I work in a Mazda showroom and the 1.5 really isn't as slow as you'd think. It's not much slower than this 2.0 and you can rev the car out more often more of the time. The 184 is 100% the 2.0 engine to have if you can stretch to a newer one with it fitted. It revs much higher and freer
Some say the 1.5 more fun because you have to go through the gears more. It somewhat lighter,, more involving and pure. Just you don't get the LSD or the extra horsepower. The 184bhp is the one to go for though as you said
@@richboy900 I've spent a fair amount of time behind the wheel of both and I think the 1.5 is more fun more of the time. And it's more comfortable as well because you lose the bilsteins and get smaller wheels so you have more tire
I worked for Mazda back in the day, the amount of customers I converted from the Mk3 2.0Ls into the 1.6 rag top base model was literally 100%. Base MX-5 = all the MX-5 you need for 100% good times
Hi Matt my dad who is 73 watches all your videos and loves your channel. I come downstairs to find him watching your vids lol in the day time. He says you know your stuff about cars and you have great knowledge about cars. I also watch your vids and you come across as such a good humble person. I hope you don’t ever stop making cars vids as your such a natural at them. Me and my dad will continue to watch your vids we enjoy them a lot especially my dad lol.
You are talking about my favorite car. I've had MX5s for decades, all bought new. My last one was a 2007 NC with electric hard top which I had for 14 years and it never ever had any fault at all.Last year I upgraded to a new 2.0 Sports Tech soft top in lovely Soul Red Crystal Metallic. I didn't choose the RF because I love open tops, and the RF is a targa top. Mine is 181 bhp not 160 as there was an upgrade to the engine, and has LSD and Bilsteins. I absolutely love it! Have you tried a new softop? Mine's as quiet roof up as my previous one with the electric hard top. It's a high quality double-layer hood, far far more sophisticated than old Brit hoods and can be raised and lowered in about a second with just one hand. My MX5s have all lived outside and they do not leak (I had Triumph Spitfires in my youth and put a fertilizer bag on the drivers seat to catch the puddle!). I used to fly aerobatic aeroplanes and the MX5 is the nearest I've come across to that sort of handling but in a car. And they are Ford Focus money to buy and run. Regarding why Brits buy so many open tops, it IS because of our climate. Many sunny countries are just too hot to drive one, you need a closed car with aircon. But here, as long as it's not actually raining you can drop the top and I always do! It's my everyday car (OK, the wife has something more practical with more seats and a proper boot) and I can honestly say I drive it as much top down as top up. If I lived in California or Saudi I wouldn't!
Even raining, top down on my NC - 30 mph or more - you stay dry. ND too I'm sure (well except perhaps on M25 at 70-80 when it creeps over the side windows - fun though!
Belgian here: I got this August the Mazda MX-5 RF 2.0 Skyactiv-G 184 Skycruise model in Soul Red Crystal. Like they say: this cars has the most smiles/kilometer (or mile). Using it as a daily driver and it will become a family heir loom. Just love this car.
Having previously owned an NB Nevada MX-5 and worked for Mazda I must say I absolutely love the MX-5. The 2.0ltr 184bhp model is pretty close to the most fun you can have in the real world on a British B-road. Underated cars I think. Don't knock them till you've tried one.
Matt, I'm loving more Japanese cars on your channel, but this is the best one so far! Amazing car for its price and top reliability, you cannot go wrong!
Never owned an MX-5 but its definitely on my "to do" list. The current model especially the RF is a very pretty car. It just looks right and well proportioned from any angle.
I bought a two year old Machine grey 1.5 RF and honestly its fantastic I could drive it all day long. The RF is great in the winter months especially where I am in Northern Ireland and it looks just as good with the roof up or down.
Matt...what a proper car man you are. One, you've put the audi in it's place and than that comment:"ugh an old XK" 😂😂😂 What a joy watching you doing your thing 👍
Love the MX5. Had a Mk1 when I was in my 20s and it always put a smile on my face. My Dad who's a classic car nut loved it even more and used to "borrow" it regularly. The new versions look bulletproof
I remember being invited to the launch and driving one of the first MX5's in the UK. Brilliant little cars, look like they have grown up, but not lost the playful side they had at the start.😊
This is actually the car I'm saving up for right now.... a 2016-2019 1.5 ND1 with a soft top. My mum drives an old 1999 NB 1.6 and it's such a great little fun car. So raw and uncomplicated, really runs like a Swiss clockwork. It didn't take a week for the first one to stick his knife into the roof. But for me personally, the soft top is the ultimate MX-5 experience and even the 132 hp would be more than enough for me as a novice driver.
My sister had the top spec 2 litre RF, and I think it was an absolute cracker. Torquey but also free revving, such a lovely manual to use, great handling (I think the Bilsteins and the slippy diff really add to the package), and yet it was also a daily driver for commutes. About my only problem with it is that I'm six foot on the nail and it's just a smidgen too small. In the end she's finally gone for a Benz C220 convert, with more space and comfort, old age creeping up.
Now your talking Matt!!....And you pretty much nailed it!....As I own a 1.5 ND soft top, don't dismiss the 1.5 as it's actually the better drivers car, a real hoot to drive and has to be worked hence more fun. I don't really class the RF as a convertible as you don't get the same wind in the hair experience and get a bit more buffeting due to the back half of the roof scooping in air.....But its achingly pretty. The RF hasn't got a metal roof either (a mistake all poor car salesmen make! 😛😛)....and the soft top on the ND is far better with its double lining than any other previous MX-5....And anybody 'dissing' the Mx-5 is either jealous or has never driven one (hence not knowing what they are talking about)....Keep up the good work Matt.
Always loved the MX5. Used to work for Mazda and it was my demo car back in 2007. The new versions definitely look more masculine! Totally agree. I now have a Jag XK convertible and I work in training but I’m still tempted.
I think people in the UK love convertibles because when it is sunny they want to make the most of it, whereas in Spain sunshine is so abundant it is no big deal.
Beautiful and under rated car. Mazda's in general are amazing. Looking forward to whenever you get a Mazda 6 Takuya Matt. I have an 07 NC and it's soooo much fun... Honestly one of the best cars I've ever owned.
I live in Japan and I have one of these as my daily driver (and a last generation Freelander 2 petrol 2.0 litre turbo as the family car). It's so much fun to drive, even on the busy Tokyo roads. Love the channel Matt, and I'm really happy you reviewed the RF! Thanks for the great content.
Another bang on the money review Matt! I was never a big fan of the MX5 until I was business manager for a motor group with a Mazda franchise and drove them more regularly. Now I agree with everything you mentioned. They're incredible to drive for the money, and as reliable as a fight at a council estate wedding! 👌
Best generation of the MX5 so far for me, particularly in this RF guise, which I think harks back to older classic coupes with the roof up. Love it. Cheers for another great video Matt.
