Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe 2013 Review

The Mazda MX-5 is one of those perennial favourites that just feels like it has always been there. It does its job incredibly well, receives the right amount of praise and carries on, continuing to please as always.

There’s some who say the MX-5 could use more power, but I’d argue they’re missing the point. The little Mazda is, and for the most part always has been, about enjoying open-air motoring and the benefits of a tidy chassis.

It’s a simple formula, and that’s evident not only from the specifications list, but also from the equipment you’re surrounded with once inside. There’s no Bluetooth streaming or telephony, for example, no sat-nav or climate control. In fact, there’s not even a trip computer or an ambient temperature gauge.

But the MX-5 gets away with this because you’re so engaged in the pleasure of driving the car, and feeling it working at one with you, that technology and gadgets seem to equate for little.

So, how is it then that the MX-5 costs $47,280 -- for the entry model no less? In short, I’m damned if I know. There’s not a lot there to be asking such a premium for. Heck, it’s twice the price it costs in the USA.

Sure, there’s a folding hard-top roof in place of the canvas top (whose loss I lament), but even this can’t be grounds for such a steep base price. In fact, if you add an automatic transmission, and the fancy alloy wheels of the Sports package, the MX-5 arrives delivered at $56,257!

Now we’re aware that competitors of the same ilk offer similar kit for the same money, but most of these are front-wheel drive and ergo lack the spirit and dynamism of a ‘true’ roadster. Or have I just got caught up in Mazda’s spin?

The Golf Cabriolet starts at $37,490. It’s a pretty decent drive, has two more seats and more equipment. The MINI Cabrio begins at $40,350. It too is a pretty good little steerer, also has four seats and comes with a rag top.

There’s more than half a dozen examples I could list, and if you forego the convertible option altogether, the crisp dynamics and similar power-to-weight ratio of the Toyota 86 Coupe can be yours from $29,990 (plus ORCs).

Mazda updated the MX-5 recently with the aforementioned folding hard-top, a newly-sculpted front bumper, larger grille, revised throttle map and new brake booster said to better control front/rear brake distribution for improved stopping ability.

Both the MX-5 Roadster Coupe and Roadster Coupe Sports remain powered by Mazda’s normally-aspirated MZR S-VT 2.0-litre four-cylinder. It develops 118kW at 7000rpm and 188Nm at 5000rpm. The figures aren’t what you’d call impressive, but in a package weighing 1167kg are enough to whisk the MX-5 to 100km/h in 7.8 seconds.

It’s a great little engine, and is quite economical. On test, I managed just less than 9.0L/100km in spite of reasonably enthusiastic driving. The engine develops its power very high in the rev range, and needs to be worked hard to achieve brisk performance, so it’s pleasing to note that fuel consumption was relatively low.

It’ll be even more interesting to see what Mazda could achieve with the SKYACTIV technology offered in its Mazda3 once this makes its way into the new MX-5 come late 2014 or early 2015.

In the case of our test car, the MX-5 is offered with a slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission, however a six-speed automatic is also available. The pedal box on the MX-5 is responsive and well spaced while the steering wheel is also appropriately set to offer comfortable placement behind the wheel.

There’s no denying the MX-5’s cockpit is tight, and taller drivers may struggle with vision across the top of the windscreen. Rear lateral vision is also an issue with the hardtop in place, but thankfully the MX-5’s well-sized mirrors are sufficient for safe lane changing. Unfortunately parking sensors are not standard on the base model but are on the Coupe Sports.

In short, the MX-5 is a favourite for a reason. It’s a car that lets the driver feel in touch with their machine and enjoy the open road for the pure sake of it. Every trip is one to be enjoyed, and when you’re really pushing on, the MX-5 delivers fun in volumes. If only it was cheap enough to deliver all that it does at a price better suited to its own reality.

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