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Thread: The new Mazda MX-5

  1. #1
    Grand Master learningtofly's Avatar
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    The new Mazda MX-5

    Bloody hell. I pulled up beside one while I was out on the bike yesterday. Must have escaped my attention when announced... what a bloody lovely car.




  2. #2
    Craftsman Tickeros's Avatar
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    Bloody trans hairdressers......

    More seriously, seems to have a nice stance. Mini Supra?

  3. #3
    Grand Master learningtofly's Avatar
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    Don’t know about that but I just spec’d one up with the retractable hard top and it came out at circa £34k. Not without competition at that price but I do think it’s a stunning little car and a nice upgrade from my Mk 3.5!

  4. #4
    Master Lampoc's Avatar
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    Sorry, but the MX-5 just seems to get uglier every time they update it. I used to have a Mk1 and for me it never got any better than that.

  5. #5
    Grand Master learningtofly's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Lampoc View Post
    Sorry, but the MX-5 just seems to get uglier every time they update it. I used to have a Mk1 and for me it never got any better than that.
    No need to apologise. Personally I don’t regard this as ugly, though...


  6. #6
    Master Bernard's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Lampoc View Post
    Sorry, but the MX-5 just seems to get uglier every time they update it. I used to have a Mk1 and for me it never got any better than that.
    +1. Each update is less desirable.

  7. #7
    Master petethegeek's Avatar
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    When they were first launched I took one out for a test drive with a view to upgrading my Mk 3.5 2.0 litre Roadster. Whilst they look nice enough I was left feeling a bit underwhelmed and could find little justification for, or indeed added benefit from, the uplift in price.

    I've still got the one I took with me which continues to fit all my requirements near perfectly.

    In terms of the aesthetics, as a previous Mk2 owner I'm inclined to agree with Lampoc. Though I do grant that they've done a reasonable job in modernising the design for the current models, which to my eye look better in the metal than on a brochure cover.

  8. #8
    Grand Master learningtofly's Avatar
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    The new Mazda MX-5

    Quote Originally Posted by petethegeek View Post
    When they were first launched I took one out for a test drive with a view to upgrading my Mk 3.5 2.0 litre Roadster. Whilst they look nice enough I was left feeling a bit underwhelmed and could find little justification for, or indeed added benefit from, the uplift in price.

    I've still got the one I took with me which continues to fit all my requirements near perfectly.

    In terms of the aesthetics, as a previous Mk2 owner I'm inclined to agree with Lampoc. Though I do grant that they've done a reasonable job in modernising the design for the current models, which to my eye look better in the metal than on a brochure cover.
    Interesting, thanks - I think I need to take one out for a test. The aesthetics certainly work for me.

  9. #9
    Grand Master MartynJC (UK)'s Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by learningtofly View Post
    Interesting, thanks - I think I need to take one out for a test. The aesthetics certainly work for me.
    If you go for a 6month old one - you can probably get a high spec for £20K roadster. Try the 1.5 RF - with its power to weight it’s super fun.

    wife has the 3.5 2.0 auto. Great fun to drive - but downside for me - gets a bit cramped for long journeys (over 2h of driving) - but bearable.
    Last edited by MartynJC (UK); 5th January 2020 at 13:37.

  10. #10
    Grand Master learningtofly's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by MartynJC (UK) View Post
    If you go for a 6month old one - you can probably get a high spec for £20K roadster. Try the 1.5 RF - with its power to weight it’s super fun.
    Yes, I was thinking low mileage used, or perhaps an ex-demo. Anyway, I’m in no rush and need to pin down my next project before spending any kind of serious money on anything.

  11. #11
    Master Jon Kenney's Avatar
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    They look nice until you take a peak at its ass.

  12. #12
    Master Lampoc's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by learningtofly View Post
    No need to apologise. Personally I don’t regard this as ugly, though...
    Don't get me wrong, it's not a hideous car. It just looks to me like they've squashed a Mazda2/Mazda3 hybrid in some sort of corporate branding exercise! I say this as someone who has excusively owned Mazdas for about the last 15 years: the Fiat 124 looks about 100 times better :D

  13. #13
    Grand Master learningtofly's Avatar
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    The new Mazda MX-5

    Quote Originally Posted by Lampoc View Post
    Don't get me wrong, it's not a hideous car. It just looks to me like they've squashed a Mazda2/Mazda3 hybrid in some sort of corporate branding exercise! I say this as someone who has excusively owned Mazdas for about the last 15 years: the Fiat 124 looks about 100 times better :D
    Well, you're obviously emotionally invested in the older models. I have one and quite like it (although not an early reference, the adoration of which I do understand), but I came straight from a written-off Boxster S that I swapped with Foxy for a red Sub many years ago, and which to my mind was ten times the car. Sadly I couldn't afford to replace it.

