £23k including a handful of extras; this is 30% more and offers nothing extra. The 30th AE cars came with a coupe of grands worth of forged Rays wheels, Brembo brakes, Recaro seats and were selling for £28k. Hopefully you can get big discounts on RRP...

I know why they've had to do it, but it still stings and £30k is a lot more than £23k!

Edited by anonymous-user on Wednesday 5th August 01:00

[Olivergt]

Lot's of comments on the lovely colour combination and I would agree, it looks lovely.

But... I think it would look even nicer and be more of a tribute, if it was in the original off white and dark red hood, I think that would look even better.

[flukey5]

robinandcamera said:

Used to indeed, damn inflation and taxation on manufacturer fleet emissions. It is only a little more than what an ep3 civic type r cost when it came out if you factor in inflation (they were about 17k in year 2001). A boxster was 31-43k back between ‘96 and ‘04 (Parkers). I think you need to update what you think 30k should get you!

True - People insist on comparing new cars to used though which doesn't make any sense!

Still interested in hearing your opinion on comparing your 30AE BBR220 to your Exige 350 (or a new elise!)

[anonymous-user]

I'd also be interested to hear how the BBR220 is to use day to day, the calibration of the standard engine is so good I'd be curious to know if the 220 package loses any of that.

[Dream]

Shantybusiness -

I see you are unlocking the potential of the ND. Kind of like an mx5 RS...

- Please can you detail what spacers you have fitted?

- Your front number plate looks much batter than standard - what specification and where did you buy it from?

- Are the Ohlins really worth the expense?

- thanks!

[robinandcamera]

stickleback123 said:

I'd also be interested to hear how the BBR220 is to use day to day, the calibration of the standard engine is so good I'd be curious to know if the 220 package loses any of that.

It has beautiful mid range. Mine had a new style manifold that gave some extra torque and at 500rpm earlier, but lost a little top end, but the engine only had about 15 miles on it so tight still!

[robinandcamera]

Dream said:

Shantybusiness -

I see you are unlocking the potential of the ND. Kind of like an mx5 RS...

- Please can you detail what spacers you have fitted?

- Your front number plate looks much batter than standard - what specification and where did you buy it from?

- Are the Ohlins really worth the expense?

- thanks!

The spacers are 10mm ones from here,
https://www.wheelspacers.uk.com/
longer studs were fitted. Some people go 15mm or 20mm and then you can get bolt on ones, but changing from the very skinny 205 to 215 Cup that are a lot chunkier worked well I think and no worry with any rubbing.

Front plate is 3/4 size from fancyplates.com. It doesn’t hang down below the gloss black now which is nice

So far I love the ohlins, I had 2 way nitrons on the last lotus so wanted something posh on this. I have had meister r in the past though and dont really have anything bad to say about those.

Nice to see the car getting some love, it is a great package

Edited by robinandcamera on Saturday 8th August 16:17

[Asspec]

I’ll stick with my more Iconic Honda S2000

[anonymous-user]

robinandcamera said:

It has beautiful mid range. Mine had a new style manifold that gave some extra torque and at 500rpm earlier, but lost a little top end, but the engine only had about 15 miles on it so tight still!

I think I'd make that compromise too, probably a better option for road use.

[Asspec]

shantybeater said:

Lovely combo, the new MX5's really do look like a modern day S2000 to my eyes.

But not as good.

[coppice]

I like mine - but one thing would make more difference to driving pleasure than any increased amount of power- decent steering . It is typical epas - too light, zero feel , zero feedback , hardly a helped by a steering wheel that is too big, too thin and slippy rimmed .

But otherwise, they are nice cars - brisk , beautifully packaged , light (if not Lotus light) and small . Mine was greatly improved by having the Mazda lowered springs - bit roly poly before but spot on now .

[bqf]

...this, or a Gazoo Yaris (give or take...)???