Have had such one for almost 5 year in Denmark, it is pure fun😀 Not fast but it is extremely agile and on small curved roads you are in paradise, it newer let you down💓 And no repairs at all at any components so it is also cheap to use it all year arround as i did,- here the cold weather gives the RF an advantage as it is like a normal roof car
I own a 2022 model, the bass from the Bose sound system absolutely blew me away! I was expecting it to be good as Bose is the premium option, but it far exceeded my expectations. It really thumps through your chest.
I bought a 2.0 Sport MX5 new (57 plate) I concur with your comments, bad points no storage at all but that was it, it was a rag top and the top was only up when it rained, people could never understand how you could have the top down in the middle of winter but Japanese engineering combined with my flying jacket, and a beanie hat ensured comfort at all times, as an example one New Year’s Day I drove Manchester to Portsmouth with the top down, as I was queuing in the traffic in Portsmouth a Police Motorcyclist rode his bike alongside of me and stopped, I looked up and he gave me the thumbs up, ( it was freezing ) wonder what he would have said if I told him “ I’ve just driven from Manchester mate. “ Kept it four years ONE of the reasons I got shut my wife used to complain about being uncomfortable in the passenger seat, 😢now before anyone says I should have got rid of my wife, I had to agree with her when I ended in the passenger seat, there was a bulge on the side of the gear tunnel that pushed your legs over to the left no problem on a short journey, but on a long journey bad news! There was also a comedy value to the car, getting out of it gracefully and with dignity was an art form practiced only by MX5 owners, the amount of times passengers getting out of the car turned their exit into a Brian Rix farce bringing the whole area to a standstill with bystanders I lost count of, anyway after 4 yrs it went and I entered a 9 year era of Saab 93 Ragtop ownership. MX5 was a great car but older and wiser and with a dodgy knee and a bad back would I own another = NO, but I have fond memories of mine.
Ahh! The venerable MX5. I still hope to own another once the kids have f***ed off. I had a 1997 Mk1 (P330FPL)1.6 Monza that some maniac had put a Jackson Racing supercharger in. Bought it with 50k on the clock and ran it up to about 140k, then sold it to a mate. Still in my top two cars I've ever owned. Loved that thing. Wish my mate was quicker with the DVLA transfer - I got a visit from the police 'we saw you coming over the bridge and all four wheels were off the ground' - took me ages to get off the hook for that one! Edit: Now I'm an old fart, an RF is just the ticket. I haven't got the space to buy an abandoned Westfield/7 project and live my childhood dream.
Used to love my Silver MK 3. It was only the1.8 basic trim but it didn’t matter as it was such fun to drive and well engineered. Also the leg room is was no problem - Im 6.2 and was always very comfortable. Zoom on Mazda MX5 👍
I've had a 1.5rf now for 4 years. I recently put a Goodwin Racing Superstreet Twin exhaust on it. I now have a gorgeous car that produces a lovely sound. I wouldn't swap my Mazda for any other car. (OK maybe a Bentley)
Love the RF I've got an automatic and it is actually great fun to drive.Rather than spending a lot.of time , foot, ankle and wrist energy on changing gears, which on UK roads especially motorways can be considerable,I can focus on the pure pleasure of of driving this gorgeous car .
Fine overview. They really are terrific cars. I’m not sure if the 1.5 is a carryover from the Mazda2, but that little engine in my mother’s Mazda2 ticks along like a sewing machine - a satisfyingly smooth mill at idle, raspy when pushed. The 1.5 is an absolute breeze to self maintain as well - reminds me of ‘80’s era Toyota. Mazda’s often fall short on practicality (storage) when compared to Honda, but they’re damn fun to drive. I’d happily own any MX-5 - even an NC. 😉
Another great video, many thanks Matt. I had an MX5 (Phoenix special edition) many years ago, 02 plate, and it was one of the most fun cars I've ever had. It was passed on to my daughter-in-law after a few years and she loved it. Great to see that the newest model is as much fun; if I wasn't such a knackered old fart, I may be tempted to relive my youth.
Hi I'm 77 and drive a Mazda 2006 I'm 6foot 4 and I fit into it comfortably .I also have a Triumph 1971 TR 6. My daily drive is a Volvo 240 estate with 265000 miles.I service all the cars.Age is just a number.Ron
I live in a very sunny part of NZ and I see a convertible about once a fortnight. So when I moved to England for work I was rather amused at the large numbers on the local roads. The merest glimpse of sun and down went the roof and out came the ray bans . Living the dream I guess 😉
It's all about the novelty value. See the sun, make the most of it by getting the top down. Also, it doesn't have to be red hot and/or sunny to have the top down. Put on a hat and the heater and you can drive 'topless' in the Spring, Summer and Autumn. Minimum top-down temp requirement for me is 15oC.
I have the cloth top version and agree with your comments. I rarely carry passengers so no problem with storage the only thing I don’t like is the very thin steering wheel but that’s cured with a cover. As you say access is awkward but also owning a Caterham has prepared me!
You have to remember, when designing the original MX5 MA, Mazda were using the tiny Lotus Elan as a template. Like just about all classic British sports cars from the 1970s, their steering wheels were skinny affairs, nothing large or bulky. So why bother with a thicker steering wheel, its not really needed.
Having owne and dailt driven a 2016 MX5 Recaro SPort for the last 4 years I have to agreed witll most of what you say, however the soft top is the better car, yes it's a little bit noiser but it's even lighter, the roof can be folded and rasied much quicker and with the roof down you get a better open to experienc but actually less buffeting than the RF - oh and it looks better as well especially the side view. Either way you'll have a blood good reliable fun car that doesn't cost the earth to run and enjoy the ownership - In y opinon of course 🙂. Keep up the good work.
MX5 softtop 184 bhp, test drove the 1.5 and the suspension was a lot softer than the 2 ltr Sport Nav+ was a lot better handling via Bilsten shocks and better performance and you do get a LSD on the 2 ltr so decided it was the right car for me. Really happy with it every mile is a smile. On a long run through Wales keeping to speed limits I did see 45mpg - normally 38 mpg town & country drive. Softop down fantastic visibility so far cheap to run. Just as an aside it seems the ' + ' in the description ie Sports nav + - indicates the uprated engines which I think took place in ( I think ) 2018 both the 1.5 - 1 bhp more ) and the 2.0 -20 bhp more by using lighter pistons, changing compression and a revised cam. 0-60 in 6.5 seconds. Nice car to drive even in November.
Some very good comments, lovely sense of humour! I saw one of these cars in my local dealer. Grey like this. Decided to look it up and dropped into your video. I'm changing my car and of course I've got interested in everything. Roadste r is the latest!
My dad pre-ordered a 2015 1.5 Sport with interest-free credit and has been daily-driving that for the last 7 years. He couldn't be happier with it. Apart from a roof replacement early on, he's had no issues with it, and has been very happy with the Mazda dealer experience, too. Having been a passenger in it many times, I can say that it's plenty quick enough and really does sip fuel. However, at 6', with disproportionately long legs, I find it an incredibly uncomfortable place to get into and to sit. God knows how my dad, at 6'-4", does it!
