Skip advert
Advertisement

Mazda MX-5 RC 2.0 Sport Tech

Roadster top-seller delivers endless driving thrills

THE Mazda MX-5 has been a familiar part of our automotive landscape for more than 20 years. Spanning three model generations, the little roadster has consistently blended great handling, low running costs, eye-catching design and a desirable image, and is one of the best all-rounders available.

The latest MX-5 is also available with a folding hard-top, as tested here, making it more practical than ever. But our focus isn’t about rational considerations such as boot space or seating capacity. To have the X Factor, these carsmust look good and attract attention wherever they go.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Thankfully, despite the extra bulk of its clever roof, the Mazda still has a striking and balanced design. The latest model gets a wide grille and deep-set foglamps, giving an aggressive face. And while the pop-up headlamps of the original no longer feature, the more conventional integrated units still look good. Large alloys and twin exhausts combine with a squat stance to remind you that this car has been built with one thing in mind – driving pleasure.

As with the exterior, it’s clear to see from where the interior designers took their inspiration, with a layout that borrows heavily from previous MX-5s. Although it can’t match the material quality of the Peugeot or dramatic retro cabin of the Fiat, it does offer the best driving position here. But the steering wheel would benefit from reach adjustment.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Qashqai

2018 Nissan

Qashqai

52,849 milesManualDiesel1.5L

Cash £10,900
View Qashqai
5008

2022 Peugeot

5008

46,225 milesManualDiesel1.5L

Cash £18,506
View 5008
Puma

2023 Ford

Puma

67,042 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £12,506
View Puma
EQC

2023 Mercedes

EQC

21,307 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £26,000
View EQC

The low-slung seats, shallow screen and high transmission tunnel combine to reinforce the sense of occasion associated with driving a real sports car. If only Mazda had used some more lively materials to brighten things up –with the roof up, the cabin can be a little dull and claustrophobic.

One thing which doesn’t disappoint is the MX-5’s driving experience. Engineers followed the approach that every gram counts, so the roadster weighs 1,098kg – that’s only 63kg more than the much smaller Abarth.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Add the slick-shifting six-speed manual box, rear-wheel-drive transmission and perfect weight distribution, and you get the most involving driver’s car. Throttle response is crisp, the brakes inspire confidence and the steering is full of weight and feel.

Motorway refinement is also good, thanks to the folding hard-top and quiet powerplant. The latter doesn’t shout about its performance, but most drivers will be happy with 0-60mph in less than eight seconds and a top speed of more than 130mph.

Dropping the roof requires one latch to be manually released from above the windscreen, before the rest of the process is completed electrically. It all happens quickly and efficiently, while a dedicated storage space for the panels means the boot is the same size with the roof up or down. Annoyingly, though, you need to be at a standstill for the top to work. For £1,500 less you can opt for a fabric hood which opens and closes manually.

As our only roadster, the MX-5 is virtually guaranteed to have the X Factor. The RCZ looks the part, but it will do well to eclipse the Mazda’s talents on the road.

Details

Chart position: 2
WHY: With a retractable hard-top, hugely entertaining rear-wheel-drive handling and an attractive new look, the MX-5 RC is a modern legend.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,721 off RRP*Used from £8,600
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £2,513 off RRP*Used from £5,500
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £3,331 off RRP*Used from £9,600
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £5,075 off RRP*Used from £14,448
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025
New Volkswagen ID.3 Match 2025 review: attractive price boosts EV’s appeal
Volkswagen ID.3 Pure Match - front

New Volkswagen ID.3 Match 2025 review: attractive price boosts EV’s appeal

The value-focused Volkswagen ID.3 Match performs well and is easy to live with
Road tests
28 Apr 2025