MAZDA MX-5 COUPÉ CABRIOLET FULL REVIEW

Mazda MX-5 Coupé Cabriolet full 9 point review

Performance

4 out of 5 stars

The MX-5 Roadster Coupe comes with either a 124bhp 1.8- or a 158bhp 2.0-litre engine. Both normally have five-speed gearboxes but the 2.0-litre is available with an optional close-ratio six-speed unit. A six-speed automatic gearbox is an option for the 2.0. Both engines only come alive when they're worked hard, but do so and they're lively.
Ride & Handling

5 out of 5 stars

You want your roadster to be fun? The MX-5 will be right up your street. The light body and rear-wheel drive chassis give it outstanding balance and just keeps on gripping through corners. Sensitive, communicative steering adds to the experience. The ride is firm but not uncomfortable, although Sport versions have stiffer suspension that is less forgiving.
Refinement

4 out of 5 stars

With the roof down, the breeze is well isolated and the high-backed sports seats help prevent draughts around the driver and passenger. The Roadster Coupe's metal roof means the cabin is quieter than the rag-top’s at speed, although some wind and road noise seeps through. Both engines sound rather gruff and boomy.

Buying & Owning

5 out of 5 stars

The MX-5 is keenly priced and remains a sought-after product. As a result, it retains its value well. We expect it to hold on to at least half its new price over three years. Fuel economy is sensible and so are insurance groups for a sports car, so it's not expensive to run.
Quality & Reliability

5 out of 5 stars

The number of 10-year-old MX-5s you see in pristine condition should answer any doubts over durability. They're simple and super-reliable if regularly serviced, and the MX-5 has an excellent reputation for reliability, topping its class (not for the first time) in the 2011 JD Power survey. The cabin's solid build and materials suggest it'll age well, although some of the plastics are rather dour.
Safety & Security

3 out of 5 stars

Entry-level 1.8 models come with twin front and side airbags, but you need to upgrade to the 2.0-litre to add stability control and curtain airbags. An immobiliser and an alarm are fitted as standard and the Roadster Coupe's metal roof gives extra security over the soft-top version.

Behind The Wheel

5 out of 5 stars

The MX-5's low-slung driving position is exactly what you want in a roadster. The seats are supportive too and although the steering wheel only adjusts for height, it's easy to get comfy. The rear window is rather small, but visibility isn't too bad for such a sporty little car.
Space & Practicality

3 out of 5 stars

The MX-5 Roadster Coupe's metal roof folds up or down at the touch of a button in just 12 seconds, which is particularly quick. The two-seat cabin is cosy rather than roomy, but two tall adults can fit without a problem. The boot isn't wide, but the omission of a spare wheel means you'll have little trouble fitting in a couple of overnight bags.
Equipment

3 out of 5 stars

Entry-level models have electric windows, alloy wheels and climate control. Leather trim is a cost option on these versions, but standard on the 2.0i Sport and 2.0i Powershift automatic models, which also come with fog lights, larger alloy wheels, Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control and an upgraded stereo.