Reminds me of guy who lives at top of our road, worked in Advertising in Manchester and always has had some interesting cars. Audi convertible from the 90’s did as you put it end up with a knife in the roof in our nearest town of Blackpool
Rag tops are perfect for the UK! All those other places are too hot for a convertible . You just don't see them. In the UK we have excellent weather for a Mazda MX5
I sold my imported Eunos when l got shouted at “hey slap head”. They were right regrettably! Much preferred my TT as far more practicable to use daily. Better handling in my opinion as well. That also went when the shout changed to “hey hairdresser”!
I have been on an odd car journey. I used to just lease whatever car and one day I had a cheap lease in 2017 it was a "Scion iA" but it was this exact interior and engine and it was a no frills car but I LOVED to drive it and rev out the skyactive engine. I then went on to Subaru cvt bleh, ford ranger 1999 loved it got into an accident, then had a Tesla Model 3 LOVED it but still felt numb driving. I traded that in at the peak and carvana'd a MX-5 RF and I FELL IN LOVE!!!! Red with Tan interior. Oh man what a gem and whoever had it before me swapped out the steering wheel and paddle shifters and did some other stuff to it. Hopefully not too much and it is ok, but yeah love it love it love it! What a car!
I have clicked, like, as always. But I must give you a tip from the insurance industry. ‘Never give rise, to cancellation’. Change that, ‘and you can cancel at any time’. Especially at the end. Have confidence in what you are offering. Another insurance term is, ‘the onus is on…’ them to read your clearly worded, t’s and c’s. I’d love to see a 124 Abarth….
Great review Matt as usual. I love these, not least coz I’m a big fan of Japanese engineering. However I’m gonna offer up a perspective here which is never touched on by reviewers, but which you may find food for thought. Hear me out on this one coz at first it may seem deliberately controversial, but it’s not meant to be. I’m a genuine fan of these MX5’s, but at the same time massively frustrated with Mazda, and the ‘elephant in the room’ with this car. On the face of it, what we have here is truly a fantastic, reliable (very very important…Porsche & BMW are you listening!!?), lightweight, affordable (used) sports car. It looks great, handles superbly and is cheap to run. All that is true, yet behind all of it is in my view one of the biggest marketing and sales own goals in the history of car manufacture! That an intelligent, progressive, innovative company like Mazda could drop the ball on this one in the way they have is truly mind boggling! What I’m referring to is this. How many millions more potential buyers of this car would there have been if Mazda had just made 3 subtle changes to the ND versions. 1. Telescopic steering wheel adjustment, on the pre-2019 cars. 2. Seat height adjustment on all ND’s. 3. Two inches more room in total length from seat to pedals. Those 3 simple and obvious things would have given them millions more sales worldwide, by opening the doors to a whole new size/build demographic. How many potential buyers like me would have bought this car if it was just marginally more comfortable inside? I’m 6ft 5 inches with an average torso but long legs, and I cannot buy this car, much as I really want to coz I just don’t fit. Even for average size folks this car is a squeeze inside; why oh why Mazda?? If this car was only for the domestic Japanese market, I could understand it, but it’s not, it’s sold all over the world. It makes absolutely no marketing sense whatsoever. It’s one thing to make a car for a niche market; family, track, cruising, touring, sports etc. But who in the hell would think it’s a good idea to limit your own sales chances by making size (small) your niche market?? That just seems dumber than dumb, and that’s coming from a Mazda fanboy. At this point, someone usually comments about Mazda’s rationale about weight-saving with this car. But to me that’s a complete non-issue and a red herring. Most people who buy this car, will never track it, may well not be petrol heads, and just want a nice modern small lightweight sports car. Are we really meant to believe that the little bit of extra weight the above mentioned improvements would have made, would have impacted on them or their choice to buy it? I very much doubt it. When you see the figures for how many of these have sold, it’s clearly a huge sales success. But when you factor in how many could have been sold by making the car accessible to more than just the ‘under 5ft 6’ demographic, it’s an absolute and utter marketing failure of epic proportions. If you think that’s harsh, consider this. Mazda could have (and still could) clean up in this sector. What’s the competition; there is none, especially in terms of non aspirated 2 seater, sports cars, new or used. BMW Z4; only the older ones are NA, and they are now very old, and the newer ones are turbo and allegedly unreliable, and the newer one is turbo and a boat size-wise. Nissan 370 Z; Nice looking, robust, reliable, with great V6 engines, but virtually unchanged since its inception in 2009, and it shows in its archaic interior. It’s also not cheap if you buy anything other than an early model. Porsche Caymans; take your pick re. model. Great looking, great size, but between IMS, RMS, bore scoring, and super expensive parts, labour, servicing and maintenance costs, they’re not really an option for a lot of people. You can buy an MX5 out of warranty and know it will be reliable for as long as you keep it; who in their right mind wants a German sports car out of warranty? To really corner the market, Mazda should probably have considered making the RF a straight coupe design, rather than targa, whilst continuing to offer the soft top. That would offer great alternative (more reliable, more affordable etc) options to Boxters and Caymans. So Mazda could pretty much have this niche sector to themselves, (bar the die hard German fanboys those who would only ever want the Porsche or BMW badges!), if only they’d made the MX5 accessible to all sizes and builds. The MX5 is truly a great and legendary platform, but behind it all is for me a very very sad story of ‘what might have beens’ and lost opportunities, and that is such a huge shame for those of us who would love one of these little beauties. Someone at Mazda needs to seriously re-think this car, and stop making each successive version of it smaller than the last!!
I bought in 2019 a Miata ND2 RF G-184 Top Revolution (Recaro, Nav, LSD etc.) in the gorgeous Red Soul Crystal. Zero issues so far, despite driving it hard (some track- days included). Even the paint on the front end is fine, no chips 😉 But I do the oil and filters change often, at 7'000 km/9 months. Maintenance is key. It is the most reliable car (as per Consumer Reports reliability survey 2020), very low TCO, playful, 3 pedals, NA, very maneuverable. And in the trunk you can have luggage even for 3-4 weeks summer holiday for two (plus a small dog in my case). For my family this is like a second car, but for me is my daily driver.
Love the Mazda MX5 RF. They are great value for money and amazing to drive. I own a scaled down version of this a Suzuki Cappuccino. Good review Thanks.
I loved my Cappo, had one in the late 90s. Such fun, unusual, rare and cute! Was toying about getting a mid life crisis replacement though rot and parts availability has made me consider the sensible MX5 as the better option. ...though the Caterham 7 itch still persists ...
Nice video! I recently bought an RF. My previous car was an Audi TTS which I really loved but you’re absolutely correct about the MX-5 making it feel fat. I feel like I can feel every ounce of the weight difference between the two cars when I drive the Mazda. Having the 6 speed manual makes a huge difference as well. The car is just more engaging. A manual TTS would be nice but I still think the Mazda would always be more fun.
Have a Mk2 icon Mx5 and absolutely love it (had it for 13 years) and use it all year round. Today I did manage to avoid the rain to go roof down and yes I was grinning hehe
Not surprised about the ragtop stats. Most of Europe gets too hot in summer to get the roof down. Going back a few years, our Rover 216 cabriolet was unbearable in Tuscany when it hit 115°F.
The original NA was to be a copy of the MGB / Lotus and had a design specification. Thru the following generations they have maintained the original philosophy regardless of the modern build requirements. It’s a modern engineering drivers special car, not bloated, over powered, under engineered and priced reasonably. This si on my bucket list way more than six figure footballers wagons.
I've been driving a 2.0 Mk3 model with the folding hard top since I bought it new in 2012. It is probably the most reliable and fun car to drive I've ever owned. I was planning on replacing it with the RF when they came out but didn't like the targa roof - I like the hard top to disappear completely when it's down so I'm hanging on to the one I have. On all the other points made in the video I'm in complete agreement. It also teaches you that it is possible to pack lightly and bring only what you need for a week away. Great little car, would buy again.
Drive one, and find out. Unless your too tall to actually fit inside the current MX5, i recon most people will be getting our their cheque books and buying one of these cars, once they have taken a test drive in one. I owned a Spitfire 1500 back in the late 1980s, and had never taken a test drive of the current MX5 Even before buying my 2021 Sports Venture addition, i didn't take a test drive, because i thought it was a bit unnecessary. I knew how good the car was, and actually fitted inside my car, that was inside the showroom, so just went ahead and bought it. The best decision i ever made, a wonderful wonderful car. If your considering one as a weekend fun car, then its a great car, and for the money, i do not think you can surpass it.
Great car I had the last model 2lt with the 6 speed and LSD. Not the fastest car in the world but loads of fun and you can thrash the nuts off it around country lanes...
I was really keen on getting one when they came out. One visit to dealership convinced me that, at 6’2”, it wasn’t for me. None of the sales staff even approached me as they watched me fail to get in from afar😂
@@movement2contact had an issue with SLK(R172) where my head would hit the folding hardtop hinge immediately behind driver on offside. Eventually bought a BMW Z4 (E89) which I daily’d for 3 years.
Love the design and look of these MX5's. Mazda is really bringing out some nice looking cars nowadays. Would be great if you could do a CX3 video as well in the near future. Keep up the great content, greetings from a tall Dutchie who'd most likely not fit behind the wheel of this MX5 🤕
Must go into the list of Top 10 best cars of all time. You can buy one for very little money and feel like an F1 driver. Rarely does a car have you grinning every time you drive it. Reliable and stylish, even people with super ads will give you a nod and they ‘get it’. Congratulations Mazda, the mx-5 is a bona fide classic.
Yup, great review Matt, you've tapped into the MX5 ownership vein very accurately. This is 4 wheeled Oramorph. Mine makes me grin like a t1t everytime I take her out. It's impossible to be in a bad mood when you're driving one.
a soft top ND with the 184 engine and BBR 220 kit plus some high quality suspension like ohlins is surely the best driving proposition this side of an Exige.
I could not agree more with this review. I am seriously considering one and I took the top spec rf out for a test drive yesterday…..LOVE IT!! I couldn’t stop grinning, just about as close to perfection for the money they are! The only reason I didn’t buy it that moment is practicality regarding storage. But then that misses the point of this car entirely.
Well, you did it again. I watched this about a year ago, and it planted the seed about buying one when I got my bonus. And sure enough...I'm now the proud owner of a 2017 RF in Ceramic Pearl, with the grand total of 15000kms/9000 miles on the clock. Just do me a favour; don't do any more Porsche reviews; my bank balance won't stand up to much more damage
Great car, the B pillars are a bit like the Jag XJS " flying buttress " rears. A proper small sports car, shame it dosen't come from Abingdon or Hethel.
Hey Matt, I like the pop up details of specs. Always improving, 👍. I have Had 2 mk1s and a mk2.5. Great cars. So much fun, you can rag them without getting into too much trouble. I am getting a mk3 TT though, as I need the rear seats for the kids. They will be squashed but hey, when I was a kid I had to travel I the boot of an old fiesta if we travelled with my grand parents.
You'll be glad to know I specifically searched for your channel to use a Car Vertical discount code! Thanks for all the top content, Mat! Also, genuinely so impressed with all the extra info I wasn't expecting - it's given me a list of common problems to look out for when buying this specific car! How cool is that!
I work in a Mazda showroom and the 1.5 really isn't as slow as you'd think. It's not much slower than this 2.0 and you can rev the car out more often more of the time. The 184 is 100% the 2.0 engine to have if you can stretch to a newer one with it fitted. It revs much higher and freer
Some say the 1.5 more fun because you have to go through the gears more. It somewhat lighter,, more involving and pure. Just you don't get the LSD or the extra horsepower. The 184bhp is the one to go for though as you said
@@richboy900 I've spent a fair amount of time behind the wheel of both and I think the 1.5 is more fun more of the time. And it's more comfortable as well because you lose the bilsteins and get smaller wheels so you have more tire
@@BrandinooWOW yea that's true as well with the 1.5, softer springs. Probably a good thing here in the UK.
Knowing Mazda I reckon the 1.5 is putting out more than 130hp.
I worked for Mazda back in the day, the amount of customers I converted from the Mk3 2.0Ls into the 1.6 rag top base model was literally 100%. Base MX-5 = all the MX-5 you need for 100% good times
Yes... Owner of a 2019 2.0 184hp. Rf, love it. 10/10 re recommend
I bought a used 2.0 soft top. The newer one with 180 bhp. Absolutely love it. Every drive is grin inducing fun at sensible speeds. Great car.
Hi Matt my dad who is 73 watches all your videos and loves your channel. I come downstairs to find him watching your vids lol in the day time. He says you know your stuff about cars and you have great knowledge about cars. I also watch your vids and you come across as such a good humble person. I hope you don’t ever stop making cars vids as your such a natural at them. Me and my dad will continue to watch your vids we enjoy them a lot especially my dad lol.
Thank you! I appreciate it
You are talking about my favorite car. I've had MX5s for decades, all bought new. My last one was a 2007 NC with electric hard top which I had for 14 years and it never ever had any fault at all.Last year I upgraded to a new 2.0 Sports Tech soft top in lovely Soul Red Crystal Metallic. I didn't choose the RF because I love open tops, and the RF is a targa top. Mine is 181 bhp not 160 as there was an upgrade to the engine, and has LSD and Bilsteins. I absolutely love it! Have you tried a new softop? Mine's as quiet roof up as my previous one with the electric hard top. It's a high quality double-layer hood, far far more sophisticated than old Brit hoods and can be raised and lowered in about a second with just one hand. My MX5s have all lived outside and they do not leak (I had Triumph Spitfires in my youth and put a fertilizer bag on the drivers seat to catch the puddle!).
