The ND MX-5 is now 9 years outdated – positively geriatric within the context of mannequin cycles. Nonetheless, the no-nonsense inside nonetheless feels recent. It was an enormous leap in contrast with the NC era, however if you happen to’re unaccustomed to MX-5s, it’s probably that the cabin’s extremely compact dimensions might want to sink in earlier than you possibly can meaningfully survey the small print. The MX-5 has all the time been resolutely bijou, and the ND isn’t any totally different.
Broader adults will discover themselves in frequent contact with the centre console, door trim and the perimeters of the thin footwell, whereas taller drivers will need for a number of centimetres extra leg room. Regardless of a 20mm decrease hip level in contrast with the NC, you sit just a little larger than would appear optimum and head room with the highest up is comparatively restricted. Furthermore, there’s a bulge within the floorpan that denies you the choice of folding your clutch leg away on motorways (a malaise of right-hand-drive automobiles solely). Attain adjustment for the steering wheel was added in 2018.
Should you plan to do lengthy distances in your MX-5, hunt down a model with the Recaro seats, as a result of they’re considerably extra comfy than the usual objects, and supply extra lateral help too. You will discover them within the thirtieth Anniversary version and on 2024 Homura automobiles.
These elements can mix to make it tough to get comfy – tough sufficient, the truth is, for some individuals to be postpone the prospect totally, though others will proclaim this essentially the most comfy MX-5 but.
Extra idiot the critics, although, as a result of in an age that tends in direction of profligacy, the MX-5’s cockpit-sized simplicity – as soon as reconciled with – makes for an enthralling setting. The dashboard structure is just like that of the Mazda 2