Mazda MX-5 Exclusive Line | Eurekar

In the somewhat clinical world of electric cars and hybrids, the Mazda MX-5 is a shining example for lovers of real driving.

This trendy little two-seater convertible has been around since 1989 and, despite serious competition, is still a firm favourite among car enthusiasts.

And despite the many different improvements to keep it fresh, Mazda has cleverly retained the basic shape – albeit now with much more flair and stylish contours – leaving no room for mistaking the models it has built over the past 35 years.

With its front-engine, rear-wheel drive and six-speed manual transmission, the MX-5 is the archetypal roadster.

Today there is a range of eight models, including four convertibles and four of the more expensive RF (retractable fastback) models, which have electrically folding metal roofs. There are also three trim levels available and two engine sizes, a 1.5-liter and a 2.0-liter.

Prices range from £28,000 to £37,000.

The model I chose was the more traditional 1.5-litre, two-seater roadster with its manually folding canvas roof, which can be lowered in seconds, even from the driver’s seat. And if it rains, it can be raised just as quickly.

And the beauty of the MX-5 is that it’s one of the few open-top cars that’s designed so that you can actually drive with the roof down, without being bothered by the wind. Part of that is thanks to a handy little plastic wind deflector that fits between the seats but can be removed in seconds.

The height, or lack thereof, means you need to be fairly agile to get into the car. Once inside, the car is cramped but comfortable, but there’s little room for personal items. There’s only a storage compartment between the seatbacks and a more discreet but hard-to-reach storage area behind the passenger seat.

In true sports car style, the car seems to wrap around you as you settle into the comfortable rally seats. Not only are they heated, but they also have Bose speakers in the headrests, so you can easily listen to music even with the roof down.

In front of the driver is a three-dial display with, as you might expect, the rev counter dominating the centre. And – a rarity these days – there’s a leather-wrapped handbrake on the transmission tunnel.

Press the start button and a delicious, raw roar comes from the 132bhp engine. This power source is perfectly suited to this car and delivers lively but controllable performance. This allows you to fully enjoy the MX-5’s strengths, but still remain relaxed.

The MX-5 is a very manoeuvrable machine that is perfect for use on country roads. The small turning circle makes it easy to manoeuvre.

Changes to the car for 2024 include a new LED headlight design that embraces the daytime running lights and new LED taillights. And changes in the cabin include a larger, 8.8-inch, touchscreen and additional USB ports.

Otherwise, it’s business as usual. But why mess too much with a model that’s been going from strength to strength for over three decades?

There are a few things I would have liked to see in the car: a reversing camera (standard on the more expensive models in the range) and folding wing mirrors to prevent damage when parking the car in a parking space. But apart from that, the MX-5 is a great car, especially when the sun is shining.

But perhaps I’m biased, as I spent the first ten years of my automotive career in a series of two-seater convertibles.

€30,015

132 hp, 1,496 cc, 4-cylinder petrol engine drives the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission

127 mph

8.3 seconds

44.8

27

142 grams/km

33%

3 years/60,000 miles

4.5