I used to fly aerobatic aeroplanes and the MX5 is the nearest I've come across to that sort of handling but in a car. And they are Ford Focus money to buy and run.
Regarding why Brits buy so many open tops, it IS because of our climate. Many sunny countries are just too hot to drive one, you need a closed car with aircon. But here, as long as it's not actually raining you can drop the top and I always do! It's my everyday car (OK, the wife has something more practical with more seats and a proper boot) and I can honestly say I drive it as much top down as top up. If I lived in California or Saudi I wouldn't!
Even raining, top down on my NC - 30 mph or more - you stay dry. ND too I'm sure (well except perhaps on M25 at 70-80 when it creeps over the side windows - fun though!
We owned an RF for three years, great car , fun , reliable and not flash
Belgian here: I got this August the Mazda MX-5 RF 2.0 Skyactiv-G 184 Skycruise model in Soul Red Crystal. Like they say: this cars has the most smiles/kilometer (or mile). Using it as a daily driver and it will become a family heir loom. Just love this car.
I own a 1.5 RF and genuinely love it to bits. Thanks for the review as always!
Having previously owned an NB Nevada MX-5 and worked for Mazda I must say I absolutely love the MX-5. The 2.0ltr 184bhp model is pretty close to the most fun you can have in the real world on a British B-road. Underated cars I think. Don't knock them till you've tried one.
Matt, I'm loving more Japanese cars on your channel, but this is the best one so far! Amazing car for its price and top reliability, you cannot go wrong!
Never owned an MX-5 but its definitely on my "to do" list. The current model especially the RF is a very pretty car. It just looks right and well proportioned from any angle.
I bought a two year old Machine grey 1.5 RF and honestly its fantastic I could drive it all day long. The RF is great in the winter months especially where I am in Northern Ireland and it looks just as good with the roof up or down.
I love how Matt has a very Top Gear style way of delivering analogies and descriptions
Thanks
Matt...what a proper car man you are. One, you've put the audi in it's place and than that comment:"ugh an old XK" 😂😂😂 What a joy watching you doing your thing 👍
I’m too easily distracted
Love the MX5. Had a Mk1 when I was in my 20s and it always put a smile on my face. My Dad who's a classic car nut loved it even more and used to "borrow" it regularly. The new versions look bulletproof
RF stands for retractable fastback,if you were wondering. Lovely car, with a great look.
I remember being invited to the launch and driving one of the first MX5's in the UK. Brilliant little cars, look like they have grown up, but not lost the playful side they had at the start.😊
This is actually the car I'm saving up for right now.... a 2016-2019 1.5 ND1 with a soft top. My mum drives an old 1999 NB 1.6 and it's such a great little fun car. So raw and uncomplicated, really runs like a Swiss clockwork. It didn't take a week for the first one to stick his knife into the roof.
But for me personally, the soft top is the ultimate MX-5 experience and even the 132 hp would be more than enough for me as a novice driver.
My sister had the top spec 2 litre RF, and I think it was an absolute cracker. Torquey but also free revving, such a lovely manual to use, great handling (I think the Bilsteins and the slippy diff really add to the package), and yet it was also a daily driver for commutes. About my only problem with it is that I'm six foot on the nail and it's just a smidgen too small. In the end she's finally gone for a Benz C220 convert, with more space and comfort, old age creeping up.
Does the slip diff and bilsteins come as standard with the RF?
@@Fomo24777 I think they come on the Sport Nav model but not on the base RF, but it's a long time ago she bought it.
Now your talking Matt!!....And you pretty much nailed it!....As I own a 1.5 ND soft top, don't dismiss the 1.5 as it's actually the better drivers car, a real hoot to drive and has to be worked hence more fun. I don't really class the RF as a convertible as you don't get the same wind in the hair experience and get a bit more buffeting due to the back half of the roof scooping in air.....But its achingly pretty.
The RF hasn't got a metal roof either (a mistake all poor car salesmen make! 😛😛)....and the soft top on the ND is far better with its double lining than any other previous MX-5....And anybody 'dissing' the Mx-5 is either jealous or has never driven one (hence not knowing what they are talking about)....Keep up the good work Matt.
Always loved the MX5. Used to work for Mazda and it was my demo car back in 2007. The new versions definitely look more masculine! Totally agree. I now have a Jag XK convertible and I work in training but I’m still tempted.
I think people in the UK love convertibles because when it is sunny they want to make the most of it, whereas in Spain sunshine is so abundant it is no big deal.
That’s true
In Spain it’s too hot better to have great air conditioning
Really nice video editing on this one. Loved the pan shots and the infographics.
Thanks. Looked good
Production is on another level and you still haven't changed (it is a great thing), so great job and keep them comming...👏👏👏👏👏
Thanks!
Beautiful and under rated car. Mazda's in general are amazing. Looking forward to whenever you get a Mazda 6 Takuya Matt.
I have an 07 NC and it's soooo much fun... Honestly one of the best cars I've ever owned.
I live in Japan and I have one of these as my daily driver (and a last generation Freelander 2 petrol 2.0 litre turbo as the family car). It's so much fun to drive, even on the busy Tokyo roads. Love the channel Matt, and I'm really happy you reviewed the RF! Thanks for the great content.
Another bang on the money review Matt! I was never a big fan of the MX5 until I was business manager for a motor group with a Mazda franchise and drove them more regularly. Now I agree with everything you mentioned. They're incredible to drive for the money, and as reliable as a fight at a council estate wedding! 👌
Great video matt I noticed a slightly different feel with some nice little touches .. keep em coming
the production has really stepped up
Best generation of the MX5 so far for me, particularly in this RF guise, which I think harks back to older classic coupes with the roof up. Love it. Cheers for another great video Matt.
Have had such one for almost 5 year in Denmark, it is pure fun😀 Not fast but it is extremely agile and on small curved roads you are in paradise, it newer let you down💓 And no repairs at all at any components so it is also cheap to use it all year arround as i did,- here the cold weather gives the RF an advantage as it is like a normal roof car
I own a 2022 model, the bass from the Bose sound system absolutely blew me away! I was expecting it to be good as Bose is the premium option, but it far exceeded my expectations. It really thumps through your chest.
I bought a 2.0 Sport MX5 new (57 plate) I concur with your comments, bad points no storage at all but that was it, it was a rag top and the top was only up when it rained, people could never understand how you could have the top down in the middle of winter but Japanese engineering combined with my flying jacket, and a beanie hat ensured comfort at all times, as an example one New Year’s Day I drove Manchester to Portsmouth with the top down, as I was queuing in the traffic in Portsmouth a Police Motorcyclist rode his bike alongside of me and stopped, I looked up and he gave me the thumbs up, ( it was freezing ) wonder what he would have said if I told him “ I’ve just driven from Manchester mate. “ Kept it four years ONE of the reasons I got shut my wife used to complain about being uncomfortable in the passenger seat, 😢now before anyone says I should have got rid of my wife, I had to agree with her when I ended in the passenger seat, there was a bulge on the side of the gear tunnel that pushed your legs over to the left no problem on a short journey, but on a long journey bad news! There was also a comedy value to the car, getting out of it gracefully and with dignity was an art form practiced only by MX5 owners, the amount of times passengers getting out of the car turned their exit into a Brian Rix farce bringing the whole area to a standstill with bystanders I lost count of, anyway after 4 yrs it went and I entered a 9 year era of Saab 93 Ragtop ownership. MX5 was a great car but older and wiser and with a dodgy knee and a bad back would I own another = NO, but I have fond memories of mine.
