Mazda MX-5 review

The Mazda MX-5 is, quite simply, one of the best-loved and most recognisable sports cars you can buy, sweeping up sports car accolades and earning a huge global fanbase.

It’s safe to say that from the first-generation model more than 30 years ago to today’s fourth-generation effort it has earned its sporting stripes, with a focus on plastering a big silly grin on your face. As a sports car, though, it competes in one of the toughest segments there is.

The class includes all manner of genuine motoring icons as rivals, including the Alpine A110 and Porsche 911. But the MX-5 is one of the cheapest, with no true rivals in its price range. Indeed, you’d have to spend a big chunk of cash more on an Audi TT Roadster or BMW Z4 to get another two-seater soft top you can have as much fun in.

To broaden its appeal, it also overlaps with the convertible class, and makes a strong case for itself there, too. Sure, you can find rivals such as the Fiat 500C, Mini Convertible and VW T-Roc Cabriolet for similar money or less, but they don’t offer quite the same traditional sports car appeal.

That’s partly because all versions of the MX-5 are rear-wheel drive, with revvy 1.5 and 2.0-litre petrol engines that help you enjoy yourself to the full. There's also the option of the slightly pricier RF version, which has a metal folding roof. If that appeals, see our full separate Mazda MX-5 RF review.

Carry on reading over the next few pages for a complete rundown of what’s good, and not so good, about owning a Mazda MX-5, including how well it drives, what it's like inside and how much it will cost to buy and run.

If you do decide it’s the sports car for you – or you want to buy a new vehicle of any make and model – make sure you get the best price by heading over to the free What Car? New Car Buying pages, which can help you save thousands of pounds with no hassle. There are some great new Mazda deals there.