    Anyway, I much prefer the newer shape and could well see myself owning one in the future.
    Last edited by learningtofly; 5th January 2020 at 14:48.

  14. #14
    Master petethegeek's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Lampoc View Post
    Don't get me wrong, it's not a hideous car.
    Funnily enough I attended a couple of the early focus groups looking at some of the potential new designs being put forward. Suffice it to say my first reaction on seeing the final production models was to breath a large sigh of relief.

  15. #15
    Master PhilipK's Avatar
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    I quite like hard-top convertibles, and have recently been vaguely looking at getting a Mk3.75 (NC3) MX-5. I have obviously considered the Mk4 (ND) as part of the process. The killer for me is that the RF is no longer really a proper convertible, but just a targa.

    I'm also not completely convinced by the looks.

  16. #16
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    I really like the looks of the latest iteration - the best so far IMHO. I took one for a test drive and really enjoyed it - since then Mazda upped the power and I'm sure it must be even more fun.

    I happened to see a red 124 Spider yesterday and that was also gorgeous.

    Sent from my moto e5 play using Tapatalk

  17. #17
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    Quote Originally Posted by learningtofly View Post
    No need to apologise. Personally I don’t regard this as ugly, though...

    We bought one of these last year Tony , only in white. We decided against the hardtop as there are a number of reviews about thrumming and turbulence when the hood is down. The ND mk 4 is lighter than the previous generations and more like the mk1 at just under 1000kgs.

    Specced up with Bilstiens and a limited slip diff from the factory, you have a low cost lovely back lanes / track car.

  18. #18
    Grand Master number2's Avatar
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    The 124 looks like a good alternative as I would prefer a simple soft top.
    "Once is happenstance. Twice is coincidence. The third time it's enemy action."

    'Populism, the last refuge of a Tory scoundrel'.

  19. #19
    Grand Master learningtofly's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by number2 View Post
    The 124 looks like a good alternative as I would prefer a simple soft top.
    It comes with a simple side soft top too.
    Last edited by learningtofly; 5th January 2020 at 15:45.

  20. #20
    Grand Master number2's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by learningtofly View Post
    It comes with a simple side top too.
    I'm puzzled which isn't so unusual.
    "Once is happenstance. Twice is coincidence. The third time it's enemy action."

    'Populism, the last refuge of a Tory scoundrel'.

  21. #21
    Grand Master learningtofly's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by number2 View Post
    I'm puzzled which isn't so unusual.
    I can't think why

  22. #22
    Grand Master number2's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by learningtofly View Post
    I can't think why
    Sunday afternoon, 3 pints
    "Once is happenstance. Twice is coincidence. The third time it's enemy action."

    'Populism, the last refuge of a Tory scoundrel'.

  23. #23
    Grand Master oldoakknives's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by learningtofly View Post
    Bloody hell. I pulled up beside one while I was out on the bike yesterday. Must have escaped my attention when announced... what a bloody lovely car.





    Sister In law had new one last year and can't help thinking it looks nicer.

    (Can't help wondering what it would look like with a boot wing spoiler, wood rim steering wheel and some cheap plastic bucket seats btw. )
    Started out with nothing. Still have most of it left.

  24. #24
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    I love the new shape and came close to buying one last year, but I decided to go for a MK3.5 instead as I wanted a proper folding hard top and the cheaper car mean't I had the budget for a few mods.

    Tony, if you're planning to have a look at one there was an engine update in late 2018 which saw the 2.0 go from 160bhp to a claimed 180. I say claimed as BBR saw over 190 on their standard car before upgrading it to 220.

  25. #25
    Grand Master Foxy100's Avatar
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    I tried out the new one with the retractable roof but didn’t fit. Fine if you’re under 5’. Oh, wait...
    "A man of little significance"

  26. #26
    Grand Master snowman's Avatar
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    Been out a few years, though, as I won a drive of one up Goodwood hill at the FOS 3 or 4 years ago!

    Personally, I think the MX5 is nicer looking than the 124, which seems a bit faux (like the VW Beetle recreation, etc), but you seem (or seemed a while ago, at least) to be able to get some cracking lease deals on the 124.

