Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe 2007 Review

Road test

Mazda's MX-5 is an automotive benchmark -- its sporting credentials are beyond doubt. Upon its launch in 1989 it became an instant classic, while the current iteration, which landed here in 2005, has safely secured the cute and cuddly roadster's pre-eminence in affordable and fun open-top motoring.

If there was one chink in the armour of the low-riding warrior, however, it's that against a growing army of hardtop competitors its fabric roof could be found wanting in several key areas -- safety, security and refinement. The new folding hardtop roof model which arrived first in August '06 addresses all three concerns.

The fabric-covered roof of the MX-5 is a beauty and thank goodness Mazda has had the sense to keep it in its line-up [Ed: for now!]. In even better news the famous MX-5 driving experience has been largely retained in the new, more practical Roadster Coupe (CarPoint's launch review

There's still the punchy 118kW 2.0-litre engine up front driving the rear wheels in time-honoured sportscar tradition and the slick six-speed manual and excellent six-speed 'Activematic' auto (as fitted to our test car) have also been carried over.

The Roadster Coupe comes fully specced with leather seats and trim, BOSE stereo, aircon, power windows, ABS brakes and front and side airbags.

In fact, there's not much that has changed -- which is a darn good thing. The MX-5's delicate balance of fine handling with capable -- if not hairy chested -- performance would be very easy to stuff up.

The changes to the Roadster Coupe therefore all concern the roof.

The hardtop is simple and easy to use with push-button activation and only a simple hand-operated locking device near the top of the windscreen to worry about. Mazda claim the two-piece retracting composite roof can be lowered in 12sec.

The roof features a moulded headlining which avoids sagging, discoloured cloth in future and there's also a heated glass rear window. With roof up or down the silhouette of the roadster remains similar to its soft-top brethren.

Due to the addition of a steel boot and the necessary strengthening, however, weight has crept up to 1142kg. What this all means is a 37kg gain that at first glance -- or drive -- might not appear a large burden but in a package originally weighing only 1105kg it is a fair bit of ballast to take onboard.

To accommodate the roof and its mechanism there's a slightly higher boot line but gently pumped out rear guards keep the proportions attractive to the eye. The original's modest 150 litres of boot space has thankfully been retained -- but in truth it is only capable of storing a few shopping bags or a small set of soft luggage for a weekend away.

The soft-top MX-5 will probably remain the connoisseur's choice for driving enjoyment but the Roadster Coupe will appeal to a broader market. Where it really comes into its own is for the customer who parks their car on the street. There's no fabric to fade and it's much more secure against theft.

There has never been much to criticise the MX-5 but the Roadster Coupe's advantages bring some compromises: it's not as quiet as a true hardtop coupe, there are a few annoying creaks and, of course, the aforementioned weight gain and accompanying softer handling. But if you can't live with these minor complaints look elsewhere -- this is an open car after all and a very good one.

While the Roadster Coupe is a more practical daily driver, if it's mainly used for weekend joyrides -- and you have a garage -- then the original soft-top would still be the writer's choice.

That said, Mazda has done its best to make the decision difficult.

The Roadster Coupe's premium over the $44,730 top-spec Touring soft-top with the optional $2390 hardtop in place is negligible. And as such it looks like Mazda is set to sell a lot of Roadster Coupes.