Mazda MX-5

Mazda MX-5 Overview

The Mazda MX-5 is simply the most recognizable and the best-selling roadster in the world! It held the Guinness World Record for the best-selling two-seater sports car since 2000. Hailing from the prefecture of Hiroshima, Japan, over one million units of the Mazda MX-5 rolled out the assembly plant since it was first introduced back in 1989. Despite its popularity on a global scale, it remained one of the lesser-seen Mazda models on Malaysian roads today.

The Mazda MX-5, or more fondly known as the Miata, is a 2.0-litre, front-mid-engine, rear-wheel drive, lightweight, two-door convertible sports car, promising superior handling and unadulterated road feel. Weighing in at 1,137kg with the retractable hard top (the only roof option available in Malaysia),  Mazda MX-5 is one of the lightest modern sports cars on the road today and a purist’s dream. Throughout its 4 generations of evolution, the fundamental concept has remained largely unchanged and 2021 sees the latest iteration with a minor mid-life update in Malaysia with the introduction of wireless Apple Car Play.

Considering the niche proposition that the Mazda MX-5 offers, there aren’t many natural rivals currently on sale in Malaysia that will go head-to-head with the roadster. Priced starting from RM 258,591, the Toyobaru twins (Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ), 2020 Mini Convertible Cooper S and the Lotus Elise are the closest comparable rivals in terms of pricing and performance, the latter closer to a track car than a convertible. Other alternatives include the likes of the BMW Z4 and the Porsche Boxster, both of which are on a different performance level with a premium price tag that goes with it.

Mazda MX-5 Design

The fourth-generation Mazda MX-5 is now entering its sixth year of production with its exterior and interior left virtually unchanged. The classic design of that relatively long hood and its short rear overhang is reminiscent of the classic Jaguar E type roadster, arguably one the most beautiful cars of all time. Once again, the Mazda MX-5’s simple yet elegant Kodo design has stood the test of time and unsurprisingly won the World Car of the Year and World Car Design of the Year award a year after it was first unveiled.

Mazda Mx-5 Dimension

The Mazda MX-5 is constructed using a combination of high-strength steel and light-weight aluminium. The overall size and weight of the ND-generation Mazda MX-5 has been kept largely unchanged compared to the NA-generation Mazda MX-5. In fact, the lightest option, the 1.5-litre SkyActiv soft top variant (not available in Malaysia) weighs in at only 961kg. The fact that it is only 1kg heavier than the original Mazda MX-5 back in 1989 is nothing short of remarkable.

Mazda MX-5 Interior

On first glance, the Mazda MX-5 interior appears simple yet retains the familiar elegance that we all have come to know and love in other Mazda models. Combination of soft-touch material and leather stitching makes for an upmarket feel to the two-seater. Physical controls and dials are ergonomically laid out, none of that touchscreen control nonsense distracting you from the sheer driving pleasure.

The sitting position in Mazda MX-5 is spot-on for those under 180 cm and adjustable steering wheel makes it easy to find that perfect driving position. Organ type accelerator pedal enhances that sporty driving feel, but paddle shifter sadly has been removed for the 2021 update, alternatively you may consider the manual transmission variant.

The digital-analog 3-dial meter cluster and its 7-inch TFT LCD Multi Info Display is starting to show its age. While a big central rev counter is a welcoming touch, a fully digital driver’s display will definitely further enhance the driving experience. At 130 litres, boot space is definitely not built with practicality in mind, coupled with a few afterthought cupholders, the Mazda MX-5 is definitely not meant for long trips.

Mazda MX-5 Features

There are two variants on offer for the Malaysian spec-ed Mazda MX-5, the 6-speed automatic and the manual transmission. Both comes with only the folding hard top roof option and identical internal specification apart from the transmission. Officially known as the Mazda MX-5 RF SkyActiv-G (AT) and the Mazda MX-5 RF SkyActiv-G (MT) respectively.

The roadster comes with a double wishbone front suspension and a multilink rear suspension paired with an Electronic Power Assisted Steering system for that superior handling characteristic. The four 17 inch 205/45/R17 alloy wheel is conservatively sized and despite that, does not look out of place on the compact size of the Mazda MX-5.

Creature comfort like the push start button, Mazda Advance Keyless Entry, Rain Sensing Atomatic Windshield Wipers, MZD connect Infotainment System with Voice Command, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 9-speaker Bose Audio Systems and so on makes life easier in the roadster, apart from the fact that both the passenger and driver seat are still manually adjustable.

Do not be fooled by its lightweight thinking its bare in terms of its safety feature. The Mazda MX-5 is rated 4 Star in the EURO NCAP rating and gets the full sweep of Mazda’s i-Activsence Advance safety technology, among other things include Adaptive LED Headlights (ALH), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), Smart City Brake Support and Driver Attention Alert (DAA).

Mazda MX-5 Driving performance

Mazda MX-5 Engine

The SkyAvtiv-G 2.0-litre naturally aspirated, four-cylinder direct injection petrol engine puts out a respectable 184PS at 7000 RPM and 205 Nm of torque at 4000 RPM. Now pair that to its lightweight construction, you have a go-cart made for the road. It has a top speed of 200km/h and 0 to 100km/h in 6.5 seconds.

The Mazda MX-5 comes with a Limited Slip Differential (LSD), which essentially improves traction by distributing and limiting torque to the wheels accordingly to achieve maximum traction and improving cornering performance. Paired with the multilink rear suspension, body roll and car control felt more sophisticated, giving the best compromise between performance and comfort.

Mazda MX-5 Transmission

With drive going only to the rear wheel through the SkyActiv-Drive 6-speed automatic with manual shift for the AT variant and SkyActic-Drive 6-speed manual for the MT variant, you get the sensation of getting pushed out of the corner. The Mazda MX-5 can be forgiving when pushing its performance to the limit but pushing above its limit and you will find yourself in an oversteer situation. However, when you get it right and hit the sweet spot, it can be incredibly rewarding.

Mazda MX-5 Ride Comfort

Like most sportscars, the ride is not tuned for comfort in mind. The stiffer suspension means that it does not deal with bumps and pothole all that well on the road, but it does mean that it handles better and less of a body roll going through corners. It is always a struggle for the engineers to find the best compromise between comfort and performance, but this being a lightweight sportscar, the ride is relatively supple and acceptable.

Mazda MX-5 Fuel consumption

The official fuel consumption is rated at 6.7L/100km, rather decent for a sports car. That is however subject to change depending on how heavy your right foot is.

Mazda MX-5 Conclusion

Mazda has perfected the recipe for small, fun to drive sportscar and this is precisely the reason why the Mazda MX-5 is the world’s best-selling roadster. The Mazda MX-5 retains its lightweight and uncomplicated mechanical philosophy yet at the same time making it relevant in the 21^st century with minor tweaks, design and  safety improvements. 

It, however, presents a really niche proposition to the Malaysian market. When it comes to two-door drop top roadster, you are not exactly spoilt for choice. One can truly understand the reason for the lukewarm reception for drop top roadster, considering the climate that we live in in Malaysia, i.e. very hot or very wet. That said, kudos to Mazda Malaysia for bringing in the Mazda MX-5 and giving the car enthusiast a chance to get their hand what essentially is a big boy/girl’s toy.