A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
4.4/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
4.2
Comfort & Interior
4
Running Costs
4
Practicality
3.2
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
Looking for pure driving joy without breaking the bank? The Mazda MX-5 might just be the perfect answer. This legendary two-seat roadster has been bringing smiles to drivers’ faces for over three decades, and the current generation continues that tradition brilliantly. It’s the car for people who believe driving should be about more than just getting from A to B.
What sets the MX-5 apart from rivals like the Toyota GR86 or Alpine A110 is its commitment to the simple pleasures of motoring. While others chase horsepower figures, Mazda focuses on balance, lightness, and that magical connection between driver and machine. The convertible roof means you can enjoy the elements, while the compact dimensions make every country lane feel like your personal racetrack.
The magic of the MX-5 lies in how it makes ordinary journeys feel special. Every gear change, every corner, every blip of the throttle is engineered to delight. It handles beautifully, sounds characterful, and looks timelessly elegant with its classic roadster proportions. Yes, it’s a two-seater with limited storage, but that’s entirely the point. This is a car that prioritises driving pleasure above all else, and it delivers that in spades.
What's the Mazda MX-5 Like to Drive?
The Mazda MX-5 proves that horsepower isn’t everything. The 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engines produce 132hp and 184hp respectively, which might seem modest on paper. However, in a car weighing just over 1,000kg, these engines provide more than enough performance for real world enjoyment. The 2.0-litre version can sprint from 0-60mph in around 6.5 seconds, but it’s the linear power delivery and sweet engine note that truly matter.
What makes the MX-5 special is how it drives. The steering is perfectly weighted and incredibly precise, giving you complete confidence in every corner. The suspension is beautifully balanced, firm enough to keep body roll in check but compliant enough for daily comfort. The short-throw manual gearbox is one of the best in any price range, with crisp, mechanical shifts that make you want to change gear just for the pleasure of it. This convertible delivers pure, undiluted driving pleasure that larger, more powerful sports cars often struggle to match.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
1.5L / 2.0L naturally aspirated petrol
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Power Output
132 - 184 bhp
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0-60 mph
8.3 - 6.5 seconds
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MPG Combined
40 - 47 mpg
- Boot Space
- 130 litres
- Safety Rating
- ★★★★☆ (Euro NCAP)
How Comfortable Is the Mazda MX-5?
Step inside and you’ll find a cabin that’s snug but never cramped. The interior design is refreshingly simple, with everything you need within easy reach. The dashboard is angled towards the driver, reinforcing the car’s sporting intentions. Materials feel solid if not luxurious, with soft-touch surfaces where they matter most. The seats are supportive and comfortable, even on longer journeys, though taller drivers might find headroom tight with the roof up.
Technology is present but not overwhelming. The infotainment system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keeping you connected without unnecessary complexity. Climate control and heated seats are standard on most models, making year-round roof-down driving more appealing. The cabin is surprisingly refined with the roof up, with good sound insulation keeping wind and road noise to acceptable levels. With the roof down, the experience is transformed into something truly special, connecting you directly with the driving environment.
The Mazda MX-5 is automotive proof that the best things come in small packages. It delivers genuine sports car thrills at a fraction of the cost of exotic alternatives. The driving experience is pure and engaging, with perfect balance and communication that makes every journey memorable. Build quality is solid, running costs are reasonable, and the timeless styling ensures it will never look dated.
Is the Mazda MX-5 Expensive to Run?
The MX-5 represents excellent value in the sports car world. Fuel economy is impressive for a performance-focused car, with real-world figures of 35-42 mpg depending on how enthusiastically you drive. Insurance groups are reasonable, typically falling into groups 25-30, making it accessible to a wide range of drivers. Servicing costs are manageable, with Mazda’s reputation for reliability helping keep unexpected bills to a minimum.
The initial purchase price is competitive, starting from around £27,000 for the 1.5-litre model. This makes it one of the most affordable new sports cars available, and car finance options make it even more accessible. Depreciation is relatively gentle thanks to the MX-5’s desirability and limited production numbers. Parts and servicing are widely available through Mazda’s dealer network, and the car’s simple, proven mechanicals mean maintenance shouldn’t be a concern for most owners.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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Mazda MX-5
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Toyota GR86
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BMW Z4
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £27,000 | £30,000 | £38,000 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 2.0L NA 184hp | 2.4L NA 234hp | 2.0L Turbo 197hp |
| Power | 184 bhp | 234 bhp | 197 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 6.5 seconds | 6.1 seconds | 6.6 seconds |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 42 mpg | 36 mpg | 40 mpg |
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Practicality
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| Boot Space | 130 litres | 227 litres | 281 litres |
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Convertible roof, Perfect balance, Pure driving feel | Fixed roof, More power, Rear seats | Premium interior, Turbo engine, Advanced tech |
Mazda MX-5 Practicality & Boot Space
Let’s be honest, the MX-5 isn’t bought for its practicality. The 130-litre boot is tiny, barely managing a couple of soft bags for a weekend away. There’s minimal storage inside the cabin, though the door pockets and a small cubby behind the seats help with everyday items. The convertible roof mechanism takes up additional space, further limiting what you can carry.
However, for a couple wanting a fun weekend car or even a unique daily driver, the MX-5 works better than you might expect. It’s narrow enough to navigate tight city streets with ease, and the excellent visibility makes parking straightforward. The running costs are reasonable enough for everyday use, and the reliability means it won’t leave you stranded. Among used Mazda cars, the MX-5 stands out as something truly special, offering experiences that no practical hatchback or saloon can match.
Three years of MX-5 ownership and I still grin every time I start the engine. It’s not the fastest car, but it’s definitely the most fun I’ve ever owned. The handling is sublime and the convertible roof transforms every journey into an occasion.
The Mazda MX-5 represents everything that’s right about sports cars. It prioritises feel over figures, engagement over outright speed, and driving pleasure over practicality. The result is a car that connects with its driver in ways that more powerful and expensive alternatives often fail to achieve. Its lightweight construction, perfect balance, and naturally aspirated engines create a driving experience that feels increasingly rare in today’s automotive landscape.
This is the car you choose when you remember why you fell in love with driving in the first place. Every gear change, every corner, and every mile becomes something to savour. For those seeking affordable access to pure driving joy, combined with flexible car finance options to make ownership achievable, the MX-5 remains unbeatable. It proves that sometimes the simplest approach produces the most rewarding results.
