23rd Jul 2018, 19:00
Test drove one recently. Can't believe how short of space they are inside. Think I will buy the Fiesta ST instead.
13th Oct 2020, 23:31
I purchased a brand new 2020 MX-5 GT last week and am thoroughly impressed with it so far. This is my third Mazda product, the previous cars being a 1999 MX-5 NB and a 2004 RX-8. Mazda is in the business of building quality, high value, extremely entertaining cars that make you smile. This 3rd gen Miata is no exception and (so far) appears to be Mazda's finest product to date:
#1 - It's beautiful to look at from every angle.
#2 - Fabulous chassis - world-class handling and very tight body structure with zero flex. Very impressive considering its weight and its a convertible.
#3 - Superb gearbox - intuitive, with gun-bolt tight gates and short throws.
#4 - Excellent brakes with a delicate, precision feel.
#5 - Outstanding interior fit and finish. All soft-touch materials used through-out, with very few cheap looking plastics used. Mine is outfitted with gorgeous red nappa leather leather seats, with matching leather dash and door accents. Beautiful and modern interior design that is very comfortable and has perfect ergonomics. I'm 5'10" and the Miata fits me like a well-tailored suit.
#6 - Fantastic gem of a motor. Mazda upgraded the engine for North America, which now has 181hp and a 7500rpm redline. It's torquey and punches smoothly all the way to the rev limiter. No NA four cylinder has ever felt this good! It bests even the superb Honda VTEC engines. Quite simply the finest NA four banger currently available.
#7 - 34MPG! It's frugal!
#8 - Only US $31k! It's a terrific bargain!
Simply put, this car is an engineering masterpiece and a huge triumph for Mazda. This car is far and away the most fun transportation you can have for the money. Driving pleasure is the sole purpose of this car. It was designed for no other reason. Buyers expecting lots of space and practicality will be sorely disappointed and should make another choice. But for the buyers looking for an amazing driving experience? Look no further, this little car rocks!
4th Nov 2022, 10:37
On the lack of legroom space, perhaps it is due to the car being actually overall shorter than the 1st gen! Yes, smaller. I'm 6ft tall and I sat in the 1st gen and I had more legroom than in a modern Mazda 3. Back in the 90s the small Japanese cars had actually a lot of leg room at the pedals, it's later on they started decreasing this down to make it unacceptable for taller persons. It's all about the space they give to the engine bay area: more complex engines add hoses and stuff and take from the front cabin legroom. For example if you want a car that can be driven by a giraffe (so to speak), try the Hyundai Ioniq EV. You won't believe your eyes, basically if you are 6ft tall and move the seat all the way back, you cannot reach the pedals with your feet.
21st Mar 2018, 21:29
Original reviewer here. Posted the original review on 17th December 2017, and part-ex'd the Mazda for a Dacia Duster 1.5DCi on 6th Jan 2018. Total ownership 4 months and 5 days. Unbelievably the Dacia is the superior car to the MX5 in every way, and WAY cheaper. My ownership experience only highlighted for me that the MX5 is one of the most over-rated cars ever. Was glad to see the back of it. Now have a good, comfortable, practical, economical car AND a Kawasaki ZX-10R for less than what the MX5 cost me.