Mazda MX-5 Hardtop: Old & New Review

Hard times ahead
The Mazda MX-5 is the world’s favourite roadster. Over four generations the compact convertible has sold more than a million examples, in more recent times including the folding hardtop versions sampled here.

It’s a trend that began in 2007 when Mazda saw an opportunity to compete with the likes of the Ford Focus Coupe Cabriolet, Holden Astra Twin Top, Peugeot 307CC, Renault Megane CC, and the Volkswagen Eos. Unlike those models, however, the MX-5 Roadster Coupe offered rear-wheel drive, and the dynamism it continues to bring to the segment.

It was also something of a lightweight amongst its competitor set. Weighing just 30kg more than its soft-top sibling, the 1152kg Roadster Coupe stayed true to the MX-5 formula, while simultaneously offering the safety, security and refinement new-age convertible buyers were coming to expect.

At $47,660 (plus ORCs) the MX-5 Roadster Coupe wasn’t cheap – even if competitively priced against its rivals. It was, however, some $5000 dearer than its fabric-topped derivative, much the same premium the current, cheaper Retractable Fastback (from $38,550 plus ORCs) asks over the 2.0-litre Convertible on which it’s based.

The more things change...
Ten years is a long time on the automotive stage. Advancements come thick and fast, and as modern as the NC-series Roadster Coupe still appears, it’s evident Mazda’s environmentally-focussed SKYACTIV suite of technologies have significantly improved driveline and body performance.

In a word the current ND-series Retractable Hardtop feels more precise. The controls are lighter and more instinctive, while cornering accuracy – and the response of the engine – is detectably sharper.

There are also abundant infotainment, connectivity and driver-assistance advancements the NC now sorely lacks. Even when new the Roadster Coupe’s BOSE audio system (with six-CD player and AM/FM tuner) was old hat, with many rivals offering Bluetooth connectivity, or at least the benefit of a 3.5mm auxiliary input.

In this respect, the Retractable Fastback ups the ante big time. Mazda’s MZD Connect infotainment array provides wireless and USB audio connectivity, Bluetooth telephony and audio streaming, plus satellite navigation to name a few. All are accessed via a console-mounted rotary controller and displayed on a 7.0-inch colour screen.

And of course the newer model makes strides on the safety front, too. The unsophisticated stability control and anti-lock brakes of the NC are replaced with near-intuitive electronic chassis aids, the inclusion of active LED headlights, an active pedestrian-friendly bonnet, blind-spot monitoring, and tyre-pressure monitoring – all contributing to a higher five-star ANCAP safety rating.

The 2018 MX-5 RF GT also picks up heated seats, single-zone climate control, a digitised instrument panel with full-function trip computer, auto headlights and wipers, keyless entry, and push-button ignition.

Here comes the ‘but’
We’ve previously expressed a love for the latest ND-series MX-5 for returning the car to its roots. Those warm, fuzzy feelings still stand. But when looking at the Retractable Fastback against the Roadster Coupe there are differences we find less convincing.

The first – and perhaps most obvious – contrast is that the latest folding hardtop really isn’t. Yes, it’s still an automated means of letting the sunshine in. But as the name suggests the Retractable Fastback is more closely akin to a Targa top, the behind-cabin buttresses retaining the car’s coupe-like form even when the roof is retracted.

Not only does this give the Roadster Coupe the distinct advantage of feeling more like a true convertible, it also benefits outward visibility. Whether the roof is retracted or not the Retractable Fastback creates massive lateral blind spots, a real nuisance when changing lane or parking in tight spots.

The newer hardtop’s design also impinges on headroom. The smaller cabin is less comfortable on longer trips, and less useful in terms of practicality and storage. The ten-year-old Roadster Coupe offers twice the number of cup-holders (four), more storage cubbies, and a glovebox in the dashboard.

We also found the wind intrusion and noise levels less invasive in the older model when driven in ‘roof-down’ mode.

Mazda’s older MX-5 hardtop also provides more boot space than the current model. The Roadster Coupe delivers 150 litres of cargo capacity against the Retractable Fastback’s 127 litres.

Dimensionally, the smaller fourth-generation MX-5 Retractable Fastback measures 3915mm long (-80mm), 1735mm wide (+15mm), 1235mm tall (-10mm), and sits on a 2310mm wheelbase (-20mm). Both ride on 17-inch alloy wheels, though the ND returns to a four-stud centre.

You’re all torque
At the pointy end, our hardtop MX-5s both feature a 2.0-litre engine, and are matched to a six-speed manual transmission. For either, a six-speed automatic is available, and for convertible ND-series variants a less potent 1.5-litre mill is also available.

Despite sharing four cylinders and an identical cubic capacity (1998cc), Mazda’s high-compression direct-injected SKYACTIV engine has lifted the torque performance of the ND-series, jumping 12Nm to 200Nm at 4600rpm. The multi-point-injected predecessor made its 188Nm at a higher speed of 5000rpm.

Power is identical at 118kW apiece, the older MZR S-VT unit’s peak arriving at 6700rpm where the newer PE-series engine comes on song at a lower 6000 revs.

Straight-line acceleration for the 2007 Roadster Coupe was claimed at 7.8sec for the 0-100km/h dash. Mazda doesn’t list a time for the lighter (1080kg) Retractable Fastback, but we managed 8.3sec when recently comparing it to the Toyota 86.

Fuel consumption falls appreciably (on paper, at least), a combined-cycle difference of 1.5L/100km in the newer model’s favour. Both cars prefer 95 RON premium unleaded.

We also found the snickity-quick six-speed manual shaper and shorter of throw, the clutch a whisker lighter and the brake pedal stroke fractionally more concise. Both cars run an electronic (or drive-by-wire) throttle, the ND-series MX-5 taking the win for its livelier and better metered response.

Steering feel and feedback on the other hand is a hands-down win to the hydraulically-assisted NC-series; even if the newer model’s electric arrangement is lighter and marginally more responsive.

My two cents
As an owner and club racer, I admit to coming away from every MX-5 I drive with a childish grin. For the money there are so very few cars that can match the sheer entertainment value of Mazda’s little roadster, and in any form they’re a well-balanced and involving steer.

With the roof in place, however, Mazda’s MX-5 hardtops are a quieter, more civilised, and more secure alternative to the traditional soft-top, adding comfort and practicality for broader appeal.

2007 Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe pricing and specifications:
Price: $47,660 (when new, plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol
Output: 118kW/188Nm (102.4W/kg)
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Fuel: 8.5L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 200g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: N/A

2018 Mazda MX-5 Retractable Fastback GT pricing and specifications:
Price: $43,890 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol
Output: 118kW/200Nm (111.8W/kg)
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Fuel: 7.0L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 162g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP