A modern antidote to modern cars: 2024 Mazda MX-5 review
2024 ж. 30 Нау.
66 936 Рет қаралды
The ND version of the Mazda MX-5 is nearly 10 years old, and it's just had a bit of a facelift. Join me as I find out whether the dinky rear-drive sports car is still a lesson in driving pleasure, and whether you could daily drive it or take it on a road trip. This one's the (whisper it) £35,000 Homura model with the 2.0-litre, 184hp engine, and it has some clever electronic toys to help you enjoy it without sticking it in a hedge. Enjoy… because I bloomin' well did.
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I just recently traded in my seven and a half year old 2016 Miata ND for a 2024 Mazda 3 sedan. The reason? I have no justifiable reason and I kind of regret it. It was the best car I have ever owned and that includes earlier generation Miatas. Took many long trips(thousands of miles) and never had any problem with the lack of space(I travel extremely light). In fact within a week of getting the car in 2016 I drove from Virginia to Texas to visit my girlfriend who had relocated to Texas for her dumb job. I drove straight through to Texas. No stop overs. Somewhere in Arkansas I removed my shirt to keep myself alert and awake. It was night at the time but I never bothered putting the shirt back on when the sun rose. I drove the entire trip with the top down. When I arrived at her house how ever many hours later, as I got out of the car both she and her daughter began laughing hysterically. I asked whats so funny? They said look at your chest. I had a nice sunburn on my chest except for the white diagonal strip of unburnt skin from the shoulder harness. Fun times. I so miss that car.
Great story. Love this sort of comment. Blessings.
Amazing story!
if I may, you had an ND; wait a little to see how the NE pans out and, if that's nothing as it should be, you'll find plenty(I believe) NDs out there, on the used market. Honestly, for the money, I don't think there are better driving experiences than what an mx5 can offer.
@@eugenuxIt is expected that the NE will be a hybrid of some sort, so maybe faster but also possibly larger/heavier. I honestly think the ND will be the last "true" ICE Miata roadster and as simple as possible. The biggest question will be the styling of the NE and based on that recent RX-7 prototype I am not a fan of the direction Mazda is going.
@@Swarm509personally, I really liked the styling for concept of the future rx7 or whatever it will be. As mx5 is one of their core models, I don't think mazda will mess with it too much; I'm not being bothered of it being a hybrid as long as it is still a manual rwd; going the electric motor with ice smaller motor a as generator isn't possible in such a small frame so, what I believe is that the NE will either be electric or, hopefully, a hybrid with a small electric motor to give it some boost when it needs it(driveways, traffic lights, out of corners, etc); if it is electric, I'm not interested as I don't understand the concept of driving enjoyment and involvement with an electric motor and full wheel vectorisation.
The ‘slot for the key, which is on the wrong side’ is actually an alternative slot to insert the driver’s cup holder. Easier to reach for than the contortionist action of reaching behind you between the seats. 😂
You live and learn! And presumably so you don't elbow your coffee changing gears...
😂
Have wanted one of these since I got my licence many moons ago. My partner had one when we met and it was then that I realised it would never happen due to my abnormally massive limbs and body. I could barely fit in the passenger seat and couldn't even fit in the driver's seat! Apparently not made for massive ogres, which I think is a demographic miss for Mazda! 😢 Great review as always mate.
ive came here to write same comment :)
I laughed when he said the slot was a key holder. Hilarious.
Initially I thought £35K for an MX 5 seems far too much. At launch in 1989 the list price was £14,250. However, putting this into an inflation calculator comes up with £44,275. So actually the price has come down in real terms. It's also got faster and it has more technology. I've had a Mark 1 NA for 6.5 years now, I love everytime I drive it. It puts a smile on my face like Tim's with this Mark 4 ND.
the average income in 1989 was around 841💷, which now in 2024, adjusted for inflation would mean around 2136💷. The problem is, the actual current average income is around 1950💷 and so, the car costs now ~20% less but also the average income is also ~10% less. Still on the plus side but, not as much as we could believe it to be.
