Mazda MX-5 2005 Review

For a long-time fan of the mighty "Mex" – stretching way back to 1989 – that is a hard opinion to record.

But the fact remains, the MX-5 is crying out for a replacement car that carries on the tradition of the Lotus Elan look-alike.

The SE suffers an acute case of turbo lag from rest – and again, when cruising in the mid ranges, any demand for maximum go in an overtaking manoeuvre does not produce sufficient goods.

The Japanese brand bolted on a light intercooled turbocharger to the 1.8-litre DOHC motor to create the SE and, in the process, boosted the output by a meagre 14 per cent to 121kW.

That cuts the 0-100km/h sprint from 8.4 seconds to 7.8 seconds, which is not a dramatic improvement by any means.

The SE came about as a production model after Allan Horsley, Mazda's motorsport maestro, cooked up his own 150kW turbo MX-5 SP at his Sydney workshop and the factory decided to do one for international release. The only problem is the works turbo fails to replicate the Horsley magic. In sum, the turbo is far too light on. Even accepting the fact that the MX-5 has never traded on pure speed, the SE would find it difficult to defend a charge of false pretences.

The car is not a performer in the grand turbo manner of models gone. One can think of half a dozen little turbos which would have blown the shine off an MX-5 SE. The Horsley car proved the chassis, albeit with mods, could handle more blast to the rear wheels.

So why did not Hiroshima follow his formula and give it the gun?

The turboed SE comes to market at $43,690, $4760 more than the naturally aspirated model. A leather interior adds just under $1000. True, the Horsley SP was sold for $55,540. But word around is that the majority of those who snapped up the limited run of 100 cars would not even consider parting with their true performers.

All is not negative with what clearly will be the last MX-5 before major revision. Its looks have weathered the test of time – as one could expect from a car based on an auto legend.

The MX-5 still attracts admiring looks, particularly with the hood down. The SE sports a body kit which complements the simple rounded shape of the standard car.

The add-on kit includes a deeper front spoiler which features a larger air intake and recessed fog lamps, a boot-mounted spoiler and rear under spoiler.

The single scroll turbocharger adds a bit of boost, which enhances performance – marginally. Other driveline changes in the SE include a more efficient radiator, an upgraded clutch, prop shaft and differential, and harder rubber mounts.

Mazda says it has retuned the four-wheel double wishbone suspension with modified Bilstein shocks and coil springs, 20 per cent stiffer than the standard model.

Its creators claim improved handling – and, without wishing to labour the point, the turboed MX-5 does not produce sufficient power to put the chassis to any acid test.

But let us finish on a positive note, if for no other reason than the MX-5 has pleased a lot of enthusiasts along the way – 700,000 worldwide and 10,500 in Australia.

The car is not totally lacking in fun and MX-5 is still a genuine sports car in the real sense and not a sophisticated sporty model which has no relationship with the rag tops of old. The six-speed manual gearbox is a joy to operate – a slick switch component which is not unlike the one Chapman had engineered for the Elan.

It really is more like a switch than a gear lever, and the gearbox it operates works smoothly and quickly with synchro ensuring good snatch-free operation. The weather during the test period was ideal for almost exclusive roof-down motoring. And that is where the MX really comes into its own. No, it does not have a buzz-down roof. But the two clips which fasten the vinyl roof to the windscreen are engineered to release and catch without trouble.

The SE's cabin picks up a number of luxury touches including stainless-steel scuff plates and a centre dash featuring a swirl alloy finish.

Alloy trim has been added to the air vents, door handles and gearbox surround.

TEST TORQUE
MAZDA showed the Ibuki concept at the 2003 Tokyo Motor Show hinting that it was the replacement MX-5. It was not, of course.

Mazda is far too smart to move that far away from the original styling theme.

But word around is that the pre-production MX-5 will make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March and start its global roll-out before the end of the year.

Rest assured, MX-5 will have a future equal to its past.

But the SE turbo will do little more than help it limp towards replacement.