    Would be hard to say my drive at Goodwood gave me a massive insight into the MX5, not least as we met a tractor coming the other way at one point - So much for the 'professionalism' of the marshals there... .

    It seemed pleasant enough, much like my RX8 at the time, but with a lot less oomph, but, as I say, it wasn't enough of a drive to get a really good feel for the car and it's behaviour.

    M

  27. #27
    I saw a chap driving one down mt fuji as I was shuffling up the mountain in a rented Suzuki Swift - he was having the time of his life

    I thihk there is logic to have a well balanced, nicely powered, lithe front engined rear wheel drive roadster that you don't need to break the speed limit in to enjoy.

    Perfect car for the B road blast and odd track day

    Sent from my SM-G977B using TZ-UK mobile app

  28. #28
    Quote Originally Posted by Foxy100 View Post
    I tried out the new one with the retractable roof but didn’t fit. Fine if you’re under 5’. Oh, wait...
    likewise, I can’t fit in the new version. Do consider any passengers etc.
    It's just a matter of time...

  29. #29
    Master earlofsodbury's Avatar
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    My wife has had the 30th Anniversary ND (the bright orange one...) 2.0 RF since the summer. There's no escaping the fact NDs are small - I'm under 6' and just fit, but apart from that, they are a significant uplift from all of the previous generations in looks, handling and performance. For a start they are the lightest of all 4 generations - yes, even than the original, and have the most power.

    You really want the second generation 2.0L as that not only has more outright power, but also revs higher and has a better spread of torque (and matched and balanced cams, lightened valves, uprated fuel injection... &c. The engine upgrade was a lot more than a tweaked-up ECU). The "1.5 is better" is regurgitated motoring writer nonsense - *that* is the hairdresser car: all the looks, none of the go.

    "The RF's just a targa" is also a meme - how much weather do you actually *want* in your cabin? Rhetorical question - the RF lets in just as much as you need, and does so while being more secure and not needing rethatching every 5-10 years! Costs a few more £s and lbs, sure, but nothing significant.

    Meme 3: "Suspension's too soft". No it isn't. Unless you *enjoy* back pain. And piles. It's a complaint made by people who've driven too many overweight, undersprung computer-driven German hatewagens. If you like those, you will never "get" an MX-5. Why even try?

    They're not for everyone, of course, but don't let idiots on forums make your mind up - get a test drive. And do it soon, cos a gutless hybrid NE is on its way - so the ND will very likely be the last mainstream naturally-aspirated sports cars ever...

  30. #30
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    If my vx220 ever gets nicked or written off I'd be getting an MX-5 in a heartbeat.

    You can spank one along a B road within the speed limit.

    I prefer to drive a slower car fast than a faster car slow.

  31. #31
    Master
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    I really like them too. Unfortunately I didn't fit when I sat in one at Goodwood. Too tall and too wide apparently.

    Still, bigger inside than an S2000

    Sent from my SM-G903F using TZ-UK mobile app

  32. #32
    Grand Master learningtofly's Avatar
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    Thanks for sharing your thoughts, everyone. A test ride beckons at some point soon.

  33. #33
    Quote Originally Posted by Parabola View Post
    I really like them too. Unfortunately I didn't fit when I sat in one at Goodwood. Too tall and too wide apparently.

    Still, bigger inside than an S2000

    Sent from my SM-G903F using TZ-UK mobile app
    considerably less headroom than an S2000 though. I was touching the roof and I’m only a touch over 6.
    It's just a matter of time...

  34. #34
    There used to be massive discounts on Drive the Deal too. With 50% deposits and 0% on the rest. I was seriously considering buying one for my mother to replace her weekend MR2.
    It's just a matter of time...

  35. #35
    Journeyman
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    Thought long and hard about the 30 AE before stretching to my A110 but big fan of the mx5 following 3 test drives and will no doubt wish I had a top down option come summer!

  36. #36
    We've had our 2ltr Sport Nav+ convertible since Easter last year, we had the loan of the demo car 1.5ltr RF for a 1000 trip to Germany as ours wasn't ready.

    Both the engines and cars are totally different, the RF being more suited to long motorway runs.

    Mush prefer the 2lrt with the high revs and performance.

    I had various performance cars over the years, but when asked by a few people about the MX5 I've said it's the most fun you can have with your trousers on and keep your license.

    It feels nimble and that your driving faster than you actually are.

