12 November 2015
The exterior has razor-sharp, sculptured lines - a favourite being the ultra-high seam from bonnet to guard. From inside the car, you purposely can’t see this seam. Only the shapely bonnet fills the view at road level. Just like the rest of the Mazda family the MX-5 basks in the KODO: Soul of Motion design glory and seems more pronounced in this one. If you look at the front of the car from a right angle, you can see a smiling face and a happy eye that the Mazda designers hope will remind you of family - and help you to make this car part of your’s.
Interior impact
Inside the MX-5, it’s clean, stylish, comfortable and bang up-to-date with the latest technology. Seated centrally and lower than in previous models, you certainly feel part of the centre of gravity. New generation human machine interface (HMI) and connectivity keep the driver fully in touch. Using a neat 7” top-mounted colour touchscreen, Mazda’s infotainment hub MZD Connect can be operated via touch, or by using Mazda’s conveniently positioned rotary commander. The driver needs to simply lower one hand from the wheel to the centre based console in one quick, easy motion. All without taking your eyes off the road, even for a moment.
The MX-5 is available in two models. The GSX SKYACTIV 1.5ltr 6-speed manual includes Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, whilst the top spec SKYACTIV 2.0ltr Limited (available in 6-speed auto and manual) also comes with High Beam Control headlights and Lane Departure Warning Systems.
Safety where it counts
Front and side airbags are designed specifically to keep you safe within this particular car, even with the top down. Pedestrians unfortunate enough to be struck by an MX-5 will at least be better off with the steps that Mazda have taken to minimise injury. The bonnet will lift to cushion the blow, and the bumper is filled with energy-absorbing foam to protect the knees and positioned lower to prevent legs from sliding under.
The new MX-5 is a blend of comfort and play, all in a convertible package and is the kind of car you want to just run and jump in to, without even opening the doors. The engine note is heard but not annoying, and handling and balance is impeccable thanks to the 50/50 split in weight distribution. Priced from $40,990 (1.5ltr GSX) up to $48,495 (Limited AT), you get bang for your buck and the Mazda MX-5 is also very much the fun-to-drive car, like that of old – just a whole lot better.