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Mazda MX-5 2.0 [184] Exclusive-Line 2dr Review

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If your budget can stretch to it, this 2.0-litre engine ups power to a healthier 181bhp and drops the 0-62mph time down to just 6.5sec. That’s some way off pricier and more potent rivals, yet the engine is a joy to rev out and it's just about fast enough to be exciting. Despite that, it’s still capable of over 40mpg both in official figures and the real world. It’s only available in Sport Tech and GT Sport Tech trims, making it a comparatively pricey buy, though.

2.0 [184]

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

2.0 [184] Exclusive-Line 2dr

20-184-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.

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Mazda MX-5 2.0 [184] Exclusive-Line 2dr Review

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130

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155

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