New MX-5 - first drive report

[TWPC]

On the Autocar website:
http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/mazda/mx-5/fir...

It sounds like a gem. The report it pretty detailed.
Things I'd note:
- manual roof
- no plastic cover over the engine
- 195 tyres

Negative stuff - pretty minor I think:
- stupid iPad on the dash
- does it need power steering at all?

[Krikkit]

Looks absolutely brilliant, sounds like they've pared it right back to the minimum needed as well. Very excited about the new MX5.

[Matt UK]

Very promising indeed if it is being talked of alongside the sublime Mk1.

Styling wise I'm sure I'll learn to like it. At the moment I can see influence from Honda S2000, Jag F-type and hints of early BMW Z4..

[Munter]

48mpg....I don't think I'd be driving it in a style that would be conducive to 48mpg....

And boy do I want a go at driving it

[Howroyd]

This makes me do a little wee wee in my trousers

[SteveSteveson]

It's all looking good!

TWPC said:

- does it need power steering at all?

Yes. Unfortunately even a car that is small and light with small wheels by modern standards would be a pig without it. My mums old 1.1 fiesta, which was about 250kgs less than the mk4 MX5 and had wheels smaller than the avrage shopping trolly was a pig at low speed. With the exception of a few cars, which are not made for driving every day, modern cars need power stearing I'm afraid.

[Howard-]

TWPC said:

- does it need power steering at all?

Yes. Even a mk1 without PAS is absolutely awful to drive.

[Xtriple129]

Any clues as to how much it will be? I've had a mk1 and a mk3.... will have to wait for the auto box though

[TWPC]

SteveSteveson said:

It's all looking good!

TWPC said:

- does it need power steering at all?

Yes. Unfortunately even a car that is small and light with small wheels by modern standards would be a pig without it. My mums old 1.1 fiesta, which was about 250kgs less than the mk4 MX5 and had wheels smaller than the avrage shopping trolly was a pig at low speed. With the exception of a few cars, which are not made for driving every day, modern cars need power stearing I'm afraid.

You're right of course. To make it an everyday car without power steering they would need to give it a ratio requiring about 5 turns lock to lock...

[Steve vRS]

Just signed up on the Mazda website to be kept updated with information about it. Just incase they do a launch track day for prospective customers

[TWPC]

Xtriple129 said:

Any clues as to how much it will be? I've had a mk1 and a mk3.... will have to wait for the auto box though

Car Mag suggested it will start at around £19K.
http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/News/Search-Results/F...

[JDMDrifter]

Looks promising! Long live the MX5!

[DoctorX]

Very nice. Think I'd have a darker colour to help hide that bonnet shutline between the headlights which jars a little IMO.

[clowesy]

Its a pity Alfa have chosen not to use this platform for the new Spider as it sounds as though Mazda are on to a winner with this.

[Dog Star]

I was aghast when Merc started the Ripspeed-esque screen thing, but incredibly it seems to have spread; I'm seeing these on all sorts of cars, even BMWs. Shame as otherwise that's a nice interior.

[Ruskins]

Rumour-mill currently suggests that the Fiat version with be either an Abarth or, intriguingly a Lancia

[Greg_D]

I just can't get on with the exterior styling, it looks like it's been left out in the sun too long. There's not an attractive line on it, IMO (and that's coming from someone who's owned multiple versions of every Mk. of MX5)

[Jayyylo]

The write up sounds great but I'm really not sure on the looks. Mazda engineers seem to have listened to enthusiast customers but how many will actually produce the cash? Hopefully we don't see the predictable reviews saying "great handling, not enough power".

[Baz2000]

Ruskins said:

Rumour-mill currently suggests that the Fiat version with be either an Abarth or, intriguingly a Lancia

Return of the Lancia Fulvia maybe?

[Munter]

Baz2000 said:

Ruskins said:

Rumour-mill currently suggests that the Fiat version with be either an Abarth or, intriguingly a Lancia

Return of the Lancia Fulvia maybe?

Cough
[best sleezy accent] I've lanced a few ladies fulvias in my time...eh...eh...know what I mean[\best sleezy accent]