2016 Mazda MX-5: The Wait Is Over!

The wait is over. Direct from Barcelona, Spain, behold our first impressions of the world’s most anticipated sports car: the Mazda MX-5. Exclusive to The Car Guide, the program included test driving a rare prototype of Mazda’s new Roadster and the MX-5. The first is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder mill and will be available in select markets only, while the latter is equipped with a 2.0-litre engine and is due to hit Canadian showrooms in the summer of 2015. 

In the world of automobiles, some models have reached iconic status, and the Mazda MX-5—born the Miata 25 years ago—is one such model. In the tradition of post-war British roadsters, the Miata earned widespread acclaim and sold like hotcakes right from its February 1989 launch at the Chicago Auto Show. More than 939,000 units were sold worldwide between February 1989 and November 2014. Just like the original model, the fourth-generation MX-5 takes up the torch and sets the benchmark with the design team adopting “innovate to preserve” as its mantra. The Japanese expression “Jinba Ittai,” loosely translated as “the rider and horse are one,” served as the starting point for creating the very first MX-5 and as the fundamental guiding principle behind the development of the brand’s other models. With the new MX-5, the designers had a difficult task of staying true to the Miata’s legacy while allowing this concept to evolve.

• Also: 2016 Mazda MX-5: More Distinctive and Deluxe
• Also: We Now Know What’s Under The Hood Of The Mazda MX-5

One gram at a time

Lightness, agility and simplicity have always been part of the MX-5’s DNA. So, for the fourth generation, the engineers have maintained their “gram strategy,” which means constantly assessing the weight of each and every component. For example, they used aluminum for the hood, trunk lid, front fenders, roof parts and all of the bumper and hub carrier reinforcements. This reduced the car’s weight by about one hundred kilos compared to the third-generation. As a result of this obsessive regimen, the new MX-5 weighs just 1,000 kilos – a metric ton. To put that into context, the minuscule smart Fortwo weighs 880 kilos, a mere 120 less than the MX-5.

This featherweight’s handling is both direct and inspired. After the first three corners on the winding mountain roads in Catalonia, we immediately concluded that the MX-5 has never been more playful, lively and fun to drive. So balanced is the chassis that the car responds instantly, progressively and naturally at the slightest prompt. Be it braking or weight transfer in turns, the MX-5 is disconcertingly docile. It’s proof positive that you don’t have to risk your driver’s license to have fun driving this baby. Go ahead and enjoy the linear acceleration when coming out of corners and the progressive engine torque. 

An exceptional 1.5-litre engine 

Let’s talk about the little gem of an engine that powered the prototype: four cylinders, 1.5 litres, 131 horsepower at 7,000 rpm, and 110 lbs.-ft. of torque at 4,800 rpm. Since 90% of its torque is delivered between 2,000 and 7,000 revs and because the car is so light, it’s understandable why exiting turns is invigorating to the point that it paints a permanent smile on your face. After the thrill of driving the prototype with its 1.5-litre, I was chomping at the bit to get behind the wheel of the production model earmarked for the North American market with its 2.0-litre producing 155-horsepower and 147 lbs.-ft. of torque. The addition of 24 horsepower and 37 lbs.-ft. of torque will definitely have a noticeable impact on this roadster’s performance—acceleration and pick-up alike. 

The six-speed manual gearbox is nothing less than perfect and the air flow around the cockpit is just right to fully appreciate driving with the top down without getting tossed around by the wind. Riding in this car, you’ll feel as though it was it was literally built around your body thanks to its excellent visibility and flawless control layout. 

You must be wondering if it has any faults. Well, if you disregard the weaknesses that stem from its strengths—like limited cargo space due to its compact size—there are very few real faults. If you want to split hairs, the cupholders are so poorly positioned that they are all but useless and the storage spaces in the passenger compartment are very small. But let’s be realistic: who cares about cupholders in an MX-5? And, since you’ll almost always be wearing your sunglasses, you won’t need to store them!

With its much more incisive style, the new MX-5’s expectation-shattering vitality beckons. While many manufacturers are dropping sports cars from their line-ups due to lagging sales in favour of more prolific crossovers and compact SUVs, this Japanese manufacturer stands firm in its belief in preserving the model that built its reputation for performance and fun. 

Mission accomplished for Mazda and the excellent MX-5. On the open road, you’ll be struck by the conviction that there is at least one nearly perfect thing in this world, and that thing is the new MX-5.