I’m now on my fourth roadster. Started with an NC MX5, then two BMW Z4’s and now an Audi TT. The majority of these types of cars are not used as daily drivers so used examples generally have very low miles on them so all of mine have been used and saved me a ton of money. So for me, £35K for a new MX5? No way! Whilst I agree my MX5 was a hoot to drive I haven’t desired another one because for me it wasn’t ideal for longer holiday trips - way too small a boot and a cramped (and comparatively noisy) cabin. When this latest MX5 was launched I couldn’t believe it didn’t even have a glove box! Also, whilst it was reliable and cost me little in repairs, I was disappointed with the build quality, finding it rather flimsy in many places. So it’s horses for courses I guess but I feel £35K+ for a small fun car is too much - you can also have a lot of fun in a hot hatch and it’ll be way more practical too.
@@robbie1403and because ppl like you now we don't get to have nice driving things in the relatively affordable market segment. You are driving a TT(which is a fwd golf platform in nice clothes, basically) and talk about enjoying a hatchback as a driver's car!?!, can you not make the difference between a sports car and any other type of vehicles? It is not the car's fault that you're a person who seeks comfort features and requires a laziness approach; we, the enthusiasts, can enjoy a sports car for what it is, without requiring it to be something else. Grow up and understand it is you, it is not the car; get a 6 series cabriolet of some sort, automatic, with xdrive and with the smallest engine possible...as that is who you really are, that's the car you want.
in Hong Kong they are selling it at over ~ £ 50k🥲
Wrong ! The SE-L was £16500 in 2008, ( I bought my pre-registered one for £13500 ) , the same spec car I bought in 2014 for £17000 , and again ( sat nav model this time ) £19500 in 2017 . I have considered a new one , but Mazda have been taking the mickey in the past few years on prices. I'm almost 86 years old , top down always , though not many annual miles , and don't really need the extra expense for what is basically the same as I have already . A great car though , and the only one for me !
My 2024 ND3 just arrived last week, and I have only driven around 180 KMs so far. Already loving it. MX-5 has always been my one and only dreamed car and dream just fulfilled.
Me too. Got an ND2 early last year - absolutely fantastic car. My wife and I just completed a grand tour of the South Island, New Zealand, in it; took seven days, soft carry-on bag each plus separate coats in the boot, fitted no problem, stayed at B&B/motels. It's no camper van but it passes them just fine. 😁
Mazda should include a jacket like yours with every new Miata purchase 🎉
They need to do a tie-in with Levis, clearly!
Ive been daily-ing a 2022 RF for a couple years now I still love that car!
I am taking ownership of my ND3 RF in June, right on time to enjoy summer
Got my ND2 last fall, what a car ive been missing out of my whole life
@@fahmidnd2i got mine 1 year ago. Love it
I expected mine in late May or early June and it came before April. It makes even the everyday errand a joy.
@@brandoncapecci9304 that sounds like a great surprise! I got the info that my car had finished production on 26 March, 4 days ahead of schedule, and will be on its way to Europe. I believe that will still take some time though as i cant imagine it taking any less than 14 days in transit to Europe.
@@brandoncapecci9304 was there anything that stood out to you in the first few days of driving it that you did not expect from watching reviews on youtube?
After having and loving my NC I’m now waiting for my ND due in Sydney next week 🎉🎉. Let’s not forget we should be extremely thankful to Mazda. While every other has come and gone or now going EV with I pad dashboards. This is still real manual with three pedals on the floor, still real fuel, still real analog gauges, still real roadster platform. May even be the last. This car is what it is and doesn’t need to prove anything else. Good review by the way.
Totally agree with you - and thank you! Enjoy the ND when it comes!
@@TimRodieDrivesStuff had it now for two days. I loved my NC for eight years. Loved it so much. This one however next level of pure driving pleasure. Mazda has really done an incredible job.
Had one a few years ago. Used to get up at 0500hrs in the Summer to get the mountain roads around Braemar to myself. Joy!
I love the old military road! Last did it on a snowy November day in a Lambo Huracan STO. Would've been less terrifying in an MX-5!
@@TimRodieDrivesStuff couldn’t imagine driving that the way I drove the Mazda. I’d be shit scared of how much the repair costs would be, and how long the hospital stay would be. The MX 5 takes a beating like no other car I’ve owned. I used to park up at the Fife Arms Hotel afterwards with bruised ribs and the engine pinking away for about half an hour 😂
Tim, this entire video is incredibly well made. Your review style, pacing and sense of humor are all fantastic. This is the first video I've watched of yours and you earned a sub within the first minute (and I am VERY picky with who I subscribe to). Keep it up and your channel is going to blow up, mark my words!
