Mazda MX-5 2024 review
Photo: Alexander-93 (CC BY-SA 4.0), via Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The MX-5 remains the world's best-selling roadster for a simple reason: it understands that fun is about balance, not brute force. The 2.0-litre engine revs sweetly to 184hp, the six-speed manual snicks through its gears, and the rear-wheel-drive chassis feels alive at speeds that will not lose you your licence. With the roof down on a summer evening, very few cars at any price deliver this much joy per mile. It is tiny inside and the 130-litre boot fits a weekend bag and not much else, but that is the price of purity. As an affordable route into proper sports-car driving, the MX-5 still has no direct rival in 2024.
Decades on, the MX-5 remains the purest affordable sports car you can buy. Weighing barely more than a supermini, it dances down British B-roads with a balance and delicacy that far pricier machinery envies. The fabric roof drops in seconds, the gear change is a joy, and the eager 2.0-litre engine loves to be revved. It is a car that makes every journey feel like an occasion.
From £29,000 it is a considered purchase, but running costs are refreshingly modest. Light weight means light bills for tyres, brakes and fuel; insurance is reasonable for a sports car; and Mazda's reliability record is among the best in the business. As a second car, a weekend toy or even a committed daily driver, nothing delivers this much joy per pound.
Related reviews: Mazda 3 2024 review · Mazda CX 30 2024 review · Mazda CX 5 2024 review
UK price from: £29,000
Specifications
| Engine | 2.0 Skyactiv-G petrol |
| Power | ~184hp |
| 0-60 mph | ~6.5s |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Fuel type | Petrol |
| Fuel economy | ~41mpg combined |
| CO2 emissions | ~156g/km |
| Seats | 2 |
| Boot space | 130L |
| Insurance group | 28 |
Features
- Key features: 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G petrol engine; Six-speed manual gearbox; Rear-wheel drive; Limited-slip differential; Lightweight roadster body; Heated leather seats; Bose headrest speakers; Apple CarPlay
Common parts & prices
| Part | Price (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake pads | £44.99 | Performance pad set; bed in carefully |
| Front brake discs | £74.99 | Vented discs; pair for even braking |
| Oil filter | £11.49 | Change oil every 10k miles for engine health |
| Soft-top cleaner kit | £19.99 | Keeps the mohair roof waterproofed |
| Windscreen wipers (pair) | £22.99 | Standard fitment; easy DIY swap |
| Air filter | £18.99 | Replace every 20k miles for best throttle response |
Pros
- Pure, joyful handling. Sweet-revving engine. Slick manual gearbox. Strong residuals.
Cons
- Tiny cabin and boot. Noisy with the roof up. Not practical as a daily driver.
