Mazda MX-5 2.0 (A) Review
31 Dec 2010|24,797 views
This little roadster has a respectable timing of 8.9 seconds from 0-100km/h. But as we're about to be reminded, the naught to hundred sprint has never been what the MX-5 is all about.
The Mazda MX-5 was designed to invoke the joy of motoring in its simplest and most uncomplicated form. It recaptures what motoring should be like - freedom, fun, laughter and the carefree attitudes of the people. Of course, Mazda took all of that and then rose-tint it with reliability.
Based on its root of Jinba Ittai ("oneness of horse and rider") principle, which is a Japanese expression describing how a horse and rider must work as one to fire an arrow accurately, the MX-5 should not be deemed as the "cute convertible". Instead, it should be recognised as a pure driver's car with enough attitude and spirit to put a grin on anybody's face.
After all, the Mazda MX-5 is more about the definition of the lifestyle you have than simply speeding you from one point to another.
Exterior
Visually, the roadster's petite styling has been given a small but useful dose of aggression by making the fenders more pronounced. They fill out the extended wheel arches comfortably, ensuring the car has a strong on-road stance, giving it a suitably more muscular look than before.
The Mazda MX-5 was designed to invoke the joy of motoring in its simplest and most uncomplicated form. It recaptures what motoring should be like - freedom, fun, laughter and the carefree attitudes of the people. Of course, Mazda took all of that and then rose-tint it with reliability.
Based on its root of Jinba Ittai ("oneness of horse and rider") principle, which is a Japanese expression describing how a horse and rider must work as one to fire an arrow accurately, the MX-5 should not be deemed as the "cute convertible". Instead, it should be recognised as a pure driver's car with enough attitude and spirit to put a grin on anybody's face.
After all, the Mazda MX-5 is more about the definition of the lifestyle you have than simply speeding you from one point to another.
Exterior
Visually, the roadster's petite styling has been given a small but useful dose of aggression by making the fenders more pronounced. They fill out the extended wheel arches comfortably, ensuring the car has a strong on-road stance, giving it a suitably more muscular look than before.
 |
However, the creation of a huge smiling air intake which aligns the MX-5 with Mazda's 3, 6 and RX-8 gives the car a friendly appearance while a long hood and the rounded nose help to keep a very classic look on the sports car.
From the side, the short cockpit-like cabin seems small and cramped while the back features a pair of revised rear lights that work just fine to keep things lively. The dual-exhaust also serves as an aesthetic cue that this pint-sized car means business.
It's hard to give anything this small a positive vibe but the lads at Mazda did an admirable job. While the MX-5's design offers little in the way of novelty value, it's neat, attractive and unfussy -just how tasteful buyers seem to like it.
 |
Interior
Step in and the MX-5's Japanese roots are immediately obvious. Clearly laid out and well screwed together, there's a lot of black in evidence, with just the right amount of silver tones to make things interesting, without looking over-designed.
The seats are perfectly shaped and supportive and it certainly further strengthen the feeling of oneness between car and driver while the snug cockpit is big enough for most to get comfortable.
The centre console is distinctively Mazda. The controls are simple and it's where even the technophobe can navigate a myriad of controls fairly painlessly. Everything is straightforward and intuitive.
Plus, with the availability of the Aux-In option, playing those favourite tunes while driving top down isn't too bad an idea at all, especially when it's coming out from those Bose speakers, which come standard.
Step in and the MX-5's Japanese roots are immediately obvious. Clearly laid out and well screwed together, there's a lot of black in evidence, with just the right amount of silver tones to make things interesting, without looking over-designed.
The seats are perfectly shaped and supportive and it certainly further strengthen the feeling of oneness between car and driver while the snug cockpit is big enough for most to get comfortable.
The centre console is distinctively Mazda. The controls are simple and it's where even the technophobe can navigate a myriad of controls fairly painlessly. Everything is straightforward and intuitive.
Plus, with the availability of the Aux-In option, playing those favourite tunes while driving top down isn't too bad an idea at all, especially when it's coming out from those Bose speakers, which come standard.
Do not get stuck in the rain, though, as the car must be stopped and in neutral in order for the top to be raised or lowered, which can be a tad troublesome especially when you're driving along the highway when the weather decides to make things difficult.
