Mazda MX-5
Japanese brand gives its drop-top favourite a makeover to celebrate its 20th birthday.
The MX-5 has always been one of the best sports cars on sale – but Mazda’s tweaks to the body, suspension, engine, transmission and exhaust take the world’s most popular drop-top to the next level. It’s faster and more precise to drive, with a chassis that’s even more delicate in its responses. Put simply, it’s lots of fun. Factor in a distinctive new look and you’ve got a winner.
It’s hard to believe the MX-5 is 20 years old in 2009. Although Mazda isn’t officially marking the occasion, this updated version of the world’s best-selling sports car is a great way to celebrate.
It’s been given more power and the suspension settings have been revised to produce an even sportier drive.
However, the first thing you’ll notice is the MX-5’s stylish new appearance. At the front is a ‘smiling’ grille along with spotlight surrounds that borrow hints from Mazda’s ‘flowing’ themed Nagare concept cars.
Integrated side sills have been added, the tail-lights now boast a protruding design and the boot gets a lip spoiler, while 17-inch BBS rims can be specified.
Apart from the addition of an iPod socket, softer leather-like trim surfaces and a dashboard economy gauge, the car is almost unchanged inside. Recaro sports seats are optional.
However, considerable developments have taken place beneath the skin. In come stiffer new Bilstein dampers and some suspension geometry modifications that have helped lower the front end’s roll centre.
Precise
The improvements are marked. Cornering feels more precise, progressive, flatter and faster. The only downside is that the stiffer settings generate a harsher ride on bumpy surfaces.
Uprated pistons and a forged crankshaft mean the 2.0-litre engine can now rev to 7,500rpm – up from 7,000rpm – which creates an extra 8bhp and takes peak power to 170bhp. That means the 0-62mph figure drops from 7.9 seconds to 7.4 seconds, and the unit feels more responsive, especially at the top end, than before.
Engineers have also tweaked the intake manifold so the exhaust sound is more sporty, and applied a carbon coating to the gearbox to give the six-speed manual transmission an even smoother and precise shift. It all adds up to the best evolution yet and a fitting birthday present from the brand.
Rival: Lotus Elise
At nearly £24,000, even the most basic Elise is considerably more expensive than the MX-5. However, if you place handling and performance above all other requirements, it should be on your list.