Hi Matt I fell for this car when I picked up my A1 today, great experience dealing with the 3 of you and I would highly recommend.
Hi! Thanks for your business. I have a video coming out soon on your A1 actually
@@HighPeakAutos look forward to that
I've had two MX5s brilliant fun in the sun . They love corners on a country road .
British weather, a good heater and a convertible are a magical combination.
Ahh! The venerable MX5. I still hope to own another once the kids have f***ed off. I had a 1997 Mk1 (P330FPL)1.6 Monza that some maniac had put a Jackson Racing supercharger in. Bought it with 50k on the clock and ran it up to about 140k, then sold it to a mate. Still in my top two cars I've ever owned. Loved that thing.
Wish my mate was quicker with the DVLA transfer - I got a visit from the police 'we saw you coming over the bridge and all four wheels were off the ground' - took me ages to get off the hook for that one!
Edit: Now I'm an old fart, an RF is just the ticket. I haven't got the space to buy an abandoned Westfield/7 project and live my childhood dream.
Used to love my Silver MK 3. It was only the1.8 basic trim but it didn’t matter as it was such fun to drive and well engineered. Also the leg room is was no problem - Im 6.2 and was always very comfortable. Zoom on Mazda MX5 👍
i now have a 1.8 mk3 in silver and i love it!
I've had a 1.5rf now for 4 years. I recently put a Goodwin Racing Superstreet Twin exhaust on it. I now have a gorgeous car that produces a lovely sound. I wouldn't swap my Mazda for any other car. (OK maybe a Bentley)
Love the RF I've got an automatic and it is actually great fun to drive.Rather than spending a lot.of time , foot, ankle and wrist energy on changing gears, which on UK roads especially motorways can be considerable,I can focus on the pure pleasure of of driving this gorgeous car .
I love my 2019 roadster. It’s brought back my love of driving.
love how the central air vents mimic the rear lights, cool detail
Fantastic review thanks Matt. This really is a terrific little car. Fun to drive, nippy and enough room in the boot for the weekly groceries. Love it
Thanks for this. Simply a terrific car even in 1.5 mode as they are great to rev. 2 litre is ok but 1.5 is best for chassis.
Oh, I wish !!!!! It makes my NB look a bit spartan but there is the same fun factor I guess. Another great video Matt.
Fine overview. They really are terrific cars.
I’m not sure if the 1.5 is a carryover from the Mazda2, but that little engine in my mother’s Mazda2 ticks along like a sewing machine - a satisfyingly smooth mill at idle, raspy when pushed. The 1.5 is an absolute breeze to self maintain as well - reminds me of ‘80’s era Toyota.
Mazda’s often fall short on practicality (storage) when compared to Honda, but they’re damn fun to drive.
I’d happily own any MX-5 - even an NC. 😉
Another great video, many thanks Matt. I had an MX5 (Phoenix special edition) many years ago, 02 plate, and it was one of the most fun cars I've ever had. It was passed on to my daughter-in-law after a few years and she loved it. Great to see that the newest model is as much fun; if I wasn't such a knackered old fart, I may be tempted to relive my youth.
Haha
Hi I'm 77 and drive a Mazda 2006 I'm 6foot 4 and I fit into it comfortably .I also have a Triumph 1971 TR 6. My daily drive is a Volvo 240 estate with 265000 miles.I service all the cars.Age is just a number.Ron
I live in a very sunny part of NZ and I see a convertible about once a fortnight. So when I moved to England for work I was rather amused at the large numbers on the local roads. The merest glimpse of sun and down went the roof and out came the ray bans . Living the dream I guess 😉
It's all about the novelty value. See the sun, make the most of it by getting the top down. Also, it doesn't have to be red hot and/or sunny to have the top down. Put on a hat and the heater and you can drive 'topless' in the Spring, Summer and Autumn. Minimum top-down temp requirement for me is 15oC.
100% can’t beat top down motoring! I love my s2000!
I have the cloth top version and agree with your comments. I rarely carry passengers so no problem with storage the only thing I don’t like is the very thin steering wheel but that’s cured with a cover. As you say access is awkward but also owning a Caterham has prepared me!
You have to remember, when designing the original MX5 MA, Mazda were using the tiny Lotus Elan as a template.
Like just about all classic British sports cars from the 1970s, their steering wheels were skinny affairs, nothing large or bulky.
So why bother with a thicker steering wheel, its not really needed.
@@peterlewis3540 The cover is a personal preference just like seat adjustment.
It is a great looker , great review as always , you defo have a natural talent for motoring reviews,
Thanks!
thank you for putting metric measurements and dollar measurements for us outside of UK and USA 👍👍👍
Having owne and dailt driven a 2016 MX5 Recaro SPort for the last 4 years I have to agreed witll most of what you say, however the soft top is the better car, yes it's a little bit noiser but it's even lighter, the roof can be folded and rasied much quicker and with the roof down you get a better open to experienc but actually less buffeting than the RF - oh and it looks better as well especially the side view. Either way you'll have a blood good reliable fun car that doesn't cost the earth to run and enjoy the ownership - In y opinon of course 🙂. Keep up the good work.
MX5 softtop 184 bhp, test drove the 1.5 and the suspension was a lot softer than the 2 ltr Sport Nav+ was a lot better handling via Bilsten shocks and better performance and you do get a LSD on the 2 ltr so decided it was the right car for me. Really happy with it every mile is a smile. On a long run through Wales keeping to speed limits I did see 45mpg - normally 38 mpg town & country drive. Softop down fantastic visibility so far cheap to run. Just as an aside it seems the ' + ' in the description ie Sports nav + - indicates the uprated engines which I think took place in ( I think ) 2018 both the 1.5 - 1 bhp more ) and the 2.0 -20 bhp more by using lighter pistons, changing compression and a revised cam. 0-60 in 6.5 seconds. Nice car to drive even in November.
181bhp/184ps
Never had an MX5 but really like them , on the list to have , excellent video Matt 👍
Thanks
Some very good comments, lovely sense of humour! I saw one of these cars in my local dealer. Grey like this. Decided to look it up and dropped into your video. I'm changing my car and of course I've got interested in everything. Roadste r is the latest!
My dad pre-ordered a 2015 1.5 Sport with interest-free credit and has been daily-driving that for the last 7 years. He couldn't be happier with it. Apart from a roof replacement early on, he's had no issues with it, and has been very happy with the Mazda dealer experience, too. Having been a passenger in it many times, I can say that it's plenty quick enough and really does sip fuel. However, at 6', with disproportionately long legs, I find it an incredibly uncomfortable place to get into and to sit. God knows how my dad, at 6'-4", does it!
I'm picking up my 1.5l Rf on Saturday. Can't wait
Reminds me of guy who lives at top of our road, worked in Advertising in Manchester and always has had some interesting cars. Audi convertible from the 90’s did as you put it end up with a knife in the roof in our nearest town of Blackpool
Along with the series one, the best of the MX5's, IMO. Would love a rotary MX5. Imagine that! Zoom Zoom indeed!!!
Rag tops are perfect for the UK! All those other places are too hot for a convertible . You just don't see them. In the UK we have excellent weather for a Mazda MX5
I sold my imported Eunos when l got shouted at “hey slap head”. They were right regrettably! Much preferred my TT as far more practicable to use daily. Better handling in my opinion as well. That also went when the shout changed to “hey hairdresser”!
I have been on an odd car journey. I used to just lease whatever car and one day I had a cheap lease in 2017 it was a "Scion iA" but it was this exact interior and engine and it was a no frills car but I LOVED to drive it and rev out the skyactive engine. I then went on to Subaru cvt bleh, ford ranger 1999 loved it got into an accident, then had a Tesla Model 3 LOVED it but still felt numb driving. I traded that in at the peak and carvana'd a MX-5 RF and I FELL IN LOVE!!!! Red with Tan interior. Oh man what a gem and whoever had it before me swapped out the steering wheel and paddle shifters and did some other stuff to it. Hopefully not too much and it is ok, but yeah love it love it love it! What a car!
Probably the best car I have ever had
I'll be in the market for some fun next year, might give the MX a good course of looking at, cheers!
I have clicked, like, as always. But I must give you a tip from the insurance industry. ‘Never give rise, to cancellation’. Change that, ‘and you can cancel at any time’. Especially at the end. Have confidence in what you are offering. Another insurance term is, ‘the onus is on…’ them to read your clearly worded, t’s and c’s. I’d love to see a 124 Abarth….
3600 miles of pure joy so far on mine. Only regret is I didn't get one sooner.
Yes. Next question?
Great review Matt as usual. I love these, not least coz I’m a big fan of Japanese engineering. However I’m gonna offer up a perspective here which is never touched on by reviewers, but which you may find food for thought. Hear me out on this one coz at first it may seem deliberately controversial, but it’s not meant to be. I’m a genuine fan of these MX5’s, but at the same time massively frustrated with Mazda, and the ‘elephant in the room’ with this car.
On the face of it, what we have here is truly a fantastic, reliable (very very important…Porsche & BMW are you listening!!?), lightweight, affordable (used) sports car. It looks great, handles superbly and is cheap to run. All that is true, yet behind all of it is in my view one of the biggest marketing and sales own goals in the history of car manufacture! That an intelligent, progressive, innovative company like Mazda could drop the ball on this one in the way they have is truly mind boggling!
What I’m referring to is this. How many millions more potential buyers of this car would there have been if Mazda had just made 3 subtle changes to the ND versions. 1. Telescopic steering wheel adjustment, on the pre-2019 cars. 2. Seat height adjustment on all ND’s. 3. Two inches more room in total length from seat to pedals. Those 3 simple and obvious things would have given them millions more sales worldwide, by opening the doors to a whole new size/build demographic.
How many potential buyers like me would have bought this car if it was just marginally more comfortable inside? I’m 6ft 5 inches with an average torso but long legs, and I cannot buy this car, much as I really want to coz I just don’t fit. Even for average size folks this car is a squeeze inside; why oh why Mazda?? If this car was only for the domestic Japanese market, I could understand it, but it’s not, it’s sold all over the world. It makes absolutely no marketing sense whatsoever. It’s one thing to make a car for a niche market; family, track, cruising, touring, sports etc. But who in the hell would think it’s a good idea to limit your own sales chances by making size (small) your niche market?? That just seems dumber than dumb, and that’s coming from a Mazda fanboy.
At this point, someone usually comments about Mazda’s rationale about weight-saving with this car. But to me that’s a complete non-issue and a red herring. Most people who buy this car, will never track it, may well not be petrol heads, and just want a nice modern small lightweight sports car. Are we really meant to believe that the little bit of extra weight the above mentioned improvements would have made, would have impacted on them or their choice to buy it? I very much doubt it.
When you see the figures for how many of these have sold, it’s clearly a huge sales success. But when you factor in how many could have been sold by making the car accessible to more than just the ‘under 5ft 6’ demographic, it’s an absolute and utter marketing failure of epic proportions.
If you think that’s harsh, consider this. Mazda could have (and still could) clean up in this sector. What’s the competition; there is none, especially in terms of non aspirated 2 seater, sports cars, new or used. BMW Z4; only the older ones are NA, and they are now very old, and the newer ones are turbo and allegedly unreliable, and the newer one is turbo and a boat size-wise. Nissan 370 Z; Nice looking, robust, reliable, with great V6 engines, but virtually unchanged since its inception in 2009, and it shows in its archaic interior. It’s also not cheap if you buy anything other than an early model. Porsche Caymans; take your pick re. model. Great looking, great size, but between IMS, RMS, bore scoring, and super expensive parts, labour, servicing and maintenance costs, they’re not really an option for a lot of people. You can buy an MX5 out of warranty and know it will be reliable for as long as you keep it; who in their right mind wants a German sports car out of warranty?
To really corner the market, Mazda should probably have considered making the RF a straight coupe design, rather than targa, whilst continuing to offer the soft top. That would offer great alternative (more reliable, more affordable etc) options to Boxters and Caymans.
So Mazda could pretty much have this niche sector to themselves, (bar the die hard German fanboys those who would only ever want the Porsche or BMW badges!), if only they’d made the MX5 accessible to all sizes and builds.
The MX5 is truly a great and legendary platform, but behind it all is for me a very very sad story of ‘what might have beens’ and lost opportunities, and that is such a huge shame for those of us who would love one of these little beauties. Someone at Mazda needs to seriously re-think this car, and stop making each successive version of it smaller than the last!!
That luggage space looks massive compared to my Mk3 MR2 .
I bought in 2019 a Miata ND2 RF G-184 Top Revolution (Recaro, Nav, LSD etc.) in the gorgeous Red Soul Crystal. Zero issues so far, despite driving it hard (some track- days included). Even the paint on the front end is fine, no chips 😉 But I do the oil and filters change often, at 7'000 km/9 months. Maintenance is key.
It is the most reliable car (as per Consumer Reports reliability survey 2020), very low TCO, playful, 3 pedals, NA, very maneuverable. And in the trunk you can have luggage even for 3-4 weeks summer holiday for two (plus a small dog in my case). For my family this is like a second car, but for me is my daily driver.