Thank you very much for the sub and the kind comment!
We have an NB from 2000. Always a smile on our faces when we drive it. Can't explain it. Maybe it's like back to the 60s 🙂
I purchased the 2023 MX-5 RF here in the U.S. Never had a "sports" car nor a convertible. Always liked the look of this vehicle. You could easily classify me as a senior citizen. I committed the ultimate faux pas and got it with an automatic. I have had standard shift cars in the past so I got that out of my system years ago. At my age I just wanted to get in the car, start the engine, and "go" or zoom.....zoom in Mazda's case. No distractions other than drive. The Miata is like putting on a perfectly fitting "glove". You are enveloped in it. No excess room, comfortable, and you become part of the vehicle. Get it out on winding country back roads on a beautiful day and you quickly find out what all the mystique is about. Yes, smiles.
You are missing out on the best gear change ever. The MX5 gear lever is mounted ON the gearbox - no linkages. It is VERY precise and has a lovely feel. I'm 75 and to me an auto MX5 would be anathema. They are for big luxurious cruisers, not lightweight agile sports cars.
@@gzk6nkHey, to each his own, whatever turns you on....
@@gzk6nkTo each it's own. Whatever turns you on. I am perfectly happy with an auto trans as there are many other features of the Miata which make it a pleasure to drive.
Good for you Sir! Enjoy those back roads 😀
My 2016 ND1 is the most fun car I’ve ever had. I love it soooo much.
Me and my wife own a porsche cayenne.....and an MX5 ND.....we both go for Margo (MX5) every time....brilliant car
Mine is coming this week the RF carnt wait had my Mark 2 from new 26 years and no rust.
Wow, can relate. I've had an MR2 Spyder for 22 years and am increasingly wondering about swapping it for an ND. Drive safely and have fun!
Bought myself a 2023 1.5 ND2 as a daily car last year and I love it. It's honestly the perfect commuter car, as it makes every journey to and from work enjoyable.
100%, if i was on a honda civic doing my job i would have depression.
A nice common-sense car, with proper manual, proper buttons and knobs. 👍
Great review and yeah... it doesn't feel old at all! One of my favorite cars of all time, exactly this generation. Keep up the good work! Adrian
So I just picked up a mid-2021 RF 2l as a second car and while it's still early days good lord does it make a fabulous first impression. Of course it offers up a fun drive but what's surprised me the most is how civilised it is. Take it on my 45 mile each way commute at least once a week which is almost all motorway and even being a bit old and heavy for this sort of car I get out the other end with my spine more-or-less working. Hell even when the motoring gods decide 5:30 wasn't early enough to avoid traffic and I have to dive off into the back routes on cold, wet and dark mornings it never feels like a chore. Honestly the only downside is this has proper (albeit fairly basic) adaptive LED headlights and I now can't imagine buying another car without them. Oh and with a sensible right foot I'm seeing 50mpg over a tank which is frankly ridiculous for the performance on offer. Quick tip for iPhone users: If you're finding your phone doesn't fit in the slot very well stick a cheap MagSafe accessory of some sort on the back. I use the Apple Wallet and found it lifts the phone just high enough to make the slight narrowing of the provided space a non-issue. On the whole hard top vs soft top thing I went for the RF for two main reasons: 1) In my eyes it looks better and 2) It lives outside and a majority of my driving is going to be motorways or in the rain (not through choice, I just live a long way from decent driving roads. And in the UK, hence rain) so I'd rather a quieter cabin. Honestly though think they've missed a trick by not putting out a fixed roof coupe version!
Still daily driving my 2020 RF grand touring--Still in love over 4 years later. Just a few cosmetic tweaks on the inside and outside (dark green vinyl wrap, rear LED light bar between the custom Japanese taillights, LED accent lines in the interior trim lines). Many more years of joy to come!
got one, love it.
Can’t wait to buy one, great review
We have the Abarth version bought in 2019 managed to get one of the last ones for 23k (when they seemed to be trying to just get rid) list then was 33k! its mainly my wifes car but i have to confess it is fun to drive although fitting in and out is a challenge for me.
