Mazda MX-5 RF review

The MX-5's seat is mounted fairly high and isn't height adjustable, so some may feel a little perched. Even so, you sit with your legs straight out forwards as if you were in a go-kart, with your posterior close to the Tarmac. Many will undoubtedly like this, even though getting in and out can be an inelegant procedure. The seat has a tilt-adjustable base but there’s no height adjustment. 

The steering wheel adjusts for reach and rake, but taller drivers might wish it came towards them a little farther. It's also worth mentioning that the pedals are slightly offset to the right. All but the tallest drivers will be able to get comfortable in the snug seat, though, so long journeys won't be a chore.

The MX-5's high-set, stubby gearlever is in just the right place, there’s a well-placed padded central armrest, the seat offers plenty of side support in corners and the dashboard layout is sensible and easy to use.

Looking down over the MX-5’s sloping bonnet gives you a real sports car feel, and with relatively thin windscreen pillars, it’s actually pretty easy to see out of at junctions and roundabouts. However, the small rear window limits your view straight back and that ‘fastback’ design obscures the view looking over your shoulders, whether the roof is up or down.

Rear parking sensors plus auto lights and wipers are standard on Sport trim and up, while a reversing camera is standard on Sport Tech and GT Sport Tech trims. All models get LED headlights as standard, these being upgraded to adaptive versions on Sport Tech trim. These allow you to keep main beam on for longer without dazzling others.

All trims get a 7.0in infotainment screen that incorporates Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, sat-nav, a DAB radio and Bluetooth.

As well as being well-specified, the infotainment system is easily controlled via a rotary dial and shortcut buttons in front of the gearlever. The only irritation is that you can’t turn off voice guidance altogether; you can silence it, but it still quietens the speakers when there would have been a guidance announcement.

The Bluetooth connectivity is quite effective and it's relatively easy to hold a hands-free telephone conversation with the roof up on the motorway. You will struggle with the roof down, though. There are two USB ports at the base of the dashboard, next to a cubby, making it an ideal place for storing and charging a mobile phone.

Considering the MX-5 is a relatively inexpensive proposition, its interior feels commendably smart. There’s a good array of textures that add to its visual appeal, and although the interior plastics are hard to the touch, they still look good. This quality feel extends to the nicely damped switches and the fact that everything seems well screwed together.

If you splash out on a Sport model or higher, you get plush-looking leather seat trim and smart, contrasting stitching.