Mazda’s latest MX-5 to lure Irish buyers again

The MX-5 has always been a favourite of petrolheads and nearly one million MX-5s have been sold worldwide since it was first introduced in 1989. However the advent of emissions-based taxation - alongside the onset of recession - pushed the sporty Mazda out of reach for most potential Irish buyers. For most of the recent years it existed only theoretically on price lists.

The new model may boast design changes and a drop of 100kgs, but the figure that will enlighten most Irish buyers will be 139g/km, which means an annual motor tax bill of €280. That means the little sports car can carry the “affordable” adjective alongside its name once more.

Admittedly that’s relative for we are still talking about a starting price tag of €28,000, but it’s a far more attractive financial proposition than it used to be.

Through the use of aluminium and other weight saving materials this new MX-5 is 100kgs lighter than its predecessor, and the 1.5-litre variant has a kerb weight of just 975kgs. The front wings and bonnet are constructed from all aluminium, the rear suspension cross members have holes in them to further reduce weight without scarifying performance.

True to the original

Chief designer Masashi Nakayama makes much of the fact that in reworking the MX-5 he stayed true to the original. This means the new model is instantly recognisable as an MX-5, however it has been faithfully modernised with sleek lines and a shorter wheelbase. The driver and passenger now sit further back, closer to the rear wheels and 20 millimetres lower, this aids the car's perfect 50:50 weight distribution. The front of the car has been lowered with a shortened overhang, with less space Mazda's designers have incorporated compact LED headlights on all variants.

The interior is has adequate space for two adults to travel in comfort with numerous storage compartments throughout, and there is two decent sized storage areas behind the seats, but it’s still only a two-seater sports car. The boot too has been increased over its predecessor and can accommodate two carry-on cases, but a big weekly shop will still prove a challenge.

Irish buyers can choose from two trim levels, the entry-level MX-5 Roadster (€27,995) features 16” alloy wheels, LED headlights, a leather steering wheel, Bluetooth, USB and iPod connectivity, cruise control, heated power door mirrors and dynamic stability control with traction control. The Roadster GT variant costs an additional €2,000. For the additional spend the car has 16” gun metal alloy wheels, a Bose sound system with nine speakers, piano black wing mirrors, rain sensing wipers, rear parking sensors, keyless entry, heated leather seats and lane departure warning.

Powering the new MX-5 are two petrol engines, a 1.5-litre unit that produces 131hp and 150Nm of torque and a 2.0-litre engine that produces 160hp and 200Nm of torque. However, Mazda Ireland will only be offering the former engine to Irish customers.

Electric power steering

We drove both models at launch, albeit in pre-production cars, prior to their arrival this August. The car’s steering is now an electric power assist system which replaces the previous hydraulic power assist steering. It’s accurately weighted for turn and feel.

There is an impressive amount of front-end grip on turn-in, the car instils confidence on twisty sections of road. Changing gear is extremely satisfying with the short crisp gear change on the six-speed manual transmission.

Acceleration is smooth, the 1.5-litre engine happily revs to the redline at 7,500rpm, there’s a slight change in the engine note from 5,000 rpm as the car accelerates at a decent pace. There are two notable differences when driving the 2.0-litre variant.

First off, the additional torque aids acceleration from low revs with ease. Secondly, this model is equipped with a hydraulic limited slip differential. Yet I don’t think any driver will feel short-changed with the smaller capacity engine. It delivers sufficient performance for an entertaining drive.

However the 1.5-litre Irish cars would benefit from having the slip differential.

Overall the new Mazda thankfully remains true to the original, a lightweight sports car with a traditional front engine rear-wheel-drive configuration. Now 26 years on from its launch the latest MX-5 bit as entertaining to drive as the original, with the added benefit of some additional infotainment and safety technology.

Lowdown: Mazda MX-5

Engine Size 1,496cc

Fuel Type Petrol

Power 131hp

Torque 150Nm

Acceleration (0-100km/h) 8.3 seconds

Top Speed 204km/h

Consumption (Combined) 6.0L/100km

CO2 Emissions (motor tax) 139g/km (€280)

Road Tax Band

Base Price €27,995

Price as Tested €29,995