When our new Mazda MX-5 arrived on the Auto Express fleet, there was a predictable bun-fight as to who was going to run the highly acclaimed two-seater roadster. However, with most of my colleagues having small children to consider, it was soon whittled down to me – and I certainly wasn’t going to argue!
I was lucky enough to run the previous- generation 2.0-litre MX-5 when it was launched back in 2006 – and loved it – so I was immensely excited about getting behind the wheel of this latest incarnation. But with its new smaller 1.5-litre engine, would it live up to my high expectations?
Off I went to be reacquainted with my local Mazda dealer – TW Whites in Bookham, Surrey – where sales executive Tom Birdsall was available not only to answer any questions I had, but to hand over the keys to my precious new charge.
After a coffee and a look through the MX-5 brochure, Tom talked me through the extensive features of the car’s MZD Connect infotainment system. With its dash-mounted seven-inch tablet-style screen, there’s plenty going on for techie types. He eagerly showed me how I could connect to the Internet, Tweet and post on Facebook if I so desired. I’m more keen on doing that from the comfort and safety
of my home, but it’s a neat little option.
What was useful was the ease with which my smartphone paired, while the sat-nav is simple to use. It’s all helped by the Multimedia Commander control wheel by the gearlever, which puts everything at your fingertips.
Mazda has now installed a new external boot release button, which Tom pointed out. It’s well hidden in the corner of the number plate recess, and I certainly wouldn’t have found it without his advice. With past experience of locking my keys in the boot of my previous MX-5, it’s certainly a welcome addition to the new model.
We’ve opted for mid-range SE-L Nav spec, which gets smart black cloth seats with red stitching, LED headlights, cruise control and steering wheel-mounted audio and Bluetooth controls as standard. We’ve also opted for the Ceramic metallic paint option, which I think looks really smart at £550, although it’s had the Marmite effect by dividing opinion among my colleagues.
But it’s when you get behind the wheel that the enjoyment really kicks in. Unlatch the manual hood – the windows now automatically drop slightly to ease operation, although annoyingly they don’t go back up – push the canvas roof back, click it into place and you’re ready for some wind-in-the-hair, open-top motoring.
Its now 27 years on from the original MX-5, and Mazda has thankfully remained faithful to the original ethos by keeping the latest model simple, yet providing fantastically fun motoring.
The familiar short-shift six-speed gearbox is still one of the best you’ll find, and coupled with the new 1.5-litre engine, it really is a perfect match. I’m not the only one to think so, either – everyone from the office who has driven the MX-5 has been bowled over by the little roadster. I’m now just hoping we get a great summer, because as long as it’s dry, the roof will be firmly down and I’ll once again be in convertible heaven...
*Insurance quote from AA (0800 107 0680) for a 42-year-old in Banbury, Oxon, with three points.
- Model: Mazda MX-5 1.5 SkyActiv SE-L Nav
- On fleet since: March 2016
- Price new: £20,195
- Engine: 1.5-litre 4cyl
- Power: 129bhp
- CO2: 139g/km
- Tax: £130
- Options: Ceramic metallic paint (£550)
- Insurance*: Group: 26 Quote £651
- Mileage/mpg: 1,712/41.5mpg
- Costs: None so far
- Any problems?: None to date
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