2011 Mazda MX-5 Reviews

Ewan Kennedy road tests and reviews the used 1989-2014 Mazda MX-5.

Not only becoming the biggest selling roadster of all time, but also nudging many other car makers into building open-top cars, something that had previously seemed to be impossible due to ever tightening safety regulations.The Mazda sportscar is a delight to drive, with pin-sharp steering, excellent road grip, near-neutral balance and the ability to change direction mid corner at the merest hint through the wheel that it’s needed. Many owners love to take them for a quick blast along their favourite stretch of road on a sunny Sunday morn.They usually drive with the top down of course, even if the weather is threatening. That’s because the soft-top only takes seconds to send down and pack up again. You can do it when stopped at a red light, though it does require you to have a supple body, because a fair bit of upper body twisting and shoulder strength is needed.A folding hardtop roof made things much simpler when introduced in September 2006. It not only works neatly, but has added a minimum of weight to the car and takes little away from luggage carrying capacity. So popular did the folding hardtop become in Australia that imports of the soft-top slowed to a crawl and in the latest model, introduced in November 2012, the hardtop became the only unit offered in Australia. You may be able to get one on special order by speaking to your Mazda dealer.The Mazda MX-5 was launched in Australia in October 1989 and remained almost unchanged in its body until March 1998, when a near-new car was introduced. The original model had pop-up lights, the latter one fixed units. At the same time, an increase in boot space made the MX-5 a more practical car, one that could be used as a daily driver by a couple.A facelift in October 2000 saw the rounded grille replaced by what Mazda calls a five-point grille to bring it into line with the styling of the rest of the Mazda family. An all-new MX-5 arrived in October 2005. It was slightly larger than before, though weight rises were kept to a minimum.Engine power isn't quite as impressive as the chassis dynamics; the original MX-5 only had 1.6 litres. That was lifted to 1.8 litres in November 1993 in a new engine that was slightly modified but, surprisingly, wasn’t as happy to rev as in its previous incarnation although torque was fattened out.The 1998 model change kept the engine at the same size but gave it a little more punch, although still not quite enough. In October 2000, the engine received a new variable valve timing system to improve power and torque. Response was significantly improved with that latest engine but is still nothing to get excited about.A 2.0-litre engine was introduced in the new 2005 model and is arguably the best yet. Changes to the 2.0-litre engine in 2009 and 2012 saw it able to rev to higher numbers, yet it was improved in the low down grunt department at the same time.Anyway, half the fun of driving a little roadster like this is rowing it along on the gearbox, going for the right gear at the right time to make the best of the engine’s limited power. The gearchange on the original Mazda MX-5 is one of the sweetest units you will ever meet, with short positive changes that not only work well but feel great at the same time. So the relative lack of engine power is actually a bonus in the minds of some owners.Earlier gearboxes were five-speed manual units. A six-speed was used in the 10th Anniversary limited edition of 1999, and became standard in the October 2000 model. The six-speed is a close-ratio unit, having a similar ratio in top gear in both boxes. To our way of thinking the six-speed isn't quite as pleasant in its feel as the latter five-speed, but it’s still an excellent unit.An automatic transmission with six forward ratios became an option in 2005. Believe it or not, it's almost as nice to sit behind as a manual because of the very-sporty programming of its electronics. Good design and high build quality mean the MX-5 is reliable. It’s fairly easy for a good amateur mechanic to work on and spare parts are normally reasonably priced. The Mazda dealer network isn't huge but works effectively and we have heard of no real complaints about availability.Insurance can be expensive, particularly for young and/or inexperienced drivers so it’s worth shopping around to get the best deal. As always, make sure you understand what you are getting for your premium dollar.WHAT TO LOOK FORIn early models look for stitching that's worn or even broken in the soft-tops and for discolouration in the plastic rear window in early models. A glass rear window was used in the new model of 1998. Check under the carpets for dampness as the car may have been caught with its top down in the rain. It's best to ask the owner of the car for permission before pulling up the carpets.It's probably best to keep clear of MX-5s that have been used in lap dashes at race tracks or in rallies. These can often be recognised by tyre scrubbing (if they haven't just been renewed to hide the fact) and by the fitment of a rollcage, fire extinguisher or extra instruments. Also look for heavy deposits of brake dust on the callipers and the inside of the wheels.Check that the Mazda's engine starts easily, idles reasonably smoothly and doesn't blow smoke from the exhaust under hard acceleration. The gearbox should be light and positive in its change action and not baulk or crunch even on the fastest of changes. The third-second change is usually the first one to show up any troubles.Look for crash damage that's been repaired, indeed it may be very wise to call in a professional if you are in any way suspicious.CAR BUYING TIPBeware the sports car that has actually been used as a car in sport - these are comparatively rare and may be in need of expensive repairs.

