The humble Mazda MX-5, the low-powered terrier snapping at the heels of cars with bigger, more computerized engines.
What is it that we love about these annoying little charmers?
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Introduced in 1989, it’s been practically an automotive institution for so long – like the Fiat 500 or that inexplicably Mercedes G-Wagon.
But unlike those, the MX-5 hasn’t just survived—it’s thrived by sticking to its guns.
Or rather, the lack of it.
Yes, under the hood of this cool machine, you’ll find an engine that packs a 1.5- or 2.0-liter engine that produces just 132 to 181 horsepower, depending on the year and model.
And you know what? This is perfectly fine.
At a time when you can buy a family saloon with more power, the MX-5’s approach is refreshing.
In a market flooded with increasingly powerful and complex cars, the Mazda MX-5 stands out by keeping things remarkably simple.
James Russell – Motor Network
It’s not about raw, unadulterated power – it’s about balance, poise and sheer driving joy.
Driving an MX-5 is like slipping into a pair of well-worn, well-fitting shoes; everything feels right.
The steering is razor sharp, responding to your slightest thought with an eagerness that makes you wonder if the car is reading your mind.
Weight distribution is spot on and the lightweight chassis lets you throw it around corners with abandon.
No need for a “Drift Mode” or complex electronics to keep you on the road. It’s just you, the car and the asphalt.
Mazda’s decision to keep the MX-5 simple wasn’t just a fluke, it was a master at understanding their audience.
People who buy the MX-5 aren’t looking to set lap records at the Nürburgring, they’re looking for a car that makes them smile every time they take it out for a spin.
They want a connection to the road, a sense of being part of the driving experience rather than just a passenger on a mobile computer.
The MX-5 has retained its core audience by focusing on the basics of driving pleasure.
It’s a car that invites you to take the long way home, to seek out winding country roads just to enjoy it.
Japanese Lotus Elan
Since its debut in 1989, more than one million examples of the Mazda MX-5 have been sold. This lightweight two-seater sports car, with its technologically modern take on the classic front-engine, rear-wheel drive sports car, has won fans from around the world. It’s the world’s best-selling two-seater roadster and still regularly wins awards.
Four generations of the MX-5 have spanned more than three decades of production, during which Mazda has released over 50 special editions of the MX model. Inspired by the Lotus Elan of the 1960s, Mazda’s aim was to replicate the driving feel, refinement and construction of the Lotus with its own convertible. But now, in 2024, the MX-5 is much more than a Lotus coup; it is an icon in itself.
Autocar once described it as “the world’s most well-written and, arguably, the world’s most desirable affordable car” and today, the cheapest examples can be found for triple figures, making it one of the most economical ways to experienced the emotion. of direction.
It’s not a car you brag about in terms of raw stats.
Instead, you brag about the experiences it gives you.
The wind in your hair, the roar of the engine as you push it through the gears and the sheer joy of a perfectly executed corner.
And if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, the aftermarket tuning community is there to help you turn your little Mazda into a 300hp beast.
The BBR GTI in Brackley, for example, will happily ease your bank account while turning your MX-5 into something that’s not just cool, but downright exciting.
In a market flooded with increasingly powerful and complex cars, the Mazda MX-5 stands out by keeping things remarkably simple.
It’s underpowered, yes, but in the best possible way.
It reminds us that driving isn’t just about getting from A to B as quickly as possible – it’s about the ride, the feeling and the pure, unadulterated joy of the open road.
And for that, the MX-5 is nothing short of brilliant.
Need help or advice buying your first modern classic car? Ask James Russell at The Motor Grid.
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