Mazda MX-5

While the interior cabin of the Mazda MX-5 isn’t as dramatic or swooping to look at as in other range-topping sports cars, what can impress the people at the very first moment is the supremely plush fit and finish levels as well as right placement of all the controls, making the cabin look modern as well as ergonomic.

The three-spoke multi-functional steering wheel, as well as tri-pod analog instrument console, might not be the most futuristic-looking driver’s cockpit given the current times. However, the rest of the cabin looks contemporary with the free-standing touchscreen infotainment system in the middle of the dashboard, which gets a stunning dual-tone black and burgundy layout.

The round-shaped AC vents as well as round knobs for the controls of automatic climate control make the cabin look even better. The brushed aluminium finish in the center transmission tunnel enhances the appeal of the cabin even more. In addition, features like Nappa leather upholstery, push-button start with keyless entry, powered driver’s seat, and a 9-speaker BOSE audio system further take the premium quotient of the cabin even higher.

One look at the Mazda MX-5 will instantly make you a fan of its chic styling, which with its taut dimensions and low slung stance makes it look even more desirable. It has a strong visual appeal of a sportscar, without having that high level of performance under its hood (more on that later).

The front profile of the Mazda MX-5 has been kept quite simple and laid back, with a well-contoured front bonnet flowing smoothly towards the sleek looking compact front grille down on the front bumper. This grille, with its wide open-mouth layout, adds some aggression to the otherwise simple looking front end. The nicely carved eyebrow-shaped front headlamps are full-LED units, while there are tilted sleek bars of fog lamps positioned on the far corners of the front bumper.

The side profile of the Mazda MX-5 looks even better, thanks to its low slung stance complemented by the low ground clearance and the two-door layout. The shoulder line flows smoothly in a curved manner right from the edge of the front headlamp to the tail lamp at the back, and apart from that, there is no other sharp character line on the side profile.

At the back too, Mazda has kept the design a quite simple affair, with two round LED tail lamps placed far on the corners of the rear profile, which are further stretched sideways towards the rear fenders to accentuate the width of the car.

Thanks to the compact dimensions, low ground clearance, and fat rubbers, the Mazda MX-5 shows tremendous prowess in its handling characteristics, which is only enhanced with the stiff setup for the suspension combination of double wishbone at the front and multi-link at the rear.

The Mazda MX-5 sources its power from a capable and tried and tested 2.0-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine under its hood, which can be had either with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox. With both the transmission options, which are available in two separate variants, the engine produces the same performance outputs – 184 PS of maximum power and 205 Nm of peak torque output.

While the Mazda MX-5’s safety equipment list is not too long, it still gets enough amount of aids like dual front and side airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, dynamic stability control, rear parking sensors and reverse camera, smart city brake support, lane departure warning, and smart keyless entry.

While the performance levels of the Mazda MX-5 are not as enthusiastic as that of entry-level sports cars which have the same visual appeal as it, the fact that it nearly costs half as one of them is a factor enough to attract people towards it. The performance and driving dynamics are enough for people who don’t always crave for hair raising numbers. And after factoring in the exclusivity of a convertible car, the Mazda MX-5 makes for a great addition as a second car in one’s garage.