Mazda MX-5: Ice Academy

Mazda MX-5
Quick Spin
Colorado, USA

The snow-covered MX-5s were stock standard rear-drive vehicles, their 2.0-litre engines ringing up enough power to send them from 0-100km/h in 7.3 seconds. Not ballistic, but not lethargic either. Powertrain energy transfer to the rear axle – 118kW and 200Nm in total – is via a short-shift six-speed manual transmission

Officials on the ice track intimated that real drivers drop the top when tackling the autocross course... Even when its 20 degrees centigrade below zero!

So after trialling the CX-5 in the extreme conditions – roughly two metres of powder snow fell over 48 hours, shutting airports and roads – it was time to hop into the MX-5 to ... Umm. I'm not sure what the purpose of the test was, but am I glad I did it!

Before I go any further, I must divulge that the only experience I've had in the fourth-generation [ND] MX-5 has been in the 1.5-litre version, and then only driving to and from work. At this point, I've yet to throw the new Mazda sportster through a corner in anger.

So, after my first lap of this snow-covered autocross track, I'm grinning from ear to ear.

Even in low grip conditions the MX-5 is absolutely malleable, a combination of crisp throttle, steering clarity and responsive chassis conspiring to sweep the Mazda's rear-end this way and that at the driver's behest.

On only the second attempt, a driver who is a self-confessed drift noddy managed to link up six corners of the track in a slow-motion, beautifully choreographed drift. It's like a somatic symphony when perfected, and goes to show just how connected the driver can be with this particular car.

Using the throttle to encourage the MX-5's rear end to slide out while counter-steering to ensure the desired trajectory is not only hugely addictive, it's also relatively easy.

Equipped with Bridgestone Blizzak tyres minus chains or studs, there was a decent level of grip when going easy on the throttle (this never lasted long) but there were just as many 360-degree spins as there were smooth power-slides.

So why exactly are we here, thrashing an MX-5 around a snow-covered ice track?

"To have fun," explains one of the marshals. And just like the MX-5's agility, it's as simple as that.

2016 Mazda MX-5 Roadster pricing and specifications:
Price: $31,990 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol
Output: 96kW/150Nm
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Fuel: 6.1L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 142g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Four-star ANCAP

Also consider:
>> Toyota 86 (from $29,990 plus ORCs)
>> Hyundai Veloster (from $24,490 plus ORCs)