Bought my 2019 MX5 ND with the smaller 1.5L engine 2 months ago. Love this car so far. It really is a therapy to drive this car daily ❤
Bought a 2006 NC1 two years ago - true red, rag top, 6MT, and only 24000 miles! Was a garage queen for 16 years -- utterly pristine and a pure blast in the twisties.
Epic car, i have a 2019 RF 2.0 sport nav 👌. Wish more manufactures made cars like this, props to Mazda for keeping the car true to its roots after all these years
So compact and nice to drive.
Last year I bought an ND2 from 2018 after 4 years of saving up an dreaming of it. I love it! It is modern enough, but it has still the analog style of the old style
Nicely done, the first vid of yours I've watched, great summary of the joys of MX5 ownership. I'm on my second NA (one in the UK, now in Australia) and you'll wrench it from my cold, dead, fingers.
Thank you and cheers for watching! Enjoy the MX5!
The only serious issue with this car is there’s no spare tire. Have a catastrophic tire failure and you’re done.🤷🏼
Great video
Well got my new RF had on the road one week fantastic 👏 well recommended 👌 ❤😊😊
Nothing better on a challenging uk “B road”👍……….
I have owned a ND 2.0LT GT Soft Top and a ND2 2.O GT RF (current) - both have been fun BUT the extra grunt in ND2 just ices the cake. Every day I look forward to getting behind the wheel to commute to work. Just buy one, you will love it and never regret it. Just a fun car that really does make you grin from ear to ear.
Love it !
Good video, great presentation, subscribed 👍🏻
Thank you Martin! Appreciate it :)
As an ND2 owner I think the 2L soft top version remains the epitome of the MX5 lineage, and Soul Red Crystal is still the best colour ❤
I think Soul Red is one of the all-time great car colours, tbh
That is exactly the configuration I have on my ND2 2022. I will keep this car forever, especially since I only use it for summer fun.
Great review...awesome little car... definite guilty pleasure, away from the heft and lardiness of modern cars.
I understand , I drive a 160HP ND1, its one big bag of fun on the road. Its indeed therapy and a joy to drive! Man can only understand when driving one!
I've got a 2018 RF and I prefer the old set up with separate running lights to the front .Most of the 2024 changes appear to be to the engine .I'm happy with the smaller infotainment screen .All in all, I'm happy that the car hasn't changed much, and indeed,how can you improve on near perfection! Fabulous car , such fun to drive .
Great review; I won’t have to waste time watching the US reviews now. I ordered one a month ago, same trim as you reviewed. It will be another three months or so and just under $40K (before tax) when it arrives.
Remove the two cup holders, and put on of them (if you need it) into what he referred to as the key slot. I elbow smashed mine several times in their current location.
It’s beautiful. I have ordered an RF this color and I’m taking delivery June 18th. I live in Kraków so the RF is better for the weather. I’m close to beautiful mountains and zillions of charming historic small towns with great cafes. I’ve got my job cut out for me : )
Looking forward to a new segment on each review on ‘how easy is it to conceal a body in the boot’😂. Love the channel
Top Gear already covered that in the Albanian Special
😂
I'm not sure if I would fit in this car 🤔. How tall are you? Thanks
I'm on my 5th MX-5 to date. I view the MX-5 as the Poorman's 1964 Jaguar XKE. I have driven the '64 XKE back in '64. I drove one from D.C. to Ocean City, Md. and what a treat it was. I've owned 2 MGB's also, a '64 and a '66 MGB, both cars purchased new. This MX-5 is, I feel, to be a combination of those two iconic sportscars, or as close as one could get to them. I'd love to own a Morgan car of any year, but I don't think I'd put it on the road. I think I'd bring out a chair and just sit and admire it. I can only hope GOD will allow me to drive thru the Pearly Gates in a Morgan Car.
As an MR2 Roadster owner all of what you said about the little Mazda sounds very familiar. Taking it for a drive feels like a palette cleanser. One day if I ever decide to sell the Toyota, I think this MX5 would be the natural successor. Light is right! Keep up the good reviews Tim.
The only car I’ve ever bought with my own money was a Mk3 MR2. Loved that thing! Thank you.