However, what's really impressive is the time taken to retract (or vice versa) the hard top. Press down on a button and it takes no more than 12 seconds - a feature that certainly beats even the timing of the BMW Z4 hands down.
For a two-seater convertible, the MX-5 is surprisingly practical, thanks to a very neat roof arrangement that doesn't take up any boot space. Moreover, with the boot space being relatively deep and wide, it seems bigger than the figures stated on paper.
However, what's really impressive is the time taken to retract (or vice versa) the hard top. Press down on a button and it takes no more than 12 seconds - a feature that certainly beats even the timing of the BMW Z4 hands down.
For a two-seater convertible, the MX-5 is surprisingly practical, thanks to a very neat roof arrangement that doesn't take up any boot space. Moreover, with the boot space being relatively deep and wide, it seems bigger than the figures stated on paper.
 |
The Drive
The Mazda MX-5 has reflected the Japanese ideal of Jinba Ittai, the symbiosis between rider and horse. Instead of focusing on pure speed, the engineers at Mazda have worked to achieve the ideal driving machine that provides high levels of driving enjoyment.
It's not the quickest roadster in the world, but the steering and chassis setup combine to create the kind of vehicle that won't intimidate the captain when the revs rise.
From the word go, the 2.0-litre power plant with a 50:50 weight distribution feels eager and energetic. Torque is on tap at any speed and the MX-5 puts on as lively a performance as some turbocharged rivals. The engine only comes alive when it's worked hard, but do so and it's lively.
Moreover, it's the kind of car that can truly reward even the most jaded of sports car drivers. It's got such a confidence-inspiring chassis as it feels sharp and responsive. Attack bends at higher speeds and the car's 17 inch wheels sits surprisingly close to the tarmac.
However, there's a fair amount of wind noise with the hood up. It's not too much of a deal, given the fact that the Bose stereo does a good job of overcoming the wind noise. It's just something you'll have to live with every time you hit the century mark.
The Mazda MX-5 has reflected the Japanese ideal of Jinba Ittai, the symbiosis between rider and horse. Instead of focusing on pure speed, the engineers at Mazda have worked to achieve the ideal driving machine that provides high levels of driving enjoyment.
It's not the quickest roadster in the world, but the steering and chassis setup combine to create the kind of vehicle that won't intimidate the captain when the revs rise.
From the word go, the 2.0-litre power plant with a 50:50 weight distribution feels eager and energetic. Torque is on tap at any speed and the MX-5 puts on as lively a performance as some turbocharged rivals. The engine only comes alive when it's worked hard, but do so and it's lively.
Moreover, it's the kind of car that can truly reward even the most jaded of sports car drivers. It's got such a confidence-inspiring chassis as it feels sharp and responsive. Attack bends at higher speeds and the car's 17 inch wheels sits surprisingly close to the tarmac.
However, there's a fair amount of wind noise with the hood up. It's not too much of a deal, given the fact that the Bose stereo does a good job of overcoming the wind noise. It's just something you'll have to live with every time you hit the century mark.
It probably wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that I didn't hit 100km/h all day in the MX-5. The busy roads simply did not allow it. That may sound boring but it wasn't. And that's the magic of the Mazda MX-5. Speed is not the answer.
Conclusion
The Mazda MX-5 is just like that bubbly cheerleader you knew in secondary school ten years ago. Only now she's grown up and has a Bachelor's degree. She's also put on a few more pounds but boy does she still know all the moves.
This is not a family car or even the best daily set of wheels if you have to lug lots of stuff around. But for a sports car that's light on your wallet, this is a no-brainer. If you're looking to rekindle that joy of driving in your life, you may even wipe the smirk off that Porsche driver next to you.
After all, whether you choose to drive with the roof open or closed, it's never a question of style but always of the moment.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Conclusion
The Mazda MX-5 is just like that bubbly cheerleader you knew in secondary school ten years ago. Only now she's grown up and has a Bachelor's degree. She's also put on a few more pounds but boy does she still know all the moves.
This is not a family car or even the best daily set of wheels if you have to lug lots of stuff around. But for a sports car that's light on your wallet, this is a no-brainer. If you're looking to rekindle that joy of driving in your life, you may even wipe the smirk off that Porsche driver next to you.
After all, whether you choose to drive with the roof open or closed, it's never a question of style but always of the moment.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
This little roadster has a respectable timing of 8.9 seconds from 0-100km/h. But as we're about to be reminded, the naught to hundred sprint has never been what the MX-5 is all about.
