Version review

Mazda MX-5 1.5 [132] Exclusive-Line 2dr Review

How reliable is your car? Fill out our Reliability Survey now  >>

Suzuki Vitara 

Kia Niro EV

Audi A1

Skoda Enyaq 

Seat Leon 

Toyota Yaris 

/news/complete-the-2023-what-car-reliability-survey-for-the-chance-to-win-a-prize/n15554

Save £££s on new cars >>>

site ribbon config

An enjoyably revvy 130bhp 1.5-litre non-turbo engine that'll suit those who are more interested in cruising or want the cheapest running costs. 0-62mph takes a reasonably nippy 8.3 seconds yet claimed economy is in the mid-forties, a figure that you can achieve with careful driving. It’s the pick of the line-up because it’s a fair bit cheaper than the 2.0-litre, and although it isn’t lightning quick there’s still plenty of fun to be had in driving it hard. Only available with SE-L and Sport trims.

1.5 [132]

Sports

Mazda can be summed up in a single word: bold. Not only do its cars generally look like nothing else on the market, but it’s also invested heavily in innovative engine technology.

So, while many car makers have moved to smaller turbocharged engines, Mazda instead offers larger motors that are still efficient. For example, the entry-level petrol option in the Mazda 3 is a 2.0-litre unit –&nbsp;far larger than what you’ll find in most rivals – but it remains very clean.

Highlights of Mazda’s line-up include the MX-5 sports car, which has won our Convertible of the Year Award multiple times, and the CX-5 large SUV, which was named as our inaugural best car for dog owners.

MAZDA

MX-5

Exclusive-Line

1.5 [132] Exclusive-Line 2dr

15-132-exclusive-line-2dr

Body coloured electric/heated door mirrors

Integrated bluetooth with hands-free calling, bluetooth audio and easy access to phone contacts

Mazda MX-5

The Mazda MX-5 is a terrific two-seat convertible that's good to drive and won't cost a fortune to buy or own. It might not offer the blood and thunder acceleration of the more expensive machines in the sports car class, but with its free-revving engines, sweet gearbox and nimble handling, it’s well worth considering.

What we're looking for:<ul><li>Wind-in-the-hair excitement</li> <li>Roof that’s quick and easy to raise and lower</li> <li>Comfortable seating for four adults</li> <li>Sufficient practicality for everyday use</li> <li>Little wind buffeting</li> <li>Quietness, whether the roof is up or down</li> <li>Minimal shaking and shimmying over bumps</li></ul>

Despite the British weather, UK car buyers are among the biggest enthusiasts for wind-in-your-hair motoring, so convertibles have always been surprisingly popular here. It’s best to be able to react to the fickle climate, though, so we’re after a roof that opens (and closes) slickly and quickly and good top-down cruising refinement.

There are precious few bespoke drop-tops these days, so your choice of models is generally limited to soft-top versions of existing models. Mini will sell you a drop-top version of its style-focused hatchback, if you’re after a bit of flair.&nbsp;

The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a5/sports/review/n17253">Audi A5 Cabriolet</a>, meanwhile, brings all of the benefits of the regular <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a5/hatchback/review/n170">A5</a> – refined engines and a beautifully finished interior. Alternatively, the much more expensive <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bentley/continental-gt/sports/review/n24424">Bentley Continental GT Convertible</a> is one of the most luxurious convertibles on sale.

Save £££s on new cars >>>

Mazda MX-5 1.5 [132] Exclusive-Line 2dr Review

Get the best price with What Car?

The model

The trim

The engine

Buying with What Car?

Key information

44.8

130

litres

142

g/km

Also consider

Mini Convertible

Mazda MX-5

Mazda MX-5 RF

Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet

Quick search

Tools & services

Legal bits

Information