Mazda MX-5

The Mazda MX-5’s interior is versatile. Its Nappa Tan Leather upholstery gives off a classy vibe, while the black leather upholstery is for those who prefer a sporty-themed cabin. Although, one of the main downsides of owning this sports car is its significantly-small cabin. To compensate for this, the MX-5 was given interior features that provide comfort and premium entertainment to all passengers. It is equipped with a 7G Mazda Connect Infotainment System that has an 8.8-inch LCD display. This infotainment system is linked to a 9-speaker BOSE sound system. It also offers wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. 

Exclusive to the driver is a 4.6-inch digital speedometer with LCD display and a classy-looking leather-wrapped shift knob. You and your passenger also have access to dual USB-C ports. With this in mind, Mazda really considered the convenience and overall wellbeing of all passengers in the engineering of this two-door sports car, despite having limited space.

From the outside, the Mazda MX-5 Soft Top still has a hint of its 1st-gen look when it comes to its cute demeanor. But unlike its elder, the 4th-generation model has a powerful (or fast) vibe to it thanks to its driver-inspired design. It is equipped with 17-inch black metallic alloy wheels that show its knack for the motorsport. However, if you prefer a more sophisticated appearance, you can avail its 17-inch diamond cut alloy wheels. This sports car is equipped with premium LED lighting for its headlights, running lamps, and rear combination lamps. Its headlights are adaptive and the combination lamps come with passive collision signals. 

When you are behind this sports car on the road, you’ll see its dual type exhaust tail pipes with finishers, which would definitely hype up racing enthusiasts and even kids who just enjoy looking at fast cars. On the sides, its mirrors are coated in gloss black, giving this car a really nice sporty styling. In terms of size, it is 3,915 mm in length, 1,735 mm in width, 1,230 mm in height. This sports car has a wheelbase of 2,310 mm.

The Mazda MX-5 Soft Top utilizes a suspension combination of a double wishbone (with bilstein dampers for MT variant) suspension at the front and a multi-link at the rear. Regardless of the transmission, both variants offer great handling, nimble maneuvering, and just an overall smooth and relaxed driving experience. It is great for city driving. However, similar to other sports cars, it is not that advisable to drive the MX-5 Soft Top on rough terrain.

Both variants of the Mazda MX-5 Soft Top are powered by Mazda’s 2L, in-line 4-cylinder SKYACTIV-G engine that produces a maximum power output of 184 PS and a maximum torque of 205 Nm. The base variant runs on 6-speed manual transmission and has a top speed of 219 kmph, while the higher variant runs on 6-speed automatic transmission with sport mode and has a slightly lower top speed of 199 kmph. 

Both variants can offer an enjoyable driving experience. However, the manual variant is a little better when it comes to cruising on highways at high speeds. Setting aside fuel consumption, this sports car is actually a good daily vehicle since it is not complicated to drive and offers driver-friendly performance on the road.

Driving the Mazda MX-5 is not an issue when it comes to safety. It is equipped with Mazda’s i-ACTIVSENSE (the brand’s ADAS) that offers lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, driver attention alert, rear cross brake support, and smart support for both the front and rear brakes. It is also made with standard security features. In terms of braking, the MX-5 utilizes ventilated discs at the front, while solid discs at the rear. Its brake setup has an anti-lock braking system. To add additional layers of security, it gets cruise control and a dynamic stability control mechanism.

The Mazda MX-5 is a great choice if you are looking for a cheaper sports car that could give you an exciting ride since it is very easy to maneuver and has great handling. However, if you prefer more space and visibility while driving at high speeds on the road, then this car is not for you.