Why the Mazda MX-5 Remains the World’s Favorite Roadster

The MX-5 is one of the world's most recognizable sports cars, inspired by one of the greatest cars of the 1960s: the Lotus Elan. In 1989, Mazda attempted to replicate Lotus's superb steering feel, driving precision, and lightweight design in a convertible format. The result was the modern classic MK1 MX-5, and the Japanese carmaker has been producing it to acclaim ever since.
So it's just a copy?
Absolutely not. By 2015, the MX-5 was in its fourth generation, and now it's not just a copy of the British sports car: it's an icon in its own right. Mazda sold over one million cars in 2016—earning a place in the Guinness Book of World Records—and has sold 250,000 more since then. Others have tried to copy the MX-5 formula, but most have failed. It's the result of decades of hard work, with a naturally aspirated petrol engine powering the rear wheels; there's no AWD or turbocharger. And those engines—though not very powerful—are smarter than ever, taking advantage of all the advanced technology coming from Mazda's 'Skyactiv' engine development.

Wait, 2015? That's old!
Yes. The sports car segment has slowed down enough in the past few years that Mazda isn't under any pressure to keep the MX-5 at the forefront. And even after the post-COVID boom, sales are still fairly stable, so why interfere with that recipe? We also know that Mazda is actively considering an electric car, though it's something it wants to avoid as much as possible. So the Mk4 will probably last a few years. For 2024, Mazda has made some changes to keep the MX-5 (almost) fresh. New LED headlights are the first design change to the ND car, while a new asymmetric limited-slip diff and a larger touchscreen give the marketing department plenty to work with. There's also now a handy 'halfway off' traction control setting, so you can learn to slide with a safety net. That's what the MX-5 is all about: easy fun.

Which engine does it come with?
Your choice is still between the 1.5- and 2.0-liter engines, both now featuring comprehensive stop-start technology that recaptures energy during braking so the power-assist electronics can save fuel. The 1.5 engine produces 130 bhp and 112 lb ft and accelerates from 0-62 mph in 8.3 seconds. Both are revvy little trios, with the 2.0-liter engine really getting zingy when revved above 7,000 rpm.

What if I don't like the convertible?

If you skip the manual-folding soft top (it's so cool you can raise and lower the roof with one hand from the driver's seat) and opt for something heavier and electronically assisted, you'll miss out on the full MX-5 experience. However, Mazda has made some concessions for modern tastes (no, this isn't an electric SUV) and is currently offering the MX-5 with an electric-folding hardtop.

That model is badged RF, for 'Retracting Fastback.' Yes, it sounds pretty cool when you don't know what it means. You used to have the option of an automatic gearbox, but we decided to ignore it, and apparently Mazda customers did too, since it's no longer offered. Good, because the six-speed manual is a lot of fun.

That model is badged RF, for 'Retracting Fastback.' Yes, it sounds pretty cool when you don't know what it means. This adds 30-40 kg to the weight, and also adds a few tenths to the car's acceleration stats. Previously, you had the option of an automatic gearbox, but we decided to ignore it, and apparently Mazda customers did the same, as it's no longer offered. Good, because the six-speed manual is a lot of fun.

"The MX-5, with its simple mechanicals and easy fun, isn't the world's best-selling roadster for nothing."
The Mazda MX-5 isn't the world's best-selling roadster for nothing: its simple mechanicals and easy fun mean it's a car with low running costs and mass appeal. There's really nothing else in this segment that does so much for so little.

Mazda has avoided tinkering with the formula and created a car that wants to bring a smile to your face at the right speed. Spending a day in one of these with the roof down will do your soul a world of good. And yet... a decade of minor changes has kept it looking good, yes, but with no real competition to challenge it, you could say the MX-5 is starting to feel a little predictable. The gearbox is still excellent, but with a focus on comfort over performance, it's not really a driver's car, even if the Track DSC mode is fun. We wish Mazda would work on the Mk5's steering, giving it more feel and feedback. Less floaty body control would be nice when you're really pushing it hard.
But what keeps the MX-5 more relevant and tonic than ever is that it's much smaller,
Lightweight, yet simple. In an era of overly complicated, techy, and bloated cars, this is a huge blessing. So we hope Mazda doesn't succumb to pressure to add electric boost, more soundproofing, or extra elbow room. Doing so would distract the MX-5 from its true purpose: to give the world a modern successor to the classic British roadster of the 1950s/60s.