Mazda MX5 Miata (ND) Review - Everyday Driver Europe

European correspondent Thomas Hellmanzik got time with the current MX-5 Miata soon after his review of the Toyota 86. Over winding Belgian roads and full speed autobahn blasts he finds the best and worst of the latest MX-5.
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[@MegaWebsters]

Every single car review of the ND MX5 the reviewer is, without fail, smiling and giggling while cornering this car. Every single one.

[@laowhy86]

You guys got a winner with Thomas, keep him.

[@wanghanshen]

laowhy86 haha didn't expect to see you here cmilk

[@hypno159753]

Have you had any issues with your hair blowing around in the wind?

[@wuinny89]

lol

[@LotosCepheus]

😂😂😂😂

[@tomodonoghue3309]

you mean blowing off in the wind

[@CapFlipGaming]

NA

[@endwolf103]

Man, having long hair and the top down is hell to deal with the tangles later

[@DanDD1]

I just discovered the European version of this channel, and I've been binging on videos for the last couple of hours and just found out this guy's leaving. I already miss him and I've just found him. 🤧

[@mdcohen]

I hope someone in the German Ministry of Education is working on making the complete Sopranos series the centerpiece of their English education curriculum. Tom is fantastic and will be missed!

[@MrNemo721]

Bill Burr became a car reviewer?

[@LeWpD]

Why does this guy sound like he's from new york lol

[@whitecomet147]

He started learning English by watching American television, making him sound like he's from those areas.

[@Jorge_Magallon]

Great review. Going to miss Tom. Hopefully you all can collaborate in the future. It’s not everyday you hear a German/Joysy accent.

[@theeeMitchi]

why miss?

[@willywillywillywillywilly]

Ey! I’m walkin heeah!

[@Jorge_Magallon]

thee Mitchi , Todd and Paul announced recently that Tom only had 2 new pieces for E.D. before following a ‘new opportunity’.

[@theeeMitchi]

Jorge Thanks for the reply, that is sad to hear!

[@nevileasterling648]

Where is Thomas going?

[@3ducs]

I have 28K miles on my '16 MX-5 Sport, a great car. I drive it year round in New Hampshire, with Blizzaks it does well enough. As for best car for heel and toe, I think the 750/101/105 series Alfas were better. The Mazda beats those cars in every other respect though. That ability to maintain road contact is down to low unsprung weight, that is important on our roads here, winter is rough on our roads. As for pedal to the metal on the backroads, can't be be done here, not in the MX-5, not on the Ducati bikes I used to ride. Too many police, too many deer and moose. I live in the small community, gotta stay right in it. That doesn't mean that one can't have fun driving, that is the draw of the car, it's talent. Top down, linear power delivery, very competent road manners, wonderful controls, a winner.

[@azteka6103]

what to swap my 2.2 mazda 3 with mx5 2.0, is it worth? how does behave on M1? Roade noise? Kind regards

[@benedictdonald4338]

trade yours for one with an automatic tranny. You won't regret it, trust me.

[@impreza0109]

@@benedictdonald4338 yuck

[@imacdvman]

Best Car i ever had! Even when you use it as a daily driver car ;)

[@coreybiller66]

Awesome review Tom! I recently drove an RF and smiled the entire time. The ND is a great little car.

[@rajkumarsonar1230]

Good

[@VeganBytes]

I have my RF a month now and I'm very happy with it. There are 2 things that irk me about it, but Mazda have refined 1 of them. 1) The rev range in my car only goes to 6800. Yes, my car is a 2019, but its the 155bhp version. My country didn't get the ND-2. 2) The accelerator pedal. The hinge point is set too high. It feels like Im stretching my ankle too far forward in order for the pedal to hit the floor. It just feels awkward. Other than that, it's the best car I've ever owned.

[@SteveRunciman]

Todd, Paul---have you tried to convince Tom to stay? Can you try again? Give the dude a raise! Buy him a Miata! Whatever it takes!

