My experience of going topless (Mazda MX-5 1.6i)

Member Name: Foxy-Lady

Product:	Mazda MX-5 1.6i
Date:	04/11/03 (1105 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Stylish, Reliable, Affordable

Disadvantages: Lack of space

**HISTORY**

Back in the early 80s, Mazda decided that they wanted to come up with something new....a modern sportscar that was affordable, exceptional fun to drive, yet cheap to maintain.

A design competition was held between Mazda North America and Mazda Tokyo to see who could come up with the best idea.

The Japanese proposal was a coupe whereas the concept of the North Americans was a roadster.

The judges were won over by the American design and by 1985, the first prototype had been built in England. The response to this new car was huge, production went into full swing and the first completed car rolled off the production line in 1989.

The Mazda MX-5 was born!

Mazda had created a car that has turned out to be the most successful and popular modern sportscar. A big achievement considering the number of cars that are on the market. The MX-5 has gained the status of a *motoring icon*.

Mention the MX-5 and most people will picture the car having pop-up headlights as this is a trait of the earlier models. It wasnt until 1998 that a facelift was applied and the newer style with integrated headlights emerged.

It is in fact this later model that I am reviewing - a year 2000 *W* reg (MK2) to be precise!

I never imagined myself owning a car like the MX-5 but it was made possible for me because of the fact that they are so affordable to buy in comparison to other convertibles. On the used market at the moment you can pick up a *W* reg for approximately £10000, or the older style *M* reg models are selling at round about £4000. Obviously prices vary depending on the usual factors such as mileage and added extras, but there are definately some bargains to be had.

Although cheap to buy, they do in fact hold their value extremely well which is a bonus considering the current used car market.

Now, the car itself. I dont know where to start!.....


**EXTERIOR**


Vital statistics are: Length 406cm, width 168cm, height 123cm.

Everytime I look at my MX-5, I cant help but love it even more. For weeks I couldnt even believe that it was actually mine!

It is undoubtedly a really smart looking motor with curves in all the right places to accentuate certain features such as the headlights and boot mounted brake light. Its smooth, sleek but subtle bodywork makes it look extremely stylish and surprisingly elegant. Combined with the vinyl soft top, the result is an unusual partnership of a modern but classic sportscar. Even after all these years it is still a head-turner!

There are also lots of lovely colours available too....British racing green, bright red, gold, baby blue, black, even bright yellow. Mine is a dark metallic blue colour (officially called Sapphire Blue). It has a gorgeous sparkle to it when the sun is shining, making it a really nice colour to look out for.


**INTERIOR**

Inside, the layout of the beautifully moulded dashboard is simple but completely adequate. I would describe it as having a minimalistic look to it. Everything is perfectly positioned for ease of use and there is a reassuring feeling of sturdiness.

There are no surprises as to the content of the cabin...just the usual dials: speedo, rev counter, oil pressure, water temperature, and most importantly, the fuel gauge. Standard controls are also included for features such as the heaters (you will find air conditioning on some used models) and heated rear window.

The horn is positioned in the centre of the steering wheel for easy access. The lights/indicator arm is situated to the left, and wiper arm to the right of the steering wheel.

The gear knob is small but perfectly formed! Its just the right shape and size. You can even rest your arm on the centre console/arm rest whilst comfortably changing gears. This lockable centre console is handy for storage and is home to a coupl
e of cup holders and also the boot and petrol cap release levers.

On some models more storage space is situated behind the seats. There is a mesh pocket that runs the full width of the car at shoulder level. This is great for holding items such as maps.


** SPACE **

Being a two seater convertible, the amount of cabin space available is understandably limited. For someone such as myself who is quite small in proportion, there is ample room. On the other hand, my husband is 6 foot 3 inches tall and weighs nearly 18 stone. Needless to say he find the cabin to be a bit cramped!

With regards to boot space....I would describe it as resembling an over-sized glove box! This can be quite a big factor to consider, depending on what you would plan to use the car for. Although I have not actually tried, you would probably be hard pushed to even fit an item such as a large suitcase in there.
It may be very small in capacity but I can fit my weekly load of shopping in so it doesnt cause any problems for me.


