Review: 2017 Mazda MX-5

The Mx-5 has been around for years, about 28 to be exact. But somehow over the years not much has really changed. Its always been a fun little front engine, rear wheel drive car with 2 doors and a tiny, not for family interior. But the car itself is something special. The styling is unique and almost human like, especially in past models. With the older Mx-5 with the pop up headlights and the open mouth grill created quite the stir and a great little bit of personality for the little car. Over the years it changed but it still gave off that happy little car vibe. With happy face front ends added to most of the Mx-5 line up. However as you get into the 4th Gen and the latest 2017 model it changes, as if had gone to the darkside. The opened eyed smiley face of old was gone and now replaced with a more meaner look. Personally I am a bit stuck on this one as the new front end looks excellent but I also loved the fun happy looking Mx-5s of old. But alas I will continue with my thoughts of the new Mx-5

As you walk in the thing looks great, like something you could fit in a shoe box. And as you look inside, its much the same. But once you eventually get in the car you find leg room for days and that everything seems a little bit bigger... But key word was seems. As you look around for all your normal storage compartments you find but one small compartment in between the driver and passenger, almost a center console/glove-box of sorts. But that it, there is a small center console that you could probably fit maybe 2 jelly beans in? But not even my wallet of phone would fit. So if you are going to buy one of these Mx-5 you will need to find an alternate place for these items. However as you sit in the drivers seat and look around you realize that you feel like you're sitting in the front seat at a cinema, everything is all up in you or even behind you and just a little awkward to get to. The GT version comes with leather seats and the BOSE audio system but for the extra money it doesn't affect much else. So interior wise, its definitely not my favorite but is still quite stylish and very unique.

With the car being pretty much on the floor in all aspects the handling of the car is pretty good overall. It can take the quick jerks and move you through without too much roll. But something still didn't feel right with it. Not sure if the suspension was too stiff or what, just the smallest of bumps seem to hate the little Mx-5. Whilst driving it around though it was quite smooth and the steering input was great no real jerks or anything, just flowed through the corners. But definitely wasn't anything spectacular.

As you take a look in the engine bay it is actually quite a lovely sight. So clean and free, no chunky engine cover and plenty of room for a turbo if they so desire. The 2L 4 Cylinder Skyactive-G engine has a lovely note and even though it idles pretty quietly you can get a feel for it from the get go. With the modern push to start system its up and running in seconds and has a lovely purring note to it. The Auto version that I drove was alright, accelerator was a bit slow and the gear shifts seem to take forever, but they were at least smooth. The tiptronic system was smooth and easy to work, with no telling me when to change and what gear to be in unlike some other cars. The acceleration was there when you needed it, but wasn't breathtaking., As it is only a 2L 4-Cylinder. But even a small turbo system would help increase the acceleration of it. But overall the performance wasn't spectacular the 2L didn't produce much more than expected.

Overall the car is lovely to look at but thats probably the best of it. The styling of the car is lovely but doesn't really match its performance. It goes for the fierce look, but really doesn't pull it off. Along with the tiny cockpit makes for a very impractical car for many drivers. Seeing this is the first of the small sports car crew I will be test driving over the next few months I haven't really got much to compare it against, but its feeling that its competitors in the Toyota 86 and the Subaru BRZ would likely come out on top. Plus the cost involved, personally preferring the hard top over the soft top its $42k with the soft top coming in at $36K. Already a fair bit more expensive than both the BRZ and the 86. But in the end it is still a nice car and for something maybe a little smaller its for them, unfortunately its not something I would own but definitely a good looking car.

Specifications: 2017 Mazda Mx-5

Engine: SKYACTIV-G 2L Straight 4-Cylinder

Power: 118kW

Transmission: 6Spd Manual or 6Spd Auto

Length: 3915mm (154.1 In)

Width: 1735mm (68.3 In)

Height: 1230mm (48.4 In)

Weight: 1057Kgs