[@Gman-109]

Excellent review, great work Tom, I`ll be looking for your work online going forward. This spring my Lexus 500 will arrive, and my other car is either going to be one of these Miata`s (hard or soft top, can`t pick), or a Toyota 86. Will boost either I get. Still, Tom's points about that peak torque and that range being SO much more usable than the 86 in most driving situations has me leaning hard towards the Mazda. Be my first Mazda since my new 94 RX7 nearly 25 years ago. Seeing how easily you drove 150mph in that soft top car on the German freeway - wow, great little motor.

[@felipemautei]

This car expresses the meaning of driving better than any other

[@eppyz]

I realize the Miata is so good at what it does, and its nice that its out there for folks to have, but I could never buy one. Just not very practical for me. Props to Mazda though for continuing to build it though.

[@Hardtail_Heathen]

@7:18 Tyre on the wrong way?

[@willywillywillywillywilly]

birr97 I love it when I’m at EXACTLY that time as I read the comment. But yeah. That’s fucked up and unsafe.

[@gauchegaucho]

how is this even possible? lol the factory f'cked up?

[@wuinny89]

Good catch ! Now we know you can drive up to 220 Km/h with wrong way tires xD (Or driving reverse at 220Km/h lol) Btw, i think it's an issue on wet condition but shouldn't be THAT bad on dry road. But it's clearly unsafe and someone fucked up !

[@Jorge_Magallon]

I’m confused. What’s the issue? We aren’t talking rotor position here are we?

[@wuinny89]

You can see on the tire threadwall the word "INSIDE". You should read "OUTSIDE" It means the tire was fitted in the wrong way on the wheel. So, you get BAD water evacuation on rainy days, worse braking distance...

[@BecauseMiata]

Fair review...thanks for sharing. Rumor has it that the 2019 model has a big bump in power. I'm hearing a 26 HP bump in power! I'll look for your review when that one comes out ;)

[@sergeysukhanov1173]

I love this car

[@AdamLeask]

I need to get myself behind the wheel of one of these. Got to admit, I've very disappointed that Tom's leaving, but wish him all the best in his future endeavours. He's been a great part of the EverydayDriver team and a joy to watch!

[@kind2cats]

Would this be a safer drive than a s2000?

[@kampkrustysmrblack]

Yes

[@clubracer6]

Another awesome review Tom! Hopefully your new gig will allow us to keep watching you! This ND is growing at me, but can't get one until that steering wheel telescopes.

[@kuri911]

You might want to check if the tires are mounted incorrectly on that tester. At 7:17, which I presume is the left rear wheel, you can clearly see that the tire is mounted incorrectly as the "Inside" molded into the sidewall is facing outside. If the installer was so inattentive that he/she managed to mess up something so obvious, I would definitely check how the rest of the tires are mounted.

[@NikdoAdventures]

Chr7s you Just won the fridge! Well seen!

[@SWatchik]

It's such an awesome engine. Makes a great noise, and amazing reported efficiency comared to a lot of Turbo motors that don't live up to the expected figures.

[@SuperDuperSoundFX]

love the exhaust sound in this little car

[@turbo311]

Most of what you hear from the drivers seat is induction noise, that deep growl. The stock exhaust tone is very good, but not that loud.

[@aaronmajchen982]

This guy is the German Bill Burr. Like they were separated at birth.

[@rustinpieces]

Those prices! I paid 19500 Euros for a 5,5 year old 1,5 just a few months ago. Softtop, same colour as yours, GT-M. Then again, new cars in The Netherlands are stupidly expensive. You'd be looking at 44000 Euros new for that same 1,5 when brand-new, now.

[@mattguerra82]

I feel your pain.. Also struggling as a car enthusiast in the NL 😂

[@marcvic_1595]

The body roll of the MX-5, gets so overpowered by the lack of weight - from a drving perspective.

[@Catalina._]

Look at that angry faced cute lil car aww

[@dougiequick1]

Are all the Euro spec MX5s the tiny 1.5liter engines?

[@m6h24]

Thats some high speeds.

[@PoftheL]

I miss Tom already.

[@jdd3993]

Great review. As a now former ND driver (mine was exactly like your test car, without the Recaro's (USA)... the suspension set up is initially almost off putting, but once you've caned it around some canyons, mountains, or just broken up back roads you'll appreciate the engineering that Mazda put into the suspension.

