New MX-5 with same appeal

Test Report by Graham Breeze

The suits at Mazda know a thing or two about sports cars so you just have to take note when they announce changes to the world’s best selling two-seater.

With a choice of nine models across five trim levels, the all-new Mazda MX-5 arrives in showrooms in August and will reaffirm Mazda’s dominance of the affordable 
sports car sector.

It’s always a brave move to make changes to a best-seller and for generations Mazda has been careful not to lose sight of why they have the sports car market 
cornered. So it’s no surprise to find the new arrival is still instantly recognisable as an MX-5 – though different it certainly is.

The latest MX-5 was conceived and developed under the concept of “innovate in order to preserve”. In short that means you still get all the expected driving agility and 
fun alongside improved safety and efficiency improvements.

Offered with a choice of either 2.0litre or 1.5litre SKYACTIV-G petrol engines it comes with generous standard equipment, new levels of safety technology and is priced 
from £18,495 with a choice of nine models across five trim levels.

It’s the lightest MX-5 since the iconic original, and is shorter, lower and wider than the outgoing car, with the smallest overhangs and lowest centre of gravity yet. 
There’s just no hiding the fact that Mazda designers continue to focus on driver pleasure.

The introduction of SKYACTIV technology proved a real turning point in Mazda’s fortunes in the UK and allows the all-new MX-5’s lightweight petrol engines to deliver 
new levels of performance and economy. 

Driving the 2.0litre 160PS Sports version through the mountains of Scotland was the ideal test with 0-62 in 7.3 seconds, a top speed of 133mph, average fuel 
consumption of just over 40mpg and CO2 emissions of 161g/km on challenging roads.

Handling was more than acceptable and comfort levels surprising good, considering the difficult road conditions. But while road noise was barely audible there was a 
little too much wind noise for my liking, even with the roof down

Across the range the MX-5 features alloy wheels and the test car had stunning eight-spoke versions. You also get LED headlights, a leather steering wheel and gear 
knob, plus a lightweight and sleek fabric hood.

SE-L models add LED daytime running lights, climate control air-conditioning, DAB radio, Bluetooth and cruise control, plus Mazda’s MZD-Connect connectivity and 
infotainment system with 7-inch Colour touch-screen display and Multimedia Commander.

SE-L models with the 2.0-litre 160ps engine are distinguished by 17-inch Gunmetal alloy wheels and piano black door mirrors, and benefit from a strut brace and limited 
slip differential.

Step up to Sport trim and both the 1.5 and 2.0-litre cars feature rain-sensing wipers, rear parking sensors, smart keyless entry, Premium Bose sound system and heated 
leather seats.

With the 1.5-litre 131ps engine, Sport trim MX-5’s come with 16-inch Gunmetal alloy wheels and piano black door mirrors. 

The test car had a set-up that includes sports suspension featuring Bilstein dampers, a limited slip differential and strut brace.

Versions of the all-new Mazda MX-5 fitted with Mazda’s integrated navigation system come with three-years of free European map upgrades, while the range topping 
2.0-litre 160ps Sport Nav is available with the optional £350 Safety Pack, which includes high beam control and blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert.

Twenty-five years after launch the Mazda MX-5 still remains the benchmark as one of the best and most affordable sports cars on the market – and it looks even better 
than ever.