The Mazda MX-5 was designed to invoke the joy of motoring in its simplest and most uncomplicated form. It recaptures what motoring should be like - freedom, fun, laughter and the carefree attitudes of the people. Of course, Mazda took all of that and then rose-tint it with reliability.
Based on its root of Jinba Ittai ("oneness of horse and rider") principle, which is a Japanese expression describing how a horse and rider must work as one to fire an arrow accurately, the MX-5 should not be deemed as the "cute convertible". Instead, it should be recognised as a pure driver's car with enough attitude and spirit to put a grin on anybody's face.
After all, the Mazda MX-5 is more about the definition of the lifestyle you have than simply speeding you from one point to another.
Exterior
Visually, the roadster's petite styling has been given a small but useful dose of aggression by making the fenders more pronounced. They fill out the extended wheel arches comfortably, ensuring the car has a strong on-road stance, giving it a suitably more muscular look than before.
The Mazda MX-5 was designed to invoke the joy of motoring in its simplest and most uncomplicated form. It recaptures what motoring should be like - freedom, fun, laughter and the carefree attitudes of the people. Of course, Mazda took all of that and then rose-tint it with reliability.
Based on its root of Jinba Ittai ("oneness of horse and rider") principle, which is a Japanese expression describing how a horse and rider must work as one to fire an arrow accurately, the MX-5 should not be deemed as the "cute convertible". Instead, it should be recognised as a pure driver's car with enough attitude and spirit to put a grin on anybody's face.
After all, the Mazda MX-5 is more about the definition of the lifestyle you have than simply speeding you from one point to another.
Exterior
Visually, the roadster's petite styling has been given a small but useful dose of aggression by making the fenders more pronounced. They fill out the extended wheel arches comfortably, ensuring the car has a strong on-road stance, giving it a suitably more muscular look than before.
|
However, the creation of a huge smiling air intake which aligns the MX-5 with Mazda's 3, 6 and RX-8 gives the car a friendly appearance while a long hood and the rounded nose help to keep a very classic look on the sports car.
From the side, the short cockpit-like cabin seems small and cramped while the back features a pair of revised rear lights that work just fine to keep things lively. The dual-exhaust also serves as an aesthetic cue that this pint-sized car means business.
It's hard to give anything this small a positive vibe but the lads at Mazda did an admirable job. While the MX-5's design offers little in the way of novelty value, it's neat, attractive and unfussy -just how tasteful buyers seem to like it.
|
Interior
Step in and the MX-5's Japanese roots are immediately obvious. Clearly laid out and well screwed together, there's a lot of black in evidence, with just the right amount of silver tones to make things interesting, without looking over-designed.
The seats are perfectly shaped and supportive and it certainly further strengthen the feeling of oneness between car and driver while the snug cockpit is big enough for most to get comfortable.
The centre console is distinctively Mazda. The controls are simple and it's where even the technophobe can navigate a myriad of controls fairly painlessly. Everything is straightforward and intuitive.
Plus, with the availability of the Aux-In option, playing those favourite tunes while driving top down isn't too bad an idea at all, especially when it's coming out from those Bose speakers, which come standard.
Step in and the MX-5's Japanese roots are immediately obvious. Clearly laid out and well screwed together, there's a lot of black in evidence, with just the right amount of silver tones to make things interesting, without looking over-designed.
The seats are perfectly shaped and supportive and it certainly further strengthen the feeling of oneness between car and driver while the snug cockpit is big enough for most to get comfortable.
The centre console is distinctively Mazda. The controls are simple and it's where even the technophobe can navigate a myriad of controls fairly painlessly. Everything is straightforward and intuitive.
Plus, with the availability of the Aux-In option, playing those favourite tunes while driving top down isn't too bad an idea at all, especially when it's coming out from those Bose speakers, which come standard.
Do not get stuck in the rain, though, as the car must be stopped and in neutral in order for the top to be raised or lowered, which can be a tad troublesome especially when you're driving along the highway when the weather decides to make things difficult.
However, what's really impressive is the time taken to retract (or vice versa) the hard top. Press down on a button and it takes no more than 12 seconds - a feature that certainly beats even the timing of the BMW Z4 hands down.