[@ThoR52]

These recaro seats look so bloody comfy.

[@XbillabongjohnX]

I don't think those are recaro's

[@taoh3473]

XbillabongjohnX this is But dont like it, cause you're ''glued'' to the seat, i prefer the leather one

[@MrMazda-ih8cw]

Gotta love that roof - and the car is beautifully balanced. Great drive - thanks for sharing!

[@TheMiataDriver]

Won't deny it! Own one for 6 months now (after 6 years on 1.8 NC owning), this car is just brilliant toy!

[@aleckfedorkiw4005]

He captured the whole idea of driving a sport. Manual drive pushing the car at all gears becoming one with the road and car, Mazda you did it

[@sr9537]

This is a very helpful video, but isn't it a problem to speed up so much on ordinary roads?

[@sfludd]

I feel like I had almost as much fun watching him drive this car as he had fun driving it. Mazda is my fave. Excellent reviewer and an excellent review! 👍

[@stanleykania7184]

Loved the video.. you are just having fun and being honest.. awesome thanks

[@andycalifornia426]

On the point that hardcore enthusiasts can just change the suspension: isn't this sort of mod a bit difficult and expensive in Germany thanks to TUV? Don't you have to undergo some sort of expensive certification for that?

[@apolloandratti7922]

IF the s2000 did not come to existence, the ND would be on top of my short list.

[@Zactroller]

only if they made a new version of the s2000.

[@apolloandratti7922]

J.D. Turner agree. I think the declining sales during an economic crisis, and Honda was also focusing more on their margin. With the Miata/MX5 Mazda focused on a formula that appealed to a broader audience, with its softer rise, auto transmission option and daily usability. Certainly not as focused and special as the s2000. Honda did not originally plan to keep the s2000 in production as long. It was a 50th anniversary present to it self. Plus, Mazda has a much greater commitment to keep the Miata alive. My opinion.

[@neelparmar6690]

I'm tossing up between the two, the S2000 is more fun and visceral, especially in a straight line but requires more skill to reach the limits. The MX-5 has all of the benefits of being a newer car and is almost as fun making it a better daily driver. I think the best decision for you comes down to how you use the car.

[@Magnus-pm7ic]

S2000 is a boring ride if you don't drive it like you stole it. 4 year owner.

[@hcwollaston]

Best handling and best engine: Mazda RX-8.

[@keithleong8444]

Hands down, the best Mx5 review. Thomas is a Legend.

[@smilepermile888]

Great video. Well delivered. I know you recently uploaded a review including the MX-5 RF but it would be nice to see impressions on the *RF with slightly stiffer suspension, brembo brakes and BBS wheels* Thanks

[@matteo91601]

smilepermile there’s no brembo/bbs package in Germany...

[@smilepermile888]

Sucks that different markets have different features. It should be all the same. UK has the 'launch edition' which looks exactly like the 'club edition' in US and 'RS package' in Japan except it doesn't have the brembo brakes

[@fortheloveofnoise]

This is the best ND Miata review on the whole internet.

[@mortenberg2897]

You should try the 1,5. It is actually a much more engaging engine - and the engine the car is developed with. Love your review’s 👍😎

[@Digi20]

its a gem of an engine (especially in a world of dull eco-turbo ones) - but i really think its down on torque. even in second gear at 4000rpm out a corner it takes too long to get up too speed. the 2 liter is much more usable - would have been lovely if mazda would have it re-tuned like the smaller engine to rev higher and feel more like a real sporty engine.

[@shadowkeeper0]

Too bad that in Greece there is no Mazda dealerships anymore...i am going to cry now in my turbocharged NB mx5 with parts from Flyin Miata, that i enjoy now for almost a decade.

[@TheJacobshapiro]

shadowkeeper0 that's a shame. They're making terrific cars these days.

[@sephiros9883]

Thomas is such an amazing reviewer..... He communicates the feeling of the car like very few. He makes me feel like i'm listening to Chris Harris

[@johntechwriter]

Thomas is superior to Chris Harris in that he makes the car the focal point of the review on not himself. We've got Jeremy Clarkson to blame for that legacy among Brit car reviewers.