@@TimRodieDrivesStuff sounds to me like you should buy another 😉
Own a 2019 MX-5 Club here in the US and it’s my commuter/fun car all together. Drive 136 miles everyday to go to work (sounds crazy but only takes an hour there and back) and I enjoy every second of it. Great on gas too, 36 to 38 mpg during the whole week. If you can make it work, absolutely get this little thing.
Nice! Same here, but i drive a little less. I love my 19 RF club
I was in Turkey recently and had a empriente multi pouchette with me. They show me a kislux bag and it looked just like it.
We love ours!! we literally call it, the "therapy car". I'll grab the key and tell my huz, I need therapy, and I leave the house and go drive it!!
Great review, thanks! 😊 ps. How tall are you? (cm) 😅
God i love these cars....if only i was a bit younger (wrong side of 50 now) great stuff as always Tim 👍
Thanks 👍
I'm 75 and had MX5s since 2004. Bought my latest one in 2021, a new ND2 2.0 soft top. I love them!
Let age be no bar until you can't physically get in and out of one. Many are an affordable indulgence for the more mature 'teenager' and a great alternative to becoming a born-again biker. Ours will be taking us and our soft luggage to France, Scotland and Ireland this year. And of course we can remember when practically all manual cars (that was nearly all cars in the UK) had a novelty vibrating gear lever that was actually attached to the gear box:)
@@Rastricker I am a biker as well (not born again).
Huh? I am planning on getting on of these for my mid-life crisis car when I turn 50. Looking forward to it!
Nice jacket mate!
Thanks!
Looks like you guys get different options on your side of the pond. US market doesn’t get auto climate on the Club BBS spec. I missed it; does this one have adaptive headlights? Also can’t get those on the US market Club models :(
My car Love it ❤❤❤
Do you know what variation or model has the front radar for the adaptative cruising? I have one unit, in Europe, and the radar lacks.
Enjoyed this Tim, I own the 30th Anniversary Edition (bright orange) and every drive was thoroughly enjoyable with a great gear change. After 18 months it'll be moving on to make space for an Alpine A110S - once you've tasted the light weight it just becomes intoxicating (tho I'll miss the gear change and the roof down but I'll survive I'm sure :) ) Cheers, Kevin
yeah, because the mx5 is heavy af, you needed an a110 to get over such heavyweight. ffs, beside the fact that Alpine is a damn automatic, you've also brought the wrong one, going S instead of GT, giving up the exact thing that makes A110 special to drive..., special for an automatic, that is. It is because ppl like you, we don't have so many options of manual sports cars around in this day and age.
@@eugenux No need to blame ‘people like him’ him for death of the Spanish gearbox ffs. He also didn’t buy the wrong model, as he’s not bought any model yet ffs. He might even own other cars you approve of. Who knows? Perhaps another edit is in order?
That’s an oddly hostile comment for someone planning to buy another car we should be celebrating
@@TimRodieDrivesStuff Tim I just assumed they were clearly passionate but having a bad day. 🤷
Above 60kph you can keep the roof down unless the rain is very heavy indeed. The car was designed around the smaller engine and it handles much better, more neatly and still with adequate power. The best of the bunch, by a long way.
MX-5 NC 3 + PRHT : )
Driving heaven is found in sub 3000 lbs with ‘enough’ power. I think the ND is best generation yet by looks & performance. Have owned NA & NB but 2nd gen BRZ was a bit more practical as I only have 1 car. I still think he ND is better car I just needed bit more room
Excellent track day sports car 🏎 Better engineering than a Porsche or Mercedes sports car.
No, but great for the amount you pay
Tim, I have an ND MX5, what couple would you buy to complement it - I'm thinking of a 21' 420D / 430D
I'd get an estate personally, or at least something that maximises practicality given how unpractical the MX5 is! Maybe a 330D touring?
I would go for a 21- 34DD mate. That would also give you a much younger feeling...
@@TimRodieDrivesStuff we do have a VW Tiguan for practicality - I want something for taking a mountain bike from the midlands to Cornwall and many times it’s just me in the car (hence mx5)
@@billwells6286I've got an ND and use a Corsa van for mountain biking up in the tweed valley. Great for those muddy days I can chuck it in the back with the wheels off and it still feels like a car. I think the fiesta van might be better you can get the 1.0l petrol with 125hp and it's a bit bigger in the back. 1100kg so not much heavier than the MX5. Good for winter with a set of all seasons.