Love the Mazda MX5 RF. They are great value for money and amazing to drive. I own a scaled down version of this a Suzuki Cappuccino. Good review Thanks.
I loved my Cappo, had one in the late 90s. Such fun, unusual, rare and cute! Was toying about getting a mid life crisis replacement though rot and parts availability has made me consider the sensible MX5 as the better option.
...though the Caterham 7 itch still persists ...
Another great review. I never noticed before, but you're the image of Scorpio from the Simpsons!
You've kept that video back looking at all the leaves on the trees and the weather, such a great car the MX-5
I chuckled all the way through this video, always entertaining Matt. Love the humour and witty narrative. Another great entertaining video 👌👏
Thanks!
Nice video! I recently bought an RF. My previous car was an Audi TTS which I really loved but you’re absolutely correct about the MX-5 making it feel fat. I feel like I can feel every ounce of the weight difference between the two cars when I drive the Mazda. Having the 6 speed manual makes a huge difference as well. The car is just more engaging. A manual TTS would be nice but I still think the Mazda would always be more fun.
Have a Mk2 icon Mx5 and absolutely love it (had it for 13 years) and use it all year round. Today I did manage to avoid the rain to go roof down and yes I was grinning hehe
Love the mx5. It's a bucket list car for me. The latest one I agree is the best looker. One day when the stars align I'll have one. Great video Matt
Not surprised about the ragtop stats. Most of Europe gets too hot in summer to get the roof down. Going back a few years, our Rover 216 cabriolet was unbearable in Tuscany when it hit 115°F.
The original NA was to be a copy of the MGB / Lotus and had a design specification. Thru the following generations they have maintained the original philosophy regardless of the modern build requirements. It’s a modern engineering drivers special car, not bloated, over powered, under engineered and priced reasonably. This si on my bucket list way more than six figure footballers wagons.
Wish the RF version wasn't so damn expensive, I don't do softtops due sound and maintenance issues, but this RF would be a dreamcar to have.
I've been driving a 2.0 Mk3 model with the folding hard top since I bought it new in 2012. It is probably the most reliable and fun car to drive I've ever owned. I was planning on replacing it with the RF when they came out but didn't like the targa roof - I like the hard top to disappear completely when it's down so I'm hanging on to the one I have. On all the other points made in the video I'm in complete agreement. It also teaches you that it is possible to pack lightly and bring only what you need for a week away. Great little car, would buy again.
Drive one, and find out.
Unless your too tall to actually fit inside the current MX5, i recon most people will be getting our their cheque books and buying one of these cars, once they have taken a test drive in one.
I owned a Spitfire 1500 back in the late 1980s, and had never taken a test drive of the current MX5
Even before buying my 2021 Sports Venture addition, i didn't take a test drive, because i thought it was a bit unnecessary.
I knew how good the car was, and actually fitted inside my car, that was inside the showroom, so just went ahead and bought it.
The best decision i ever made, a wonderful wonderful car.
If your considering one as a weekend fun car, then its a great car, and for the money, i do not think you can surpass it.
Great car I had the last model 2lt with the 6 speed and LSD. Not the fastest car in the world but loads of fun and you can thrash the nuts off it around country lanes...
I was really keen on getting one when they came out. One visit to dealership convinced me that, at 6’2”, it wasn’t for me. None of the sales staff even approached me as they watched me fail to get in from afar😂
Have you had trouble with some other cars too? Because I'm taller and turns out that's a problem with cars too, not only bikes... 😩😒
@@movement2contact had an issue with SLK(R172) where my head would hit the folding hardtop hinge immediately behind driver on offside. Eventually bought a BMW Z4 (E89) which I daily’d for 3 years.
@@explorist5 I see, thanks! ✌🏻👴🏻
If you’re tall you don’t buy a small sports car
I had the same experience. I bought a Honda S2000 instead and was so glad that I didn’t fit in the MX5.
Love the design and look of these MX5's. Mazda is really bringing out some nice looking cars nowadays. Would be great if you could do a CX3 video as well in the near future.
Keep up the great content, greetings from a tall Dutchie who'd most likely not fit behind the wheel of this MX5 🤕
Must go into the list of Top 10 best cars of all time. You can buy one for very little money and feel like an F1 driver. Rarely does a car have you grinning every time you drive it. Reliable and stylish, even people with super ads will give you a nod and they ‘get it’. Congratulations Mazda, the mx-5 is a bona fide classic.
100%
Yup, great review Matt, you've tapped into the MX5 ownership vein very accurately. This is 4 wheeled Oramorph. Mine makes me grin like a t1t everytime I take her out. It's impossible to be in a bad mood when you're driving one.
Great review Matt. A rare car this: looks great inside and out, reliable and relatable. It does exactly what it is designed to do. 💯
Thanks! 👍
Great review! Love the channel, i get stick for driving "hairdresser" cars haha got a old 02 mx5 and a TT but MX5 is a true drivers car!
Very good design...again a future classic...get one while you can I say👍
Great review. Very professional and certainly made me want to buy one.. well, one day.
Been watching your channel for about 6 months now and I absolutely love to see the evolution your channel and videos have gone through.
Thank you so much!!
a soft top ND with the 184 engine and BBR 220 kit plus some high quality suspension like ohlins is surely the best driving proposition this side of an Exige.
Getting the badge in mate? 😛love the vids pal
I could not agree more with this review. I am seriously considering one and I took the top spec rf out for a test drive yesterday…..LOVE IT!! I couldn’t stop grinning, just about as close to perfection for the money they are! The only reason I didn’t buy it that moment is practicality regarding storage. But then that misses the point of this car entirely.
Well, you did it again. I watched this about a year ago, and it planted the seed about buying one when I got my bonus. And sure enough...I'm now the proud owner of a 2017 RF in Ceramic Pearl, with the grand total of 15000kms/9000 miles on the clock. Just do me a favour; don't do any more Porsche reviews; my bank balance won't stand up to much more damage
Getting the badge in, what a boy!
Great car, the B pillars are a bit like the Jag XJS " flying buttress " rears. A proper small sports car, shame it dosen't come from Abingdon or Hethel.
I have owned two MX5's and I agree with you they are fruggle to own and great fun to drive.
Hey Matt, I like the pop up details of specs. Always improving, 👍.
I have Had 2 mk1s and a mk2.5. Great cars. So much fun, you can rag them without getting into too much trouble. I am getting a mk3 TT though, as I need the rear seats for the kids. They will be squashed but hey, when I was a kid I had to travel I the boot of an old fiesta if we travelled with my grand parents.
You'll be glad to know I specifically searched for your channel to use a Car Vertical discount code! Thanks for all the top content, Mat!
Also, genuinely so impressed with all the extra info I wasn't expecting - it's given me a list of common problems to look out for when buying this specific car! How cool is that!
Awesome thank you! Its definitely the most thorough. Cheers