Mazda MX-5 1.5 R-Sport 2020 UK review

Опубликованно 13.09.2020 17:15

What is it?

You surely know the drill by now when it comes to limited-edition MX-5s.  

Mazda’s iconic two-seater has received so many over the years that we’ve lost count, but that hasn’t stopped them from finding homes. Only so many of each new edition will be made, after all, and although few arrive with any major mechanical modifications, the bespoke colour combinations usually help them stand out from the series-production models. What's it like?

The MX-5 continues to deliver a largely analogue driving experience, courtesy of the naturally aspirated engine that loves to rev. Peak power only arrives at 7000rpm, just shy of the redline, and delivery is entirely linear. It’s fast enough through the gears, although revs are best kept in the latter half of the range for the most responsive reactions to your inputs.

The compact pedal box makes heel-and-toe changes a breeze, and the short, satisfying shift action is among the best you’ll find at this end of the price spectrum. Only Honda’s Civic Type R comes close, and beyond that, you’d need to step up to Lotus and Caterham to find a more satisfying gearchange.

It’s the car’s handling balance and light yet precise steering that make it such fun to hustle through the bends, with plenty of grip even in slightly soggy conditions. You have to work fairly hard to force out moments of oversteer, but when they arrive, they do so predictably and are easily collected again. You’re never short of confidence when pressing on, which makes it that much easier to conserve momentum across even the trickiest of B-roads.   Should I buy one?

Given the R-Sport does little to mess with the MX-5’s well-established recipe, and it commands only a small premium over the series-production car, it’s the obvious choice while Mazda has any left to sell.

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