Skip advert
Advertisement

Mazda MX-5 Sport Recaro 2016 review

Fully loaded, limited edition roadster is still as fun to drive as the regular version

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Avg. savings
£2,332 off RRP*
Find your Mazda MX-5
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

If you simply must have the ultimate MX-5, the Sport Recaro edition offers a touch of extra style and some premium cabin touches to fit the brief. It’s also still a joy to drive. But it comes at a price, and one that puts it right in the firing line of some seriously talented hot hatchbacks. The Mazda looks much better value as a mid-spec SE-L Nav with the sweet and revvy 1.5-litre engine.

Advertisement - Article continues below

We’re quite familiar with Mazda’s brilliant new MX-5, having been impressed by it in both 1.5 and 2.0-litre form. Late last year the Japanese firm launched a range-topping limited edition of the lightweight roadster called the Sport Recaro, producing just 600 examples. But does endowing the roadster with more kit and racy styling add-ons make it a better car?

Well, £24,295 is a not small amount to pay for an MX-5, especially considering the far-from-sparse entry-level 1.5-litre starts from just over £18k. However, for that extra outlay you do get pretty much every possible option thrown in. For starters, you can have the choice of both metallic paint options, while a black Sports Aero Kit brings and a neat boot spoiler spice up the exterior. 17-inch diamond cut alloy wheels are standard, while inside you’ll find Alcantara trim on the dash and pedals, plus decorative red stitching and a pair of figure-hugging heated Recaro seats. 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Mx-5

2022 Mazda

Mx-5

27,927 milesManualPetrol2.0L

Cash £20,697
View Mx-5
Mx-5

2018 Mazda

Mx-5

38,550 milesManualPetrol2.0L

Cash £12,899
View Mx-5
Mx-5

2024 Mazda

Mx-5

16,947 milesManualPetrol2.0L

Cash £22,774
View Mx-5
Mx-5

2022 Mazda

Mx-5

13,866 milesManualPetrol2.0L

Cash £20,989
View Mx-5

BBR Mazda MX-5 review

That’s on top of satnav, cruise control, climate control and a Bose sound system. Lightweight it might be, but this MX-5 isn’t short on creature comforts. It’s a little short on space, however, so drivers over 6ft will find it difficult to squeeze their legs around the wheel – that isn’t adjustable for reach. Still, it’s a cosy and inviting place to sit. 

The Sport Recaro is only available with the more powerful 2.0-litre engine, which means it’s equipped with Bilstein dampers and a limited-slip differential. There are no chassis tweaks, but it remains a wonderfully agile and engaging roadster at any speed. The larger alloys and stiffer setup give it an initially firm ride but it settles at speed and becomes reasonably comfortable considering its purpose. The more powerful engine brings useful torque for overtaking, but we prefer the lighter and more rev-hungry 1.5-litre engine.

Mazda MX-5 vs Toyota GT 86

Importantly, the Sport Recaro model doesn’t alter the drive unduly, which is both a positive and a negative. The MX-5 is a true bargain sports car at a touch over £18k, but this price level introduces a whole host of multi-talented hot hatchbacks that are faster, more practical and more refined.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Mazda Mx-5

Mazda Mx-5

RRP £19,825Avg. savings £2,332 off RRP*Used from £10,995
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £37,230Avg. savings £3,063 off RRP*Used from £14,910
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £14,575Avg. savings £1,864 off RRP*Used from £7,850
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £27,005Avg. savings £7,778 off RRP*Used from £11,890
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Geely EX5 SUV to arrive in October, starting at £32k
Geely EX5 - front

New Geely EX5 SUV to arrive in October, starting at £32k

This new electric SUV is coming soon to the UK from Volvo and Lotus parent company, Geely
News
15 Sep 2025
Nissan Qashqai to finally go electric, but hybrid model will remain
Nissan Qashqai electric render Avarvarii - front 3/4

Nissan Qashqai to finally go electric, but hybrid model will remain

There will be an overlap of powertrains for the big-selling SUV
News
15 Sep 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Savour the Scandi cool of a Polestar 4 at only £334 a month
Polestar 4 - cornering, low shot

Car Deal of the Day: Savour the Scandi cool of a Polestar 4 at only £334 a month

Fancy something smart and sophisticated? You won’t look back with the Polestar 4. It’s our Deal of the Day for September 13
News
13 Sep 2025