The humble Mazda MX-5, the low-powered terrier that bites the dust behind cars with bigger, more computer-controlled engines.
What do we love about these pesky little critters?
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Introduced in 1989, the car has been around for so long that it has almost become an institution in the automotive industry, like the Fiat 500 or the inexplicably popular Mercedes G-Wagon.
But unlike the other brands, the MX-5 has not only survived, but has become successful above all by sticking to its principles.
Or rather, the lack thereof.
Yes, under the hood of this beautiful machine you will find a 1.5 or 2.0 liter engine that, depending on the year and model, delivers only 132 to 181 hp.
And you know what? That’s totally fine.
In an age when you can buy a family sedan with more power, the MX-5’s approach is refreshing.
In a market flooded with increasingly powerful and complex machines, the Mazda MX-5 stands out for its brilliant simplicity.
James Russell – The Motor Grid
It’s not about raw, raw power, it’s about balance, equilibrium and pure driving pleasure.
Driving an MX-5 is like putting on a pair of well-worn, perfectly fitting shoes; everything just feels right.
The steering is razor-sharp and responds so quickly to the slightest movements that you wonder if the car can read your mind.
The weight distribution is perfect and the lightweight chassis allows you to drive through corners with ease.
There is no ‘Drift Mode’ or fancy electronics to keep you on the road. It’s just you, the car and the asphalt.
Mazda’s decision to keep the MX-5 simple was not only a stroke of luck, but also a masterstroke in understanding their target audience.
People who buy an MX-5 don’t want to break lap records at the Nürburgring, they want a car that will make them smile every time they drive it.
They want a connection with the road, a sense of being part of the driving experience, rather than just a passenger in a mobile computer.
The MX-5 has retained its core target audience by focusing on the basic principles of driving pleasure.
It’s a car that invites you to take the long way home, to seek out winding country roads, just for the fun of it.
The Japanese Lotus Elan
Since its debut in 1989, the Mazda MX-5 has sold more than one million units. This lightweight, two-seat sports car, with its technologically modern take on the classic front-engine, rear-wheel drive sports roadster, has won fans all over the world. It is the world’s best-selling two-seat roadster and continues to win awards on a regular basis.
Four generations of MX-5 have spanned more than three decades of production, with Mazda releasing more than 50 special editions of the MX model. Inspired by the Lotus Elan of the 1960s, Mazda set out to replicate the Lotus’s steering feel, purity and build with its own convertible. But now, in 2024, the MX-5 is much more than a Lotus clone; it’s an icon in its own right.
Autocar once described the car as “the most talked about and, reportedly, the most desirable affordable car in the world”. Today, the cheapest examples can be bought for a few hundred euros, making it one of the most cost-effective ways to experience the thrill of driving.
It’s not a car you brag about based on pure statistics.
Instead, you brag about the experiences it brings you.
The wind in your hair, the sound of the engine as you shift gears and the sheer pleasure of a perfectly executed corner.
And if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, the aftermarket tuning community is ready to transform your little Mazda into a 300-horsepower monster.
The BBR GTI in Brackley, for example, will happily lighten your bank account and transform your MX-5 into something not just delightful, but downright exhilarating.
In a market flooded with increasingly powerful and complex machines, the Mazda MX-5 stands out for its brilliant simplicity.
It is indeed not powerful enough, but in the best possible way.
It reminds us that driving isn’t just about getting from A to B as quickly as possible. It’s about the journey, the feeling and the pure, unadulterated enjoyment of the open road.
And in that the MX-5 is simply brilliant.
Need help or advice buying your first modern classic car? Ask James Russell from The Motor Grid.
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