A shiney scalp middle aged bloke biffs through the traffic in a roof-down roadster. Not a good look, is it? And I should know.Pity, because at a time when some states seem poised to levy fines and demerit points for so as much mentioning "fun" in the same sentence as "driving", the Mazda MX-5 remains an unadulterated dose of jollies.It's become easily the world's most popular roadster largely because of its affordability, but this perennial Mazda is also a dynamic classic and an almost unique experience among new cars. If you've the least drop of petrol in your veins, you must drive one at least once.Nothing to touch it at this price. The alternatives we suggest aren't entirely comparable except in so far as they will drop their tops.The base soft roof touring, which really is all the MX-5 you need, starts at $42,460, the Roadster Coupe range with it's foldaway hard top of lightweight composite materials begins at $47,200. Our "special" edition gets nice silver paint ( metallic blue or black if you prefer), beige seats and grey stitching around the wheel and handbrake with Bilstein shocks.Otherwise it's stock. Moreover, it's gift that'll keep giving. Well-maintained MX-5's with more than 150,000km on the clock are not uncommon.Simplicity is the key. Although the folding hard top folds up or away at a button's touch, still it needs to be manually latched.  The revable, willing and able 2.0-litre atmo four is driven through a short throw six-speed manual. There are auto MX-5s and these are not bad, but they remove some of the interaction which is central to the roadster experience.For once "classic" isn't a misnomer. The MX-5 remains all of that  a (still fairly) lightweight, low slung, rear-wheel-drive two seater that exists to be driven for the sake of it.Generation three has been with us for six years, but the diminutive shape shows no sign of ageing. That's what comes of being (sorry) a classic.Time has been less kind to the inside which is looking distinctly last decade. Some of the plastics, especially around the centre storage bin serve to remind this is a budget sports car. If you want opulence, by all means spend at least twice the money on a German roadster for nothing like the return in terms of what one of those brands bills as sheer driving pleasure.Four crash safety stars is not of the top drawer but acceptable. Anti-skid brakes bolster discs, ventilated up front solids on the rear. While the limited slip differential allows you to burst out of corners, it's equally a safety measure for the distribution of power to the driving wheels.Dynamic Stability Control, Mazda's take on what most car maker's call an electronic stability program, is among the most sympathetically tuned in the business. It cuts in deftly when called upon, but you need to be speaking loudly.The absence of a spare tyre is acceptable in a tiny roadster, though that's no consolation if you cop a flat.As ever, a delight. The MX-5 has never been about outright power, though at under eight seconds from standing to the 100km/h mark it's handily quick and, being so sweetly petite, almost always feels fast.Rather, as cars become more cosseting and forgiving, this remains about intimacy and instant response to your inputs. Yes, the MX-5 has acquired heft due to modern necessities as airbags and (unforgivably in the eyes of purists) that folding hardtop, but there is nothing, repeat, nothing, quite like it at anything like the money.Turning through that wonderfully alive and accurate steering is paper cut sharp. Though a joyous device when pushed, perhaps the greatest thing about the MX-5 is that under the ever more draconian enforcement regimes of our revenue hungry state and territory governments, you need not chart extremes to enjoy it.Top up or scalp scorchingly down, it gives you something back on a suburban roundabout or dodging through city traffic.The iconic yet completely contemporary sports car.