Mazda MX-5 2003 Review

The MX-5 SP was a wild and outrageous thing, almost dangerous you might say in the hands of an inexperienced driver.

Only 100 examples at 55 grand a pop were produced which in hindsight is probably a good thing.

It is a last hurrah for the current model that is due for replacement in the very near future, but a very good one.

The MX-5 SE (the nondescript moniker gives little away) is a brilliant example of what can be achieved with a little thought and refinement.

It lifts the cute little sportster to a level beyond a bit of fun to that of a real performance machine, while retaining some sense of self preservation.

The original SP produced a formidable 157kW at 6800rpm and 289Nm at 4600rpm and was capable sprinting from rest to 100km/h in a fraction over six seconds.

The SE in comparison delivers a conservative 121kW at 6000rpm and maximum torque of 206Nm at 4500rpm, with 0-100km/h expected in 7.8 seconds.

This compares to 107kW and 168Nm for the standard model.

While the increases in power and torque may not appear terribly great, in real terms they translate to a car that offers very strong performance across the entire rev range.

The significant increase in torque and an earlier peek, deliver a car that is quicker off the line and much easier to manage in day to day driving.

It's no WRX, but then the WRX is no MX-5 either.

What the MX-5 SE is, is a fantastic, all round sports car in the classic sense of the term.

Just like the days of old, it's awkward to get in and out of, vision is terrible with the hood up and there's not much room for anything besides the driver and their passenger.

And although it is reasonably well equipped, the cabin is not what you'd call opulent, it's pretty noisy inside and the ride is harsh on anything but smooth roads.

The steering is direct, the six-speed manual short, sharp and close on hand and it handles like a go kart, with a rear end that likes to hang out in the breeze if you're not careful – but it's all great fun?

The SE features significant mechanical improvements, including for the first time 17-inch alloys with 205/40 series unidirectional tyres and a torque-sensing limited slip diff.

It also comes with a body kit, large exhaust pipe and coloured brake calipers. The body kit includes a new front spoiler incorporating a more prominent air intake and recessed fog lamps, a boot spoiler and rear under spoiler.

Inside, the interior also features a number of luxury features and can be optioned with leather trim for another $1000.

The MX-5 SE is priced from $45,490 plus on-road costs.