Thursday 25th July 2019

2020 Mazda MX5 Design & Cup Pack | UK Review

We went to drive the 30th Anniversary car. But Mazda has something cheaper - and better - up its sleeve

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We love the Mazda MX-5 just about every which way it's possible to get it; whether it's with an entry-level 1.5-litre engine or a 184hp 2.0-litre, in hard-top RF spec or an original Mk.1, with studded tyres or a turbo. The last 30 years and million-plus cars have led to the development of one of the most enjoyable driving experiences available at any price point, let alone the circa £20,000 a basic example commands today.

To celebrate that fact and the launch of the original MX-5, Mazda has unveiled a 30th Anniversary Edition model. Limited to 3,000 examples - all of which will come in Racing Orange - the car gets a specially-developed set of forged aluminium Rays wheels, Brembo brakes - a UK first, also painted orange - and a special anniversary badge. Those exclusive options are on top of a number of familiar optional items included as standard, such as the strut brace, Bilstein dampers, and limited-slip differential.

Inside, there's orange stitching on the Recaro seats and Alcantara trim, as well as Apple Carplay and Android Auto as standard. From the global allocation, the UK market will get the largest share; 550 cars will be coming here, comprising 370 2.0-litre convertibles and 180 RFs priced at £28,095 and £29,895 respectively. We drove the car on its UK launch and, well, it's a nicely-specced MX-5 with slightly better brakes - though the standard car's stoppers weren't exactly a weak point, and with no extra power to contain they can't be claimed to make an enormous difference. We're sure Mazdaficionados will love it, but our money would go on another new MX-5 option which has a rather more tangible effect.

Mazda's 'Cup' and 'Design' Packs are dealer-fit options which take the base MX-5's already enjoyable platform as a starting point and build on it in numerous ways appropriate to their title. For £1,995 installed, the Cup Pack adds 25mm lower Eibach suspension, a Bastuck stainless steel exhaust system and - on 2.0-litre cars only - a set of 17-inch black BBS wheels. For £4,675, meanwhile, the Design Pack includes all of the above, plus an aero body kit - featuring black front, side and rear skirts and a subtle boot lid spoiler - to compliment those wheels. Inside, the cabin benefits from a liberal coating of Alcantara as it is found on the 30th Anniversary Edition, albeit without the orange details.

The car looks absolutely mega on its lowered springs, to the extent that anyone not keen on spending the extra £2,680 on the (admittedly handsome) bodykit would probably be justified in thinking that they hadn't missed out on a great deal. There's a slightly sharper bark on start-up from the exhaust, too, although nothing like the bassy burble of the Abarth 124.

Out on the road it soon becomes clear that the new ride height has cost the MX-5 some its suppleness over uneven surfaces. But the sacrifice in vertical wallow is more than compensated by the gains made in body control; the turn-in is noticeably sharper and the cornering flatter than in the standard car. The Basturk pipes, new from the catalytic converter back, earn their crust out on the road, too - providing the sportier soundtrack that the tighter chassis deserves, while also seeming to contribute to the revised engine's even greater desire for revs. It's tremendously well judged, improving on the MX-5's rather flat-toned standard system without making the car overly aggressive or excessively shouty.

Pitched a warm, sunny day the MX-5's character - that rounded ability to make the wind in your hair feel like an unthreatening and carefree pleasure - is still allowed to bubble through the Cup Pack's slightly heightened sense of focus. Factor in its perfect size and the perfectly sufficient output for you to have fun wringing it out while never seeming to overstep the mark, and Mazda's optional extra feels like £1,995 exceptionally well spent. Roll on another 30 years.

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SPECIFICATION - MAZDA MX-5 SKYACTIV-G 2.0
Engine: 1,998cc, 4-cyl
Transmission: 6-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 184@ 7,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 151@4,000rpm
0-62mph: 6.5sec
Top speed: 136mph
Weight: 1,105kg (with 75kg driver)
MPG: 40.9
CO2: 156g/km
Price: £22,295 (Plus £1,995 for Cup Pack or £4,675 for Design Pack)

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[Kawasicki]

Great job Mazda.

I think this is one of the best cars launched in the past few years.

With this MX5 Mazda put paid to the idea that regulations have made modern cars much heavier and larger than they used to be.

Can’t wait to drive one.