[@cjvaans4484]

Such a fun car. I love how easy it is to open and close the top.

[@DarkstarDarth]

Flying Miata uses FOX coil overs to remedy the roll on the corners. Debating between a boxster and one of these but I’m 6’4 so a MX5 may not be an option. Have a great new year.

[@jdord4838]

Go miata go...great review. .."Yeshua / Jesus is the way "

[@fortheloveofnoise]

I would literally vote for any president who would give us our own Autobahn in America.

[@dougiequick1]

Seems like the MX-5 is more of a "real" (albeit entry level) "Sports Car."...as in engineered especially specifically AS a sports car....as opposed to FRS/BRZ/86 is more of a daily driver built to sporty specifications

[@samgeribo]

OMG I subscribed right away. Finally a good driver with an IQ around the 130+ range. No more videos of a slow pan around a parked Miata. I've owned a Miata from NC to ND and the body roll is a blessing for inexperienced drivers. I love heel and toe cornering. The MD is a good deal at twice the price. I wont say 3 times because I would hop on a 718 so quick! Cheers. Lets see more of these types of intelligent reviews!

[@FonPacific]

I'd really like to buy an ND Miata in place of my Mazda 2, which I like but Miata is just my dream. Can it be used as a daily car for commuting and little shopping, having another bigger car in case more space was needed?

[@blountman747]

Why did the Fiat 124 Spider get a backup camera but then mazda still didn't put a backup camera on a 2008 model I don't understand, you still going to buy one but just a little salty about this

[@winglessang31]

The Germans set such a good example. Every time I see I video of the autobahn I notice there’s a ton of American roads that have the same straights with light curves. Speed limits are just another way for the government to take your money. There’s actually studies that show the numbers of crashes don’t increase with speed. The number of fatalities after impact does however. Speed limits are really just part of our tax program here lol.

[@kencur9690]

It seems like it is fast enough. I don’t get the comments (complaints) about speed: you were still overtaking most cars. I’m not saying it’s a powerful car: I realize it’s not fast compared to other cars, and I understand people who want to have an objectively faster car, but as far as I know most people drive within or close to the speed limit, so isn’t this car “normal” (or better) in that regard? Or do people complain because they simply expect more speed from a sports car, regardless of the actual top speed they would drive it on the road. I’m curious...

[@Double44inthemorning]

Bro it's all about the 0-60. Being the first one out the red light so that the road in front of you is all yours.

[@kencur9690]

Double FotyFo no it’s not, you just can’t see that. Let me use your own terms: “Bro it’s all about the twists and curves: being able to take them on at high speed, eating them up as if they were nothing and overtaking all those clumsy monsters, so that the road in front of you is all yours.”

[@kencur9690]

I mean, 0-60 means absolutely nothing in the city and on the highway: the road is never truly yours because these roads are always highly populated. You either stop at the next traffic light, or quickly find another group of cars in front of you. So I still cannot understand how this car is not as fast.

[@Double44inthemorning]

@@kencur9690 you're right. But this car handles curves like a beast. I just picked one up and I love it. Feels fast in the city for sure.

[@kencur9690]

Double FotyFo wait which car?

[@kdiggity1]

is that Bill Burr??

[@turbo311]

Wow great video. This car is just wonderful. Camera angle at 4:13 is PERFECT I need to use that when I buy an MX5.

[@andyj1455]

Great video... perfect for an enthusiast like me (cough currently couch enthusiast and bias one having had three Miatas ...) ... not as boring as the standard review... thanks!!!! ps awesome car - respect!

[@slartybartfarst9737]

Didnt want an mx5 but I do now. Thomas has the best command of English for car road tests Ive ever heard,

[@rodrigocesar8162]

the mazda miata nd is a copy of the rossin-bertin vorax sport of Brazil 2010

[@chaff5]

It's amazing that Mazda can build a car this light in this day and age of safety equipment and technology.