** THE DRIVE **

Turn the key in the ignition and you hear the gorgeous purr of the 1.6 litre, 16V engine. This model is by no means a high performance vehicle but can impressively deliver 0-60 mph in approximately 9.4 seconds. With a modest 110 bhp and a top speed of 119 mph, this MX-5 is certainly a fast mover. For those of you wanting that extra kick, a 1.8 litre version is available.

What a pleasure to drive!!

Road handling is supple and absolutely superb. It really hangs onto the road when going round corners.The power steering is perfectly weighted meaning you can direct the car with ease. The 5 speed manual gear box provides smooth, precise gear change and the clutch control is nice and responsive too, making the MX-5 such an easy car to drive.

Aswell as being great to drive, it is also an economical car. Fuel consumption isnt overly high and therefore making it fairly cheap to
run. Totally affordable!

The seats in the MX-5 are quite firm but they are still remarkably comfortable. In a sense, the firmness adds to the stability that you feel while driving. They also slide and recline to create your ideal driving, and passenger position.

I have also found that the car fares well over the increasing number of speed bumps that are popping up on our roads. This is something that I thought could possibly cause a problem but I can honestly say that it is no more inconvenient or uncomfortable than when driving a *normal* car, although you do need to reduce your speed a little bit more because of the low level of the vehicle.

It certainly is a low level car, which also means that it is low to get in. I wouldnt even attempt to get my gran in/out!
Whilst driving, you do feel really low down in comparison to other cars on the road.....and next to lorries on the motorway, it is daunting at first to say the least! You soon become accustomed to the driving level though and go on to have many happy driving experiences.

And its all even better with the top down!......


** THE ROOF **

.....This is when I am in my element - enjoying the MX-5 as it was intended, with the wind in my hair and a huge smile on my face!

Most MX-5s have a manual soft top (a detachable hard top is available - great for winter weather!) but it is very easy to take down and put back up. There are two latches inside the car, one on either side near the passenger and driver sun visors. These just unclip to release the roof so it can be gently lowered back, without even having to set foot out of the car. It takes about 10 seconds at the most - even less if you have got a passenger to help.

The torneau cover is not quite as simple though. This is the cover which is supplied to protect the roof when it is folded back. It takes a while to get the hang of how and where it fits but it is definately advisable to u
se it, especially when you know that the roof will be down for a long period of time. It keeps the inside of the roof clean and free from the dust that is kicked up by passing traffic.

Having the roof down while you drive through the countryside with the sun shining.....absolute bliss. A word of warning though, dont forget the suncream!!


** SAFETY AND SECURITY **

The MX-5 does have some safety features...air bags are included, as are seatbelt pretensioners. ABS brakes are also standard. These power assisted brakes adjust automatically through normal use.

As for security, most models will be fitted with an immobiliser that is activated/deactivated by the key itself. Be aware that not all MX-5s will have an alarm included so shop around if you want to keep your car insurance down.


** ACCESSORIES **

A vast amount of accessories are available to customise the MX-5. Items such as chrome trims, roll bars and front grilles can be added to give subtle enhancements and make your car unique.
Anybody interested should check out www.mx5parts.co.uk, where you will find everything you could possibly need.


** OVERALL **

In my opinion, both the interior and exterior of the MX-5 oozes quality and sophistication.

It is a simple, straight forward and very reliable sportscar that doesnt need any specialist attention to keep it on the road.

In the past, I have only felt what I would describe as indifference towards the cars that I have owned. But this is different.....I love this car with a passion!

But, because of its size, the MX-5 is obviously lacking in certain practicalities. So, with the prospect of starting a family, I am sadly and reluctantly waving goodbye to my stunning roadster.


** THE FUTURE **

I hear that another re-style is in the pipeline for the MX-5. I have read that a concept car has been created for Tokyos motor show. The UK lau
nch of this new look is expected to be towards the end of 2005, with one new feature being the rear Mazda badge doubling up as a third brake light!

I am eagerly awaiting this new version but lets just hope that Mazda havent gone too far over the top and created a car which is too far removed from the MX-5 that we know and love.

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