Sorry if I missed it Tim but how tall are you? Looked fairly cramped in there!
considering he can stand heels down on adventure bikes, I'd say he is around or above 6'3
@@eugenux I'm 6'3!
I'm 6'3"
Is there a way to access the annoying speed beep settings on new cars via the ODBII port and turn it off properly? Whoever comes out with a cheap widget to do that will become quite rich me thinks.
Not sure, but you're right...
Did you spend any time on the M1 / M4 or equivalent? Curious how it feels next to lorries. Thanks.
Small
The car is small obviously but does pretty well on the highway. Feels pretty planted and doesn't get kicked around by the wind too much. I did a six hour road trip in mine before and it was perfectly pleasant.
@@tyler9703 Thanks. That's helpful to know.
@@billwells6286 Thanks.
Never designed for driving next to lorries, but nothing better on twisty challenging UK B roads……..
I don't like a safety net, so that's why I prefer driving an 02 NB
This or a gr86 Tim? Fantastic review
I've not driven the Toyota yet, but hopefully have one coming soon! Thank you
@@TimRodieDrivesStuff great 👍 a short comparison would be fantastic
Honestly, I need carry so little things that even a sport car can still somewhat be considered as a practical car for my situation 😂 I know there's panic that Mazda might screw up the next gen MX-5, but I doubt they would screw it up. My guess is the level of electrification would be a mild hybrid at most.
I wish I needed one of these! I was in America a long time ago, when these came out, and everyone was going mad for it! Miada fever! お母さんをまた生け垣の中に入れてしまった、ごめんなさい、ロディ
If I were to buy one of these, I would feel like I was chauffeuring the Queen while she was wearing her pants on her head and swinging her brassie enthusiastically above her head while AC/DC's Hells Bells blared from the radio.
The hard roof is NOT metal! It's plastic composite for added lightness. I had an NB from new for 3 years, then a foldy-hardtop NC (plastic roof on that, too!) from new for 14 completely trouble free and most enjoyable years, then in 2021 traded that for a new ND2 2.0 (in Soul Red Chrystal Metallic of course!) which is even better than my NC was - except the steering rack which is electric on the ND and hydraulic on the NC. The hydraulic one was definitely better. Not that the electric one isn't good - it is! Very very good! But not as 'talkative' as the NC one. Good to see that Mazda have improved the rack in the latest ND. But I bet it's still not quite up there with that hydraulic one in the NC. BTW, I note Mazda have painted the brake calipers red - they are unpainted on my 2021 car. Callipers should be mounted inboard as they are on all cars with any pretence to superb handling (inboard = front ones on rear of discs, back ones on front of discs); It reduces the polar moment of inertia (and so improves yaw stability) as they are a lot of heavy un-sprung weight. It amuses me when other manufacturers have them in the wrong place AND THEN PAINT THEM! It's a way of emphasising their mistake.... "look where we put the calipers - in the wrong place". 🤣
Audi do that with big red callipers on the RS3, which also has the engine in front of the front wheels 😂 They already gave it front tyres wider than the rears to try the quell the Audisteer 😮
Was that an auto stop start button? 🫣
Nope
The slot for the key isn't on the wrong side, the driver's position is... It is an excellent car though, I have DD one for years now. There are those who get it and those who don't. Miata Is Always The Answer.
Answered by another comment, but that's not a key slot. The cup holders behind the shifter are moveable, and removable. As an owner of a left drive ND2, the slot is swapped to the other side. This "key slot" is actually an alternative location for one of the removable cup holders, so long as you don't have a passenger as it tends to get in the way of their already limited legroom so you might find yourself with requests to move it provided they know that's even possible. I don't really have this problem as my arm isn't long enough for my elbow to hit the cupholders in their default location so I leave them be.
Can you use the touch screen while driving, or do you still have to use that stupid knob system under your shifting arm?
I like that knob system actually
@@ernesto893 I Absolutly hate it. More than once I’ve hit it while shifting.
Oh, well that makes sense.
