The best way for an older man to compete in a young man’s world is …. to own a sports car. My passenger, well into his 70s, uncoiled his frame from the jet-black Mazda MX-5 ND, accepting applause from two young occupants in a BMW M4 convertible parked alongside, which was regarded as the best sports car in the marque.
Older men are buying sports cars to restore their sense of youth. In fact, the older generation has been investing in sports cars since the 1970s, their value increasing every year,
Sports car sales have gone through the roof in Australia, and it’s not just affordable models that are being snapped up.
A friend in the timber business who is turning 80 has fulfilled a dream by zipping in and out of town in his Jaguar E-Type, the British front-engined sports car manufactured from 1961 to 1974 and renowned for its sleek appearance, advanced technologies and high performance … an icon in the automotive world.
The MX-5 D tested here remains a top choice for a lightweight, front-engined, rear-wheel-drive sports car with a manual gearbox. The model is most reliable thanks to its simple engine design and lack of complicated parts, especially if you opt for a soft-top variant.
This has been Mazda’s golden child. For the past 20 years, the MX-5 has set the bar for what a sports car should be. And unlike others, it’s barely changed over that period, for the better. It hasn’t gained weight, its wheelbase has hardly grown, and it’s still one of the best value sports cars you can buy.
At $42,184 drive away, the MX-5 represents the best value for a convertible in Australia. This is the base model, and it’s available at a fair price against competitors such as the Toyota GT86 and Subaru BRZ.
The MX-5 has always been more on the practical side of build quality. Everything is put together with great accuracy and a lot of plastic. That means there aren’t any luxurious trims to be wary of when it starts to rain with the roof down, and it can weather those harsh Aussie UV rays in summer.
The MX-5 is now only available with a more powerful naturally aspirated 2.0L four-cylinder motor, producing 135 kW and 205 Nm.
The latest updates include a facelift with new headlights, fresh taillights and a larger 8.8-in. touchscreen. The 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine is noted for its performance, offering a rewarding driving experience with a smooth gearshift and a quick, responsive manual transmission. The car’s lightweight design and rear-wheel drive make it a joy to drive, especially in urban areas.
Other subtle yet highly effective enhancements now span the accelerator pedal, steering, and engine sound, too, for an even deeper connection to the car’s controls and touchpoints.
All variants benefit from an electric steering system that has been modified for more nimble, precise operation.
The response of the accelerator pedal has been improved for manual models, making distance control with the car in front much easier to modulate, thanks to a more natural feel and no delay. The improvement is noticeable in daily driving during the deceleration phase when backing off the accelerator after having sped up and reached the desired speed.
On the circuit and during other high-speed driving scenarios, this quicker response translates to more dynamic control when the accelerator has been disengaged prior to deceleration.
Enhancements also extend to the interior, which gains a redesigned 8.8-in. centre display arrangement for better visibility and a more advanced Mazda Connect system. And the MX-5 becomes the first Mazda in the Australian range to support connected services functionality, which can connect the vehicle to the emergency services to dispatch an ambulance in case of an accident and allow vehicle status to be checked via a smartphone app.
A new tan Nappa leather interior can be specified on the RF GT in combination with a black convertible roof, creating a classic and refined appearance. Double-stitched, the fine-quality leather covers the centre console and the seats.
The Mazda MX-5 is equipped with newly designed 17-in. lightweight, functional alloys.
Fuel consumption varies by model and engine type. Across the variant expect 6.8L/100vkm to 7.2L/100 km. These figures indicate that the Mazda MX-5 is very fuel-efficient for a sports car.
Summing up the comprehensive changes, Vinesh Bhindi, managing director, Mazda Australia, said: “The Mazda MX-5 is an unmistakable icon. For more than 34 years, it’s been the go-to option for keen enthusiasts who want to delight in a thrilling drive no matter the destination, and these new updates further expand its already extensive repertoire to make it even more fun on track and more responsive on the road.:
He went further: “It may be our most analogue-feeling car when it comes to dynamics. But the MX-5 also brings with it the latest connectivity and safety updates, ensuring the overall package is also at the cutting edge technologically.”
The MX-5 is covered by a five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty and has capped pricing for its first five services. Service intervals are every 10,000 km or 12 months (whichever comes first), and total $1817 over this period.
