The MX-5 is THE ultimate roadster.
The current model (fourth generation) was launched at the Geneva Motor Show in 2015, then voted “World Car of the Year 2016” at the New York Motor Show.
Seven years later, he hasn't aged a bit.
For this test, we were treated to the most powerful version, whose 2-liter develops 184 hp from 6800 to 7500 rpm, and 205 Nm at 4000 rpm.
On board
Soft top in place or not, getting behind the wheel of the MX-5 requires a minimum of flexibility.
The seat is almost flush with the ground.
Not a big sight from the outside, the MX-5 looks downright tiny inside.
But that's also what makes it so charming.
In our Selection model (the best equipped), nothing is missing: heated leather seats, LED headlights with automatic dipped/main beam switching, (passive) lane keeping assistance, blind spot control, etc. storage spaces, on the other hand, are limited.
The only really usable (and acting as a glove box) is between the two seats, at shoulder height.
There's also one on the center console, but it won't hold anything more than a pair of glasses and a bunch of keys.
Also standard,
But hey, honestly, and despite the standard Bose installation, we never wanted to listen to the radio or use the GPS.
Yes, the MX-5 is the kind of car you want to get lost in!
On this subject, accessible only via the remote control, the trunk offers only a limited volume but nevertheless sufficient to leave for two on the weekend.
The soft top opens and closes manually.
The maneuver does not take more than 5 seconds and therefore invites you to ride as often as possible with your hair in the wind.
On the road
Tiny, the gear lever controls a box 6 with firm and mechanical locks as we like them.
The ratio is irreproachable and pulls fairly short (about 3000 rpm at 120 km/h), which benefits driving pleasure, with limited drops in revs between gears, and the possibility of lazy driving. made of reminders at 50 km/h in sixth gear.
It must be said that the engine is remarkably available, and this from the lowest revs.
Around 3500-4000 rpm, it finds a second wind, it pushes more frankly and without weakening until the switch, at more than 7500 rpm.
In short, a 4-cylinder full of health, which accepts to be driven like a Diesel or to be constantly whipped.
We never tire !
Especially since its sound is very pleasant,
In terms of behavior, the Mazda perfectly highlights its lightness.
Admittedly, its body is not exempt from rolling, but once wedged on its supports, its limits on open roads seem unfathomable.
It is therefore with the greatest pleasure that we jump from one bend to another, not without delighting in the sharpness and precision of the front axle.
To the left of the steering wheel, a switch deactivates the ESP.
The more adventurous will thus be able to better appreciate the natural balance of the car by unhooking the rear with a kick of the accelerator.
On the comfort side, we obviously feel that the body is quite “locked”, but this corresponds to the philosophy of the model and we have never perceived excessively dry and/or “punchy” reactions.
Finally, note that it is quite possible to drive with the top down on the highway without suffering too much aerodynamic turbulence.
Soft top in place, exterior noise is obviously more noticeable than in a classic car, but that is also the charm of this roadster.
Budget
Our model with the big engine and top-of-the-range finish costs €37,550, but prices for the MX-5 start at €30,850 for the 132 hp 1.5 Roadster version.
For a single car or one that will be the third in the household, this is obviously a price.
But hey, we only get the good we do for ourselves... Finally, know that in use, even while having fun from time to time, the MX-5 2.0 will not ruin your fuel: at the end of our test, the trip computer indicated an average of 6.0 l/100 km.
For us, the fourth-generation MX-5 is the best-looking of them all.
Especially since unlike many cars that couldn't help but sink into the "always more", it managed to stay true to the philosophy of the compact and light roadster with which each outing is a pleasure.
And then to have fun, it is not even necessary to go fast!
A real toy for older children and which, given what anti-car Europe has in store for us, has every chance (like the models of previous generations for that matter) of becoming a real collector's item.
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