For a two-seater convertible, the MX-5 is surprisingly practical, thanks to a very neat roof arrangement that doesn't take up any boot space. Moreover, with the boot space being relatively deep and wide, it seems bigger than the figures stated on paper.
However, what's really impressive is the time taken to retract (or vice versa) the hard top. Press down on a button and it takes no more than 12 seconds - a feature that certainly beats even the timing of the BMW Z4 hands down.
For a two-seater convertible, the MX-5 is surprisingly practical, thanks to a very neat roof arrangement that doesn't take up any boot space. Moreover, with the boot space being relatively deep and wide, it seems bigger than the figures stated on paper.
|
The Drive
The Mazda MX-5 has reflected the Japanese ideal of Jinba Ittai, the symbiosis between rider and horse. Instead of focusing on pure speed, the engineers at Mazda have worked to achieve the ideal driving machine that provides high levels of driving enjoyment.
It's not the quickest roadster in the world, but the steering and chassis setup combine to create the kind of vehicle that won't intimidate the captain when the revs rise.
From the word go, the 2.0-litre power plant with a 50:50 weight distribution feels eager and energetic. Torque is on tap at any speed and the MX-5 puts on as lively a performance as some turbocharged rivals. The engine only comes alive when it's worked hard, but do so and it's lively.
Moreover, it's the kind of car that can truly reward even the most jaded of sports car drivers. It's got such a confidence-inspiring chassis as it feels sharp and responsive. Attack bends at higher speeds and the car's 17 inch wheels sits surprisingly close to the tarmac.
However, there's a fair amount of wind noise with the hood up. It's not too much of a deal, given the fact that the Bose stereo does a good job of overcoming the wind noise. It's just something you'll have to live with every time you hit the century mark.
The Mazda MX-5 has reflected the Japanese ideal of Jinba Ittai, the symbiosis between rider and horse. Instead of focusing on pure speed, the engineers at Mazda have worked to achieve the ideal driving machine that provides high levels of driving enjoyment.
It's not the quickest roadster in the world, but the steering and chassis setup combine to create the kind of vehicle that won't intimidate the captain when the revs rise.
From the word go, the 2.0-litre power plant with a 50:50 weight distribution feels eager and energetic. Torque is on tap at any speed and the MX-5 puts on as lively a performance as some turbocharged rivals. The engine only comes alive when it's worked hard, but do so and it's lively.
Moreover, it's the kind of car that can truly reward even the most jaded of sports car drivers. It's got such a confidence-inspiring chassis as it feels sharp and responsive. Attack bends at higher speeds and the car's 17 inch wheels sits surprisingly close to the tarmac.
However, there's a fair amount of wind noise with the hood up. It's not too much of a deal, given the fact that the Bose stereo does a good job of overcoming the wind noise. It's just something you'll have to live with every time you hit the century mark.
It probably wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that I didn't hit 100km/h all day in the MX-5. The busy roads simply did not allow it. That may sound boring but it wasn't. And that's the magic of the Mazda MX-5. Speed is not the answer.
Conclusion
The Mazda MX-5 is just like that bubbly cheerleader you knew in secondary school ten years ago. Only now she's grown up and has a Bachelor's degree. She's also put on a few more pounds but boy does she still know all the moves.
This is not a family car or even the best daily set of wheels if you have to lug lots of stuff around. But for a sports car that's light on your wallet, this is a no-brainer. If you're looking to rekindle that joy of driving in your life, you may even wipe the smirk off that Porsche driver next to you.
After all, whether you choose to drive with the roof open or closed, it's never a question of style but always of the moment.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Conclusion
The Mazda MX-5 is just like that bubbly cheerleader you knew in secondary school ten years ago. Only now she's grown up and has a Bachelor's degree. She's also put on a few more pounds but boy does she still know all the moves.
This is not a family car or even the best daily set of wheels if you have to lug lots of stuff around. But for a sports car that's light on your wallet, this is a no-brainer. If you're looking to rekindle that joy of driving in your life, you may even wipe the smirk off that Porsche driver next to you.
After all, whether you choose to drive with the roof open or closed, it's never a question of style but always of the moment.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Photos by Julian Kho
Car Information
Mazda MX-5 2.0 (A)
CAT B|Petrol|12.3km/L
Horsepower
118kW (158 bhp)
Torque
189 Nm
Acceleration
-
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
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