Mazdaspeed MX-5 M'z Tune 2007 Review

Launched: Mazdaspeed MX-5 M'z Tune

Mazda's light, agile, dynamically blessed MX-5 is already one of those cars that tempts you to seek out that winding road and long way home. So how about this tricked up Japan market Mazdaspeed M'z Tune? Even better, is the verdict. It's a total blast from A to Z.

The work of in-house tuning wizards, Mazda E&T, this M'z Tune is a careful blend of go-faster bits to put more steel into the way the MX-5 goes, steers, stops and looks. But at the same time it doesn't upset that famed balance, response and all-round purity that are central to the MX-5 formula.

There's no turbo; instead, this is a subtly pumped-up version of the domestic six-speed Roadster RS, the raciest soft-top version of the MX-5 in Japan.

The engine mods don't look much on paper, but boost torque (up by about seven percent, as is power) and toughen up the exhaust note, it's crisp, zingy and rev hungry, surely the closest thing to a Mazda 'Type R' equivalent.

Body and suspension also feel amazingly taut. In come stiffer spring rates and new adjustable Bilstein dampers. Inevitably, the ride is harder now (the car rides over bumps instead of smothering them), but it's not jarring and brings another level of sharpness to what's already a wonderfully darty, intuitive package.

Despite standard 17-inch tyres, the M'z corners harder and faster and holds on longer before losing grip and drifting into mild understeer, so you'll need to work harder to push the tail out, at least in the dry. Steering remains unfailingly meaty, consistent and accurate, and competition pads have been included to boost stopping power.

So, what's not to like? Very little. At the equivalent of $31,300 in Japan, the M'z Tune is some 20 percent up on the standard model, yet can be bought and serviced through your friendly local Mazda dealer in Japan.

Worth it? Definately. This is easily one of the best-ever MX-5s, and one that really deserves a wider audience.