This is the last year for the Miata that you see here. The next one will be bigger. My guess is a hybrid. So Show where you are going to stick another battery and support staff at. It will be heavier. It will be hard to keep the same handling. This really is it. In the states we only get one engine. It depends what kind of driving you do in England. If if is stop and go all the time. Save the money and go for 1.6. I own a 1997 Honda Del Sol Si with 127 horsepower. With a five speed transmission the seem quick. It will cruise 100 miles per hour. With the speed I am doing 4000 rpm at 80 miles per gallon. . I get 35 highway and 30 in town. If this seems strange my engine has variable timing. at 221,000 the car runs great. You won't get that milage will a two liter. You would be lucky to get 30 miles per gallon I would guess you will be using premium fuel with the two liter. That was true with the 160 horsepower double overhead cam on the Honda Del Sol. My single overhead cam 127 horsepower works great with regular. So when I bought the car new I went with the sohc vtec. After 27 years for me I choose the right engine.
Is that colour a cost option?
Yep, it's £810 for Soul Red Crystal
I'm honestly surprised the MX-5 is still on sale. It's sales arent all that impressive. It's very expensive for a small impractical sports car. With little disposable income people have, having a second fun car is a tough sell. People becoming poorer over the years is one of many reasons I think many sporty cars died off. We can only justify one car. Adding a second with its own expensive, maintenance, and storage concerns is hard. It makes more sense for folks to get a more "boring" car with more space and jack of all trades feel to handle most of what life throws at you. A small two door car as your only car is possible, just not realistic for most.
mazda mx5 and gr86; unfortunately, the only driver's cars that are relatively affordable(-ish) for the regular ppl...and gr86 is being ruled out by the same legislation that says it is safer to be hit by a 3 ton brick shaped SUV than by a 1 ton sports car with a low height front bumper.
How tall are you Tim?
Ah found the response already 😅. Looks like more room than the nd I tried before...maybe time to try again. 🎉
Remains a fairly unique car in the marketplace for a decent price. Don't really see the point in the hardtop version. I wonder what is the profile of a typical MX-5 purchaser. Your comment about not wanting to crash should really apply to all cars and their drivers. Don't worry about using cliches they are valuable fillers - keep up the good work.
The retractable targa is very sharp! No point?! I imagine you could say,what’s the point of fun?
@robotrobot12345 I would agree about RF. Firstly, I would not fit in the RF, being 6 3 myself. Secondly, I daily my Soft top quite a lot. I go too down whenever I can, all year round, backroads or highways no problem. My point is, whenever I see RF, it’s top up. Simply because it takes time to open and close the roof and because that RF is noisier that soft top on highways. RF is just a coup with a large sunroof. In my opinion it’s a very different car to the soft top from a daily usage experience. RF looks smart and is more safe though.
As someone that bought an RF, I can say that I saw that car - and I immediately thought; "Affordable Agent 007". Ever since then, for 4 years I waited for my insurance rate to drop like a rock; and when it did and I wasn't upside down on my previous car, I went straight to the dealership and clumsily drove home - learning how to drive a manual transmission car at the same time. It's been 1.6 years since then, it's my daily driver and I don't regret it at all. Every day is a fun day with this car, it makes me feel like I am Agent 007 - without the cost of an Aston. :D
@@shortstories3349 You are definitely cool. Does it have machine guns?
I've got the hard top version and there are some advantages. It's not as noisy in the cabin when it rains. Less maintenance is required than a soft top. The hard top is less likely to get Stanley knifed, and finally... I get to sit in the car and make the Transformers sound effect while the top is going down, (and up, obviously) 😁
I want to get one of these before mazda makes them electric
How tall are you mate?
6’3”
45 litre, 9.9 UK gallon fuel tank gives an easy 400 miles+ touring range.
Thanks for doing the maths! Never my strong suit
Why same Mazda as Car Obsession?
Mazda UK press car!
A car i must drive one day, then listen to the age old advice a mate gave me, 'seeking forgiveness is easier than permission' 🤣
I find that my back get all wet of sweat
Which is more fun: this or the MK8 Fiesta ST? :D
I can imagine the mx5 is more of a proper driver's car. I have a mk7 fiesta st and it's great fun, but it is a hot hatch which serves its purpose as being practical at the same time. But I think this would be more fun. You would have far more torque in the Fiesta. You would have to bash the limiter in this to get it to move which I guess you wouldn't mind..
They're different sorts of fun really - Fiesta ST will be quicker and lift-off oversteers like a loon, and is more practical. MX-5 takes a bit more concentration to drive quickly on a country road, and then there's the roof-down factor...
