Mazda MX-5
Purchase price from £0
Expert rating
5 reviews
Expert opinions about this car
Expert reviews
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MotorTrend
MotorTrend notes the MX-5's evolution into a modern precision instrument, with sharpened suspension, reduced body roll, and powerful brakes. The manual transmission has short, crisp throws, and interior quality is upgraded, though taller drivers may find headroom tight. Criticisms include awkward infotainment screen placement and lack of touchscreen in some models, but the car's impeccable steering feel and predictable chassis dynamics deliver pure joy without pretension.
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Autocar (UK)
Autocar's European perspective highlights the MX-5's weight reduction (1,058 kg) and revised steering with linear response and excellent feedback. The Skyactiv-G 2.0 engine offers improved throttle response, and residual values are strong. Criticisms include a slightly raised seating position, wind noise at motorway speeds, and limited boot space, but the car remains the definitive affordable sports car with a purity of purpose.
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Edmunds
Edmunds rates the MX-5 highly for steering feel, agile handling, and quick-revving engine, calling it the most engaging car under $35,000. It has excellent reliability ratings and low ownership costs, with standard safety features. Drawbacks include tiny cargo space, heavy wind noise at freeway speeds, and difficult ingress/egress. The Club trim with Brembo/BBS is recommended for enthusiasts, and the Grand Touring for comfort, making it an outstanding purchase for a pure, reliable, and affordable sports car.
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Car and Driver
Car and Driver hails the MX-5 Miata as the gold standard for affordable sports cars, praising its perfect weight distribution, communicative steering, and eager chassis. They note the engine's responsiveness and quick soft top, while critiquing the tiny trunk, snug cabin, and road noise. Still, they award it a rare 10/10 and name it an Editors' Choice.
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Motor Trend
Motor Trend praises the ND-generation MX-5 for its light weight and superb handling, with the 2019 power bump making it feel genuinely quick. They love the damped suspension, precise shifter, and fuel economy, but criticize the cramped interior and fiddly infotainment. It consistently beats rivals like the GR86 in comparisons.
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