2015 Mazda MX-5 2.0 Sport Nav | PH Fleet
Remember the Megane that Ben said he'd never sell? Now look at it...
About that ‘keeper’ of a Renaultsport Megane 275 Trophy. It was an exceptional example – one I’d dreamed of owning for several years and came close to buying brand new. But it was my third Mk3 Megane and the first time I’d bought one as my weekend fun car, rather than my daily. So, it turned into a case of been there done that, and ultimately while they’re incredible cars, it just didn’t feel special enough as my only toy. And I was really missing the top-down experience in my MX-5, so the next step was virtually inevitable.
Having owned the pinnacle of the NC generation of MX-5, my attention turned to the ND. My mum owns one with the 1.5 which I’ve driven numerous times and while I think the NC is the better-looking car, it’s hard to ignore that the ND is smaller, 150kg lighter, feels sharper to drive despite having electric steering versus hydraulic in the NC, and the interior is a considerably nicer place to be, too. As long as you’re under six foot, that is, as there’s less leg room in the later generation, which is obviously important if you’re as needlessly tall as Matt Bird.
I originally set my sights on the 2018 onwards ND2, with the revised 184hp Skyactiv engine. Although, as I’d be modifying whatever I bought, some light fettling with either the ND1 or ND2 gives similar power outputs and given that the earlier cars are quite a bit cheaper, the ND1 started to make more sense. A Recaro Edition in Soul Red popped up for sale, and I’d already bought it in my head as I planned the seven-hour round trip to go and look at it. Sadly, it was a bit rough around the edges, though luckily GY65 GMO had just been listed for sale the night before my trip and the two cars were only 20 minutes apart, so it made sense to check it out as a benchmark at least.
And guess what: I’ve hands down never come across a car so fastidiously maintained and cared for – it was utterly immaculate. Garaged its whole life and presumably never driven in the rain, it’s factory fresh underneath. The PHer that was selling it had put several little touches on it that only us car nerds can truly appreciate; little strips of PPF in certain areas to avoid paint wear over time, felt pads to prevent snagging and squeaking. The list goes on. The kind of guy I aspire to be, basically - and absolutely the type of seller I want to buy a car from. And it had covered little more than 5,000 miles.
So, what exactly have I bought? Well, it’s an early ND generation MX-5 with the 2.0-litre Skyactiv engine that Mazda rushed to release after the Americans laughed the 1.5 out of the showroom. All Sport trim MX-5s came with a mechanical limited-slip differential as standard, with the 2.0-litre four-pot sending 160hp to the rear wheels. My car was specced in Soul Red (the only paint I’d consider), with the Mazda aero body kit and Recaro wheels. With a very comprehensive service history, I snapped it up in a heartbeat.
My kids adore it and were devastated when I sold my last ‘red car’ and they enjoy having the roof down as much as I do, which is a very important factor in my car purchasing these days. I’ve wasted no time adding a Alcantara dash and red speedo from a Abarth 124 Spider, genuine Mazda Alcantara gear and handbrake gaiters, my IL Motorsport gearknob I’d saved from my NC and a larger Fyralip boot spoiler. Adorned with a PH smiley, naturally. I’ve got lots of plans for it and will be busy over the winter, but more on that next time!
FACT SHEET
Car: 2015 Mazda MX-5 2.0 Sport Nav
Run by: Ben Lowden
On fleet since: October 2025
Mileage: 6,063
Modifications: IL Motorsport gearknob, Fyralip boot spoiler
Predictably it is cripplingly slow. I had a MK3 MR2 before and after it and those felt 'nippier' and a little quicker but this is a modern car and it just took way to long to build up any speed. Thrashing it to get any level of moderate speed was just not fun.
I didn't get on with the suspension. It seems to roll initially and then settle but that initial roll really reduced my confidence in the cornering, it's like have a car with very soft suspension that then becomes one with sports suspension.
Not sure if it is the low bonnet line but I felt like I was sitting on it, not in it.
And the infotainment was so bad I still can't believe it, even now, a couple of years later.
Positively though, it looked superb, was well built and comfy. Needless to say I didn't keep it long...
We are so going to miss these lovely machines when they are gone.
It seemed like a good idea at the time as i'd been happy with the 1st car except it develop a few niggles and it felt time to move it on and replace with something newer. Couldn't think of anything else my met my needs better so i thought i'd just get a newer one of the same.
One lives and learns !!
It seemed like a good idea at the time as i'd been happy with the 1st car except it develop a few niggles and it felt time to move it on and replace with something newer. Couldn't think of anything else my met my needs better so i thought i'd just get a newer one of the same.
One lives and learns !!
It seemed like a good idea at the time as i'd been happy with the 1st car except it develop a few niggles and it felt time to move it on and replace with something newer. Couldn't think of anything else my met my needs better so i thought i'd just get a newer one of the same.
One lives and learns !!
kind of depends what else appeals and whether you need or want to make the change
I really liked my Mk7 Fiesta ST (until nicked !) but have held off getting a Mk8 for these reasons
It's why i hope the GR Corolla is sold in the UK as upgrading from a Mk1 to a Mk2 GR Yaris doesn't appeal but i'm not sure what else to get in a couple of years time (possibly an FL5 CTR but they are so big)
1st world problems i know !
Looks fab, must try squeeze myself in soon.MX5 looks lovely though, I really think this is the best looking iteration so far and value for money is excellent.
I'm 6'2 and when looking for an MX-5 8 years ago I really couldn't fit in an NC but was surprised that the outwardly smaller ND was just fine. Man maths made a slightly newer ND1 a reality. The ND2 (I think has reach & rake adjustment to the steering wheel), the ND1 only has height.
The answer to your question is to go to a dealer, play about with the wheel and seat (you may find by bringing the base forward an inch & reclining a little helps). BTW many taller people have larger feet - there's no problem with my size 12s, but I'm not a typical PH driving diva who heals & toes.
In the past 8 years I've often thought of changing my ND1 but the extra 20k I'd need to get into an ND3 (or perhaps another convertible such as a Caterham or Morgan) would not be worth the marginal gain.
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