FIVE STAR (some text hidden) SECTIONED_new_mazdamx-5_2015

By Jonathan Crouch

Introductionword count: 79

The concept of a lightweight, affordable roadster seems as relevant today as it's ever been, Mazda's fourth generation MX-5 was a perfect example of what could be achieved with clear objectives, single-minded purpose and a bit of engineering passion. Though the size of this market segment has shrunk in recent times, this model proved good enough to reawaken the interest of enthusiasts and prize them away from hot hatches and performance coupes into a purer form of sportscar motoring.

Modelsword count: 5

2-door roadster [1.5, 2.0 petrol]

Historyword count: 350

There's nothing quite like a Mazda MX-5. Few cars on sale today can rival its legacy which stretches back to cover more than a quarter of a century of pure roadster motoring. So what of this, the fourth generation ND-series version? It certainly had a lot to live up to. The original model, first launched in 1989, borrowed its charisma from classic Fifties and Sixties British sportscars and was much loved, though its early phenomenal global success has proved harder to replicate in the modern era. That was partly because as we moved into the 21st century, sales in the affordable roadster segment were no longer as buoyant as they once had been, but it also had something to do with the fact that second and third generation MX-5 models became bigger, heaver and a touch less involving to drive. So things had to change. This MK4 machine, like the original, had to be one that would properly stir the senses and really deliver on Mazda's founding philosophy of 'Jinba ittai', the Japanese feeling of oneness between car and driver. Sure enough, at the 2015 launch, all the signs were that this MK4 model just might offer exactly that, smaller and lighter than its predecessor, with a superior power-to-weight ratio, a low centre of gravity and an ideal 50:50 weight distribution for the perfectly balanced rear wheel drive chassis. All the ingredients seemed in place then, for a return to the purity of purpose that so established the earliest version of this car in the hearts of ordinary enthusiasts around the world. It even looked as distinctive as that original version, shorter, lower and wider than before and clearly created by a team of people with a genuine love for this iconic model line. Shortly after launch, an RF metal folding roof body style joined the Roadster variant in the range. And in 2018, Mazda revised the 2.0-litre engine, upgrading it from 160 to 184PS. In 2022, further updates arrived (a 'Kinematic Posture Control' system), but it's the earlier 2015-2021-era versions of this ND-series model that we look at here.

What You Getword count: 375

Shorter, lower and wider than its MK3 predecessor, this was the most compact MX-5 ever made. For us, it was also the best-looking example of the breed so far, with perfectly balanced proportions and beautiful detailing that conveys motion, even at a standstill. The emotive shape has more aggression in 'ND'-series form - and a greater sense of energy too - but you'd always recognise it as an MX-5, the design still true to the classic roadster principles of a long bonnet, a rear-set cabin and a short tail. An alternative RF body style with a folding metal roof was also available. Behind the wheel, the challenge was to keep the MX-5's traditional ergonomic simplicity but match it to modern levels of quality, equipment, refinement and comfort. Does it all work? Broadly yes, though folk over-familiar with the offerings of Colonel Sanders will find that the compact dimensions take a bit of getting used to as they adjust to the close proximity of the centre console, the door trim and the sides of the narrow footwell. Mazda claimed there was more kneeroom with this MK4 model - plus there's a bit of extra headroom when the roof's up too - but despite that, larger folk might still like to consider their own dietary plans and all will find the pedal box particularly tight, so much so that, rather annoyingly, it doesn't provide anywhere for your clutch foot to rest on longer journeys. This irritation apart though, there's not much to criticise here, provided you can fit in in the first place. You quickly get the whole Mazda 'Jinba Ittai' 'driver-and-car-as-one' thing - the way the driving position has been created to make you feel a part of this MX-5. We also like the flourishes of aluminium used on the air vents and door handles - and the way that the exterior body colour flows elegantly over the door on plusher models. Move out back and on the face of things, trunk capacity looks to have been a casualty of Mazda's move to down-size this car, having fallen by 20-litres to just 130-litres in this MK4 model. The Japanese designers though, beg to differ, claiming that to compensate, this area has been redesigned for greater usability.

To see the full road test text contact us on 0330 0020 227