Mazda MX-5 Kizuna
By Ian Strachan.
Mazda’s appealing little roadster, the iconic MX-5 has been on British roads for around 33 years. But it’s still as fresh as the day it was launched.
With update after update and a growing list of limited editions, those clever people at Mazda have kept their baby on choice lists. Whether you’re a new driver or a born-again sports car enthusiast, the MX-5 had enduring appeal. It’s still fresh and competitive and looks terrific.
The MX-5 has undoubtedly achieved cult status. This is a desirable car – still a head turner despite its longevity.
The current MX-5 is shorter, lower, wider and lighter than its earlier predecessors, with more power and improved fuel economy. But Mazda has preserved the appeal and style of the original, not to mention a fun driving experience.
I test drove the latest limited edition, the MX-5 Kizuna, a Japanese-derived name which underlines the empathy between car and driver. It is distinguished by deep machine grey or crystal blue metallic paintwork, a blue cloth soft top and attractive light stone leather upholstery. And of course you get Mazda’s fun-to-use, short-travel six speed manual gearbox as standard.
The MX-5 Kizuna comes at a competitive on the road price of £30,265 This includes smart 16-inch bright alloys and satellite navigation, as well as bags of technology.
The shark-nosed MX-5 continues to look sleek and fresh. It’s a classic roadster with simple lines and some nice touches, like the sharply sloping headlamps, twin exhausts and attractive rear light cluster.
The 1.5 Skyactiv petrol power unit puts out 132 horse power. It won’t leave you gasping with a 0-60 time of just over eight seconds, but it’s certainly quick enough and makes all the right noises. The gear shift is well-positioned and slick, with economical movement, and you get more than adequate power throughout the range.
Handling is undoubtedly the MX-5’s strong point. It feels much bigger on the road than it actually is, with precise and responsive steering. Suspension is hard without being uncomfortable. Only the biggest potholes (and there’s a few of those) will cause you to jump in your seat. All round, the car feels poised and well-balanced and fun to drive on narrow country lanes.
Cabin layout is attractive and functional at the same time, with nice use of materials. There’s storage space for bits and pieces in the centre console and between the seats. The boot space obviously isn’t huge, but it’s fairly deep and can accommodate a decent-sized suitcase. If you’re taking three kids and a dog on holiday this isn’t the car for you.
Power steering, central locking, keyless ignition, electric windows and mirrors, climate control, DAB radio with premium Bose nine-speaker sound system and cruise control with speed limiter all come as standard on this model.
You also get automatic stop/start, LED headlights and daytime running lights, heated seats, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, rear parking sensors, lane departure warning, driver attention alert and traffic sign recognition.
This is an attractive and stylish car, great fun to drive even with the top up. Fuel consumption is nothing to write home about at 44.8 miles to the gallon in mixed driving, but that apart, the Mazda MX-5 just keeps on going and keeps on getting better..