[@rchmarsh1]

Great review! Is it just me that noticed the tyres are on the wrong way around at 7:22? 😅

[@XbillabongjohnX]

Fantastic review, in the uk you can get eibach springs from the dealership which is how it was from the factory. Mazda had to put rolley polley springs in to meet pedestrian safety standards with ride height. Keeps your warranty too.

[@pauldecuyper8911]

Nice review!! You remind me of Schwarzenegger's accent

[@TearingRaven]

@2:01 Honda VFR800 goes by!

[@copee599]

The body roll is to make more grip

[@Sophie11121]

Great review for a driver -- a very good description of vehicle dynamics on a beautiful, very inviting road. Nicely done.

[@ZDY66666]

Can I apply for everyday driver Canada? Also got a GTA to match Paul

[@Zinnshady]

I was shocked how easily these cars seem to hit their tops, as in they don’t even feel like they’re trying!

[@motormusique]

I find the steering too light and rather numb on this car, but I do like it in concept.

[@snoopergnar3719]

As soon as my Scat Pack is paid off I'm getting a Miata and throwing $10k worth of speed parts at it.

[@smacdoogle]

Great review, Tom! You will be missed, I hope you knock 'em dead at your new job!

[@johntechwriter]

This is an ND, not the ND2 that came in 1219 with a big power boost.

[@Wishmaster1987]

Bill Burr does car reviews.

[@sas.nimastig8118]

I could never enjoy a review more than that!!!AWESOME!

[@robertniemiec8146]

Close to 240kmph at 155 hp I’m impressed

[@Closertotruth2]

I love Tom's reviews. I have the previous generation Miata and was surprised how much smaller the current gen is compared to mine.

[@1PITIFULDUDE]

Finally, a car reviewer that pronounces Bilstein correctly. Two thumbs up on review!

[@ChrisS-nj3ye]

They should have made it look a little more aggressive, it's a little too girly looking for me

[@fortsonre]

Finally, a reviewer that drives the car like it should be driven.

[@MrSlowestD16]

Yea, it's a really good package for sure. Nice price point, too.

[@Cobb]

Which is more fun to drive the ND MX5 or the BRZ/86?

[@Brookside975]

Still much prefer my '01 NB.

[@Dano-MX5]

Steven Meyer, I owned an '01 BRG/Nardi Miata SE. It wasn't near the car as my '17 GT. This car is s-o-o-o good!

[@gregblack8550]

Cmon don’t do that.

[@jjlad5037]

Great car...but that TV screen is a deal killer for me!

[@TheWolvesCurse]

Hey Tom, wird man dich auf einem anderen KZbin Kanal finden, wenn du diesen hier verlässt?

[@doriangray2347]

Tires are put on backwards = WIN

[@kamata93]

How tall are you and did you have any problems with the comfort of the car? I am 186cm tall and I am a bit worried that I might not fit in the MX5.

[@redbxstr]

I’m 6.0 ft 182 lbs and I fit fine with room to spare. I have to move my seat forward to get the pedals, and sitting up I have about 2+ inches of spare headroom.

[@BobBob-gb1ut]

This is actually a pretty good video.

[@JohnBustico]

Enfin une vidéo avec un gars qui se marre au volant ! Merci ! Le pur esprit Miata !!!

[@sharpemang]

Aren't you guys tired of reviewing this car?

[@BangaloreTrafficMadness]

Gawd when I had that car a strong gust of wind on the highway unnerved me quite a bit. It's a quick fast. Fast? Possible but not adviced

[@johntechwriter]

Au contraire -- on the desolate back roads of Nevada I can cruise my ND2 Sport at a relaxed 100 mph and it is completely planted.

[@jimj2683]

This or a used Boxster 987?

[@selespeed3]

sounds fantastic! fabulous. no BMWs can sound this great. i am surprised you did not even mention this. such sporty engine sound.

[@samlee1890]

I have one. It doesn’t sound that good. It’s quiet

[@TheTankss]

Do the Mini Countryman john Cooper works

[@mr_vag]

1.5 or 2.0?

[@EverydayDriver]

2.0L is better suited to the car. Thanks for watching!

[@222billp]

Thomas has the it factor in describing a car

[@ixtirochiavlodlar]

Nice Video