Mazda MX-5 In-Depth Review | Still the best value two-seat sports car?

[@Corinthian44]

A good review ! He's right to point out the advantages of the soft top model , not only cheaper , but so easy to operate, this version is not worth the extra expense ! I've had four , new , soft top ones over 15 years , great cars !

[@ParkersTV]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@robertlangham2356]

Good review. Just traded mx5 1.5 for a Mini convertible for the extra seats. Minor niggles for mx5 were: lack of cabin storage (frustrating), steering a bit vague when centred and cabin noise at speed (hard to avoid with a soft-top). Positives are gearbox, brilliant fun to drive, economy (averaged 46mpg over 3.5 years), pretty, pretty car, generally low running costs. Highly recommend this car if you enjoy driving.

[@ashleyconraduk7320]

These are the two cars I want next

[@robertlangham2356]

@@ashleyconraduk7320 of the two, the mx5 was the better drivers car but mini is easier to live with on a daily basis, both are good fun and are guaranteed to make you smile 👍

[@ashleyconraduk7320]

I'm a single man so either one, I will test drive both, thank you 😊

[@youcanrunnaked]

Robert Langham : A precision alignment improves the on-center feel.

[@AndrewKNI]

Great review and a stunning car James. I'm overdue for a mid life crisis..... :-)

[@ParkersTV]

Thanks Andrew!

[@inthebagsolutions]

Had mine bought 2017 RF GT.

[@ar-uq3ef]

I have had a 2017 soft top and now a 2019 30th AE RF and would point out that you are reviewing the car in the summer. I use mine for commuting 365 days/year and the soft top is not the right car to do this in, especially in a climate like the UK. Soft top for summer, but RF for year long fun and commuting. Also, I noticed in the review he had the A/C on and the seat warmers on full. Also, many people, including the reviewer, don't realise there is also another storage box behind the drivers seat.

[@MetalAaron]

whats wrong with softtop in winter? noisy and cold?

[@iqudos]

I’ve had only convertibles as year round drivers since the age of 18 when I sold my Renault 5 for an MG midget, no issues yet over the last 36 years!

[@K777John]

I recently bought a 1.8 NC MX5, it’s much roomier than the ND, and has a good glove box, and storage compartments behind both seats and in the centre-and bottle holders in the doors and storage nets-it is a slightly bigger car though. Huge fun to drive, great hydraulic steering so not light like the ND, not quite as economical, mine averages about 39 mpg-brilliant car.

[@johns14a]

Nice review James. If it were me I'd save the money and get the softop and get the benefit from the reduced up-top weight.

[@ParkersTV]

Thanks John!

[@jymloke]

Great review mate. Can't wait to get mine. Btw I hear lots of rattling.. is that from the camera in the car filming?

[@ParkersTV]

Thanks! Yes, fear not. We did this video on the UK launch and had to use an alternative camera set up that was a little noisy.

[@hawaiidoc808]

I think the American market is being shortchanged. The parking brake handle is placed on the right side of the center console in BOTH the European and the American editions; it makes more sense having it closer to the driver.

[@chirsh123]

mine doesn't have rear seats 5:36

[@philiproberts1473]

Is the ride much firmer with the Bilsteins and 17" wheels? I test drove a 1.5l RF as no 2.0l available and found it comfortable with compliant ride but lacking power, so ordered the 2.0l RF GT, which I picked up a few days ago. The ride is very much firmer and harsher, really uncomfortable. Is this how it should be or could there be a problem with my car. I checked tyre pressures and they are correct.

[@Mr_Dink]

In this video the paint looks like an old taxi. Normally its a stunning shiny orange.

[@themancuniancandidate2744]

I have a 2017 RF. I looked at both the RF and soft top, and I like the look of the RF roof up or down, whereas the soft top only looks nice with the roof down. Also, being an old fart I have bursitis in my shoulder, so operating that manual soft top every day would be play merry hell with that. I think the RF looks not unlike a Lotus Elise, and is a really pretty car no matter which angle you look at it from. I had an NC hardtop last year, and the ND RF is better in just about every metric. It's lighter, faster, better looking, better on fuel, and obviously has a more modern dash. I considered a used 987 Boxster or a Nissan 370Z instead of an RF. But the RF is almost as quick as either of those on a twisty road, and I can get a 2017 version for the same money as a 2007 or 2010 version of the Boxster/370z

[@DrBones2]

I’m 6’2, will I fit?

[@ParkersTV]

Possibly. Those over 6ft can potentially fit in an MX-5, but a lot of it depends on how long your torso is more than anything else.

[@armandoloureiro7158]

Today I tested a jague f type for the fun of it. I will not swap mazda mx5 for it. And I can afford either.

[@uprightape100]

I race a modded '92 Miata Autocross......it's much faster than a Z4. Get one. Go racing.

[@Juergen_Mueller]

Unfortunately, you sit like on a kitchen chair and at a height like on a lookout tower. That is the opposite of what I expect in a sports car. (In the Z4 it is a dream come true.) In addition, the steering is too easy for a sports car and has a synthetic feel. A steering of this type is more suitable for a small car where easy parking and maneuvering are important. The space in the interior is depressing and only suitable for small Asians. This has nothing to do with limited space in terms of sports cars. In my opinion, despite its undisputed advantages, the car is nowhere near as ingenious as it is depicted everywhere. Mazda's marketing is all the better for that.

[@jennatyler8144]

School bus orange

[@johntechwriter]

If you’re in the N. American market, save yourself ten grand and buy the base Sport model. It’s got everything you need (alloy suspension components, AC, cruise, good sound system), and nothing you don’t (lane departure warning, Brembo brakes, absurd retracting steel roof, stiff suspension).

[@youcanrunnaked]

John Richards : Except LSD. Nothing wrong with the Sport, but change out the rear diff for one with a limited slip. Driving is so much more fun with it.

[@smilepermile888]

Some people prefer the RF because its more refined at higher speed with its less NVH. And reduced scuttle shake. Nothing wrong with the 'absurd retracting steel roof'

[@EjinRenos]

Base model only if you plan to do your own modifications. Club if you want modifications without doing much to the car. Grand touring if you want it as a daily regardless if you plan to mod it or not.

[@Csirkefoga]

I'm 6'1 (186cm). I won't fit in this car then? 😂 lol

[@ParkersTV]

Give it a go, by all means. But you may find it a bit uncomfortable...

[@JohnnyEscobar1]

You’ll be fine man. I’m 6’1 and I fit perfectly. Best car I’ve ever bought. 👍

[@youcanrunnaked]

Csirkefoga : There are aftermarket brackets to lower the seat.

[@faisalrahman7]

Depends, I am also 6 foot 1 but have longer legs equalling to a short torso, so I just about fit. I haven't measured my legs but wear 34 inch (lenth) trousers.

[@Csirkefoga]

Faisal Rahman maybe for the sake of being able to drive this car I'll have my portions realigned :))) jokes aside, I think I might be the same size as You, although long legs, long torso, long everything 🤣🤘🏻

[@djb4069]

I still would prefer the Fiat 124, low miles second hand, !!!!

[@theblueeyes3889]

No give me my fiesta

[@smilepermile888]

chavmobile

[@theblueeyes3889]

@@smilepermile888 no that's the vauxhall corsa

[@Aikaramba12]

The front end looks like shit

[@Michael-Myers.]

😱🤮

[@steven2809]

Awful colour....😣

[@ParkersTV]

Quite loud, isn’t it?

[@EjinRenos]

The video doesn't seem to have the right capture of it. It's a far better looking color in person.

[@faisalrahman7]

I would have liked a deep green.