January’s Car of the Month is provided by Tim Townsend, a MK 4 Mazda MX-5. In his own words “Looking to buy a car that’ll put a smile on your face every time you drive it? The Mazda MX-5 will do just that.
Now in its fourth generation (ND), the latest Mazda MX-5 is just as small (and light) as the original model from 1989. That’s quite significant in a world of increasingly large cars. In soft-top form it weighs around 1100kg, while the Mazda MX-5 RF (retractable folding roof) is only marginally heavier.
There are two engines available in the Mazda MX-5: a 1.5-litre or a 2.0-litre. Both are petrol-powered.
While the 1.5-litre, with just 132ps, is not that quick (on paper), it is still lots of fun nipping in and out of corners on those twisty ‘B’ roads. My model (bought in June 2024), the 2.0-litre (160ps), is noticeably quicker. And since 2018, Mazda has increased this to 184ps, increasing torque and top-end speed.
As-per all previous models of the MX5, the car is rear-wheel-drive which means the front-end can get on with the job of steering and handling. And at that, it excels. The car feels very well planted on the tarmac and goes exactly where you point it!
With regard to specification, the 2.0-litre comes as standard coupled to a six-speed close-ratio gearbox with Bilstein suspension, 17’ alloy wheels and additional anti-roll-bar bracing. Additionally, it comes with active lane and traction control. Performance is excellent and while there may be cars out there that are quicker, the whole point of MX5 ownership is not to crave out-and-out speed, but rather to enjoy the driving experience based on a combination of performance and handling. My car is slightly modified with the addition of a ‘Cobra Scorpion’ centre-exit exhaust that provides a slight power increase with a nice deep exhaust note (and not too loud).
Turning to the interior, this is very well made and feels relatively expensive. My model has leather seats with built-in BOSE sound system with speakers in the headrests. This is controlled by a dash-mounted ‘infotainment’ (touch-sensitive) screen. This gives access to all manner of things, like MPG, phone connectivity, sat-nav etc. In my view, it’s the only bit that slightly lets down an otherwise slick looking dashboard as it sticks up prominently in the centre and cannot be pushed flat or removed. Also, functionality is a little basic by today’s standards, but it does the job. Mine has Apple Car-Play fitted and as such, I can sync. my phone to it for music and up-to-date sat-nav functions.
In terms of cabin space, it is a somewhat ‘snug’ experience sitting inside. I’m approximately 5ft 8’ and I have the seat pretty-much fully back on its runners. However, its perfectly adequate and as Mazda intended, does make the driver ‘feel as one’ with his or her ride!
This is my second MX5. I previously owned a 1997 Mk1 (NA) 1.8-litre model that I loved and cherished for ten years. Sadly, it did suffer the usual rust issues that these cars do over time. However, it was ultra-reliable, only letting me down when a clutch slave cylinder failed.
The new (ND) model is probably the closest Mazda has got to its original ‘recipe’ used when creating the Mk1 (NA) model. Before purchasing my one, I had driven both Mk2 (NB) and Mk3 (NC) models and although still very impressive, the Mk4 (ND) does, in my opinion, outshine them in the performance and handling stakes!
Is it better than the Mk1? Well, that’s always going to be a hard one to answer. It certainly comes VERY close. Only time will tell…
As with all Mazda’s, an exceptional reliability record is to be expected and parts availability is second-to-none. I’ve used a local main dealer and found the service given to be excellent and prices competitive, too. Saying that, some sundries (brake pads) are expensive so it’s worth shopping around (Main dealer is circa £450 for front and rear pads whereas aftermarket/third-party ones cost about half that).
And finally, price. What should you pay? Brand new models are circa. £26,000-£35,000, depending on model and specification. However, an early fourth generation (ND) model Mazda MX-5 like mine can now be picked up for around £12,000.
So, concluding this review, I’d strongly recommend this version of the MX5. It’s probably the best value open-top sports car that you are going to find on the market at the moment, is lots of fun, good looking, is well-built and shouldn’t cost you the earth in terms of ownership. What’s not to like! “
