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

Q4 e-tron

2023 Audi

Q4 e-tron

6,045 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £25,100
View Q4 e-tron
A3 Sportback

2024 Audi

A3 Sportback

7,574 milesManualPetrol1.5L

Cash £22,600
View A3 Sportback
Golf

2024 Volkswagen

Golf

13,827 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £23,100
View Golf
A6

2021 Audi

A6

26,672 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £20,200
View A6

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 £3,970 off RRP*Used from £8,795
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,462 off RRP*Used from £11,847
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,406 off RRP*Used from £14,850
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £23,990Avg. savings £2,161 off RRP*
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New ‘baby’ Range Rover electric SUV: design, technology and full details
Range Rover Velar EV - front (watermarked)

New ‘baby’ Range Rover electric SUV: design, technology and full details

JLR is getting ready to unveil a mid-size electric Range Rover to end its four-year new model drought, and our exclusive images preview how it could l…
News
10 Sep 2025
New Honda Civic facelift 2025 review: subtle tweaks boost its appeal
Honda Civic facelift - front

New Honda Civic facelift 2025 review: subtle tweaks boost its appeal

The Honda Civic was already a great car, but updates for 2025 have elevated it even higher
Road tests
11 Sep 2025
New Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport 2025 review: an incredibly capable hot hatch but there's a catch
Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport - front tracking

New Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport 2025 review: an incredibly capable hot hatch but there's a catch

The hottest front-wheel-drive Golf has sharpened up its act in Mk8.5 form, but it's not as fun as we'd like it to be
Road tests
11 Sep 2025