Drivers in the UK love convertibles. Though this country’s weather isn’t conducive to top-down motoring, UK motorists can’t get enough of that wind-in-your-hair feeling. As a result, each year, thousands of convertibles head out to new owners. One of the most popular is this car - the Mazda MX-5.
It’s a car that is very dear to us here at David Hayton, and it’s also been named the convertible of the year. But why is this little Mazda so brilliant, and why is it worth considering? Let’s take a look.
Design
The MX-5’s design has evolved throughout its many years on the roads. There have been four separate generations of MX-5 spanning more than 30 years, but throughout that time, this Mazda has maintained some key features. With two seats, the MX-5 follows the classic roadster design, yet with a decent boot and some handy interior storage, it’s a more practical option than you might expect.
Low to the ground and with a sporty driving position, the MX-5 has all those tell-tale features that you’d expect from a sports car. However, though the latest version has features such as LED headlights and larger alloy wheels, you can still easily trace its lineage back to the original.
Performance
You’re always going to want a good level of performance from a two-seater convertible and the MX-5 delivers it in spades. Today, the MX-5 is available with two engine choices - a 1.5- and a larger 2.0-litre - delivering 130 and 181bhp, respectively. Whichever you opt for, you’re getting a peppy and invigorating level of performance.
All versions get a beautifully weighted six-speed manual gearbox, which remains one of the standout features of the latest MX-5. There’s also an automatic version in metal-roofed RF versions, should you need it. Because of the MX-5’s lightweight construction, it’s more efficient than you might think, too, and you could see up to 40.9mpg combined.
Interior quality
Mazda’s interior quality is very well-known, and it comes to the fore in the MX-5. With a variety of hard-wearing materials, the cabin of the MX-5 feels built to last, while the ergonomics mean you’re never out of reach of key controls. The steering wheel is well-sized, too, but also incorporates several buttons for features such as the cruise control and volume.
Again, the MX-5 can prove more spacious than you’d think. You’ve got 130 litres of boot space to use, and the luggage area itself is deep and easy to access. You’ll find 127 litres of storage in the hard-roofed RF version, too.
Driving appeal
If it’s driving appeal that you’re after, then the MX-5 is probably already on your list. With its lightweight construction, the MX-5 feels closer to a classic sports car than anything else on the market, while its well-weighted steering ensures that you’ve got plenty of confidence through the bends.
One aspect of the MX-5 driving experience loved by owners is the level of involvement. With a smooth-shifting manual gearbox, sharp brakes and a rear-wheel-drive layout, it really does offer an exciting experience for whoever is behind the wheel. As a result, it can transform the dreariest of drives into something a little bit special.
Reliability
Sports cars and convertibles aren’t often known for their reliability, but the MX-5 bucks this trend. The MX-5’s simple design and robust engine choices mean that when kept maintained and looked after, this car won’t let you down.
Even the fabric roof construction on standard versions is simple. There are just two manual connectors to deal with, while the whole process of raising or lowering the roof can be easily done with one hand. If you would like a little more assistance, however, there is the electronically assisted metal-topped RF.
Here at David Hayton, we’re big fans of the Mazda MX-5, and it’s a car that we have a great level of experience with. If you’d like to find out more about this award-winning convertible, then get in touch with a member of the team or browse current stock to see how you can get behind the wheel of an MX-5 today.
