The Mazda MX-5 is one of the world’s most popular and recognisable sports cars, with millions of fans across the globe and a raft of awards to its name. It first roared onto the scene over three decades ago, and to this day remains a big hitter—not least because it’s one of the cheapest cars in its class, while coming with all the essentials.
Equipment, options and extras
The entry-level Prime-Line trim includes 16in alloy wheels, heated seats, cruise and climate control, and a touchscreen infotainment system. Our pick of the range is the Exclusive-Line trim, which brings extras like leather seats, keyless entry, and a few additional bits of safety kit. But there’s also a 2L version of the Exclusive-Line, which adds 17in alloys, adaptive LED headlights, several suspension upgrades, and a limited-slip differential over the 1.5L versions. Finally, the top-spec Homura is available only with the 2L engine, and introduces cosmetic tweaks, including red brake callipers, BBS alloy wheels and Nappa leather seats. Naturally it’s a fair bit pricier than our favourite the 1.5L Exclusive-Line, but still nowhere near as expensive as the entry-level BMW Z4, one of the MX-5’s main competitors.
Costs, insurance groups, mpg and CO2
The MX-5 is the only two-seat sports car you’ll find at this price level, especially among 1.5L models. That being said, even the 2L versions are significantly cheaper than bigger and more powerful rivals, costing dramatically less than an entry-level BMW Z4, for example.
That being said, the MX-5 is predicted to depreciate faster than most of its rivals—although as a company car, when you account for its cheaper list price and low CO2 output, it still costs less in tax.
Whichever engine you opt for, the MX-5 is cheap to run by sports car standards. It’s light, and both petrol engines manage an efficient 40mpg. It comes with tempting PCP deals, and Mazda usually offers interest-free finance and cheap monthly payments, although these may only come your way if you commit to a sizeable initial deposit.
Safety and security
Euro NCAP awarded the MX-5 four stars out of five, but that was in 2015, and those results have since expired. It’s hard to compare the MX-5 to one of its key rivals, the BMW Z4, because the latter underwent more stringent tests in 2019.
One reason the MX-5 missed out on the full five stars was that its automatic emergency braking didn’t come as standard across the range—although on closer inspection it’s only the entry-level Prime-Line trim that goes without. Plus, all versions come with both traffic sign monitoring and lane departure warning. Optional safety equipment includes roll bars, four airbags, stability control, an Isofix child seat mounting point, and a bonnet that springs up to reduce pedestrian injuries on impact.
Finally, the MX-5 comes with an alarm and engine immobiliser as standard. Thatcham Research awarded it four stars for break-in resistance, and a full five stars for theft resistance.
Reliability
The MX-5 comes with a 3-year, 60,000-mile warranty, which can be extended for a premium, with the option of European roadside assistance.
The Car Planet verdict
The Mazda MX-5 is a terrific sports car, not as speedy as some of its rivals, but still boasting nimble handling, a sweet gearbox and free-revving engines.
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