Rannowtalock
Unfortunately these cars don’t fit taller drivers so well, at least you look cramped in there with head close to the roof and the top of the windscreen close to nose level. I’m just a little taller and have found the Fiat 124 too cramped to feel safe and comfortable
I felt OK, but I've lived with a Mk3 MR2 before and made it work. I'm 6'3" for what it's worth, but I realise I'm borderline
@@TimRodieDrivesStuff as long as you were comfortable. I’m just over 6ft4, and taller proportionately in the trunk which probably just edges me over the limit. You’d mentioned your height in another video which was helpful. I would love a Lotus Exige but it just looks (and feels) all wrong 😅
I used to own a NC, I had to modify the rails under the seat to fit comfortably. I hear the the ND is even smaller inside
Toyota aygo is the real antidote to modern cars. It doesn’t even have a tachometer
I'm trying to review one soon!
I’d rather have a gr 86. Same price
you are funny
You are kind
You should have had the top down , it's not really raining is it ! What's the point of a soft top, if you don't have the top down ? I've noticed lately that , even the ' summer only ' brigade are driving with the top up ; it mustn' t be warm enough yet for the wimp ' enthusiasts ' !
生垣の中に入れました
Don’t think so, toooo expensive!
These look insanity nerdy..
Yep. It would be perfect if you just ripped that screen out & chucked it in a ditch. However, I own a ‘05 Alfa 147JTDm which is perfect & doesn’t have a screen. It has sensible mods - stage 1 remap giving 130kw & 350Nm, Eibachs over Bilsteins adjustable stabiliser to keep the car level - there’s virtually no torque steer hence no need for a LSD. Why can’t more manufacturers see a market for simpler cars? Would I trade it for a ND? Probably not but it’s close - I couldn’t justify the additional outlays. However, this MX5 is brilliant.
I wished they made it so a adult male can actually fit in there
"Fairly basic air conditioning"? Imagine most folks would consider climate control a/c, to be more than basic. 0-62mph takes 6.5 seconds, so by majority view, 0-60mph around 6.2 seconds...you've got the press car, guess they may have also given you the press pack, full of useful information...if you had taken the trouble to glance at the stats you decided to mention...
You sound fun
@@timrodierides Your "ears" don't deceive you, though do would do MUCH better to pay much more attention to your own business, after all, no one wants to subscribe to the channel that has time to get it right, yet continues to get in oh so wrong... right chum?. Hope that also helps :)
Let me see if your channel is any better…
@@TimRodieDrivesStuff Ah, not for the first time you misunderstand your situation here... you and your "channel" are here to "entertain" and "perform" for us... I as a viewer of your "channel" have the opportunity to watch as much or as LITTLE of your "content", as I decide. Then having watched whatever nonsense you have erroneously decided is the "finished product", I get to comment on it...keeping up thus far?... that you completely lack the humility and understanding to accept when you have made errors, is your issue. When you have finally gained the perception required of you to do this, you MAY find it easier to get out of the rough and onto the fairway... one day in the far future. Blockhead only begins to describe you. Already looking forward to your next misguided, irrelevant post, which no doubt will yet again fail to address the original points. :)
is this bald and bankrupt second account?
It’s not but I am both of those things 😂
I-stop in a MX5, how stupid.
In my ND 2018 it is disabled permanently…
Yep same in mine. Once the system is off, it doesn't default to on when ignition is cycled.
If one doesn't plan on using it then it's dead weight which is against the mx-5's philosophical lol
@@Dongzzzzzz I should imagine it's a euro emissions requirement for new cars. Euro requirements also dictate the amount of nanny tech fitted that has to be manually disabled by the driver at every igniting recycle. If lightweight and purely functional were the only design requirements the mx5 would essentially be an elise s1 or Caterham and wouldn't sell.
@benj5386 it has parts that are made for the mx-5 only like the thin sun visors, and they scrutinize the nuts and bolts to know how to utilize them efficiently to reduce weight (Sounds miniscule, but that's their philosophy) I'm sure they made it as lightweight as it can be within safety and budget constraints. In our country, istop is available but got removed in a new refresh (cx8). I guess it isn't a requirement here for emissions and they thought they'd just pour the money on useful features rather than a battery that makes things more expensive for the user.