  37. #37
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    You can get a prereg 30AE for £23k cash, which sounds pretty good to me for a runaround.

  38. #38
    Quote Originally Posted by Skyman View Post
    You can get a prereg 30AE for £23k cash, which sounds pretty good to me for a runaround.
    Interesting as I saw on Pistonheads 2020 prices are out and there is an increase of over 10% across the board. Mazda have also said that supplies of 2 litre cars will be restricted.

  39. #39
    Craftsman skmark's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by earlofsodbury View Post
    My wife has had the 30th Anniversary ND (the bright orange one...) 2.0 RF since the summer......
    I personally think that one is the dogs.......



    I had a Mk 2.5 a good few years back, loved it. I replaced it with a Boxster S 986, then a 997 C4S and another Boxster S 987......but if I'm really honest none of those were quite a much fun as the MX-5.

    For the record.....I've never cut hair. Don't listen to the nay-sayers.

  40. #40
    interior is to small

  41. #41
    Master petethegeek's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Skyman View Post
    You can get a prereg 30AE for £23k cash, which sounds pretty good to me for a runaround.
    Or just under £25 if you take one of each -
    https://goodsmileshop.com/en/On-Sale...p/16D_WD_01400

  42. #42
    Here's ours, I wouldn't say the interior is too small, I'm 6ft and fit in OK, the boot is big enough for boxes of wine and beer, what else do you need?
    Attached Images Attached Images

  43. #43
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    always loved the MX5; ex had a series 1 & 3; but i'm just too bloody tall for one at 6'5"

    just think Mazda put a small sports car together so well and the hairdresser stuff is just BS; nice, fun, nippy little cars can be small engined, small interiored and great fun (if you fit in)

  44. #44
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    Just cant like that face!


  45. #45
    Quote Originally Posted by pete-r View Post
    I prefer to drive a slower car fast than a faster car slow.
    Wise words. Some of the most fun I ever had behind the wheel was in my wife's 750cc Fiat Panda. No weight, no grip - lurid 4 wheels drifts at 40mph on the roundabouts on the ring road. Wherever I was going, I got there late but always with a smile on my face.

    Cheers,

    Plug

  46. #46
    Master earlofsodbury's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by pete-r View Post
    If my vx220 ever gets nicked or written off I'd be getting an MX-5 in a heartbeat.
    Lovely car that! My wife's a total petrolhead (her weekend car's a '91 NSX), so I treated her to BBR's "Super 220" engine upgrade, plus exhaust system, for xmas. The MX-5 now dynos at a pleasing 222BHP and with a torque plateau that you'd normally need a turbo for, but none of the downsides. If the VX is ever killed, I think you'd enjoy this very much - same linearity, and revs higher.

    Quote Originally Posted by Waxman View Post
    Thought long and hard about the 30 AE before stretching to my A110
    Nice! Very nice. Not driven one, but that would be on the wish list.

    ---

    There are a few cancelled-order 30ths about - all soft tops. Provided you like orange, the tweaks are very nice to have. And no-one's buying ragtops in winter, so deals should be have-able.

  47. #47
    Grand Master learningtofly's Avatar
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    Tbh, I'm pretty much committed to the hard top. Not quite the right moment yet, but I'm not seeing anything that puts me off.

  48. #48
    Master
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    Had the new 1.5 a few years back, drove across Europe with it and it never missed a beat.

    No real reason to sell it but I did (after putting some nice suspension and exhaust on it - loses the comedy ride height and tightens it up a bit).



    Now done the same with the Fiat 124 - lightweight wheels, remap, bit of induction and exhaust, same Meister R suspension as I had in the MX-5)
    Next to the newer 2.0 MX-5 that actually likes to be revved.



    Great cars for when you want something that wont break down, a soft top that doesnt leak, real world usable and more importantly fun performance (its just a car, missus was happy to doddle about across Spain whereas she wouldnt entertain the Elise/Exige/Atom/Caterham we've had in the past.

    My track day career is long gone and I get much more enjoyment from touring in this.

    And the heated seats are nice :)

  49. #49
    Craftsman Thomps68's Avatar
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    Mrs T recently got a used low mileage Recaro ltd edition 2.0L , well spec’d and looks good with additional body bits, a great car.




    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  50. #50
    Craftsman
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    The nd is the best looking mx5 since the na in my opinion,I have a red mk1 currently and I really rate it as a driver's car even though it has no power!!!
    When it dies I'll be after an orange nd 30th anniversary edition.

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