Used Mazda MX-5 long-term test: report 4

The Mazda MX-5 is a firm favourite with those who want fun in the sun, but what’s a used one like as your only car? We have four months to find out...

Long term Mazda MX-5 France information screen

The car 2019 Mazda MX-5 2.0 184ps GT Sport Nav+ Run by Max Adams, Used cars reporter

Why it’s here To find out if a two-seater sports car is a help or hindrance in everyday life.

Needs to Provide maximum smiles-per-mile without breaking the bank.


Mileage 3297 List price new (2019) £26,095 Price new with options £26,885 Value now £19,488 Options fitted metallic paint £790 Test economy 39.2mpg Official economy 40.9mpg (WLTP) 


30 September 2020 – screen time

It’s not just how a car drives that people are interested in these days; there’s its infotainment system to consider also. 

The system used by the MX-5 is similar to those in the majority of the Mazda range, but isn't the latest version that you'll find in the 3 and CX-30. It benefits from a rotary dial and some shortcut buttons to control it, and these make using it on the move far easier than negotiating the icons on a touchscreen would.

Long term Mazda MX-5 infotainment shortcut buttons

It doesn’t get either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to hook up your phone to, but compatibility can be retrofitted via an update at the dealer. However, it costs a fairly steep £299 to do so, and you can only have one of the two systems, not both. The sat-nav system isn’t perfect, either; it can’t process a full UK postcode to narrow down your destination.

I did find some useful information for those wanting to drive abroad hidden in a sub-menu, though. You can look up a foreign country’s driving laws without having to print out reams of advice pages before you depart. A pretty neat feature, and one that saves the trees.

Long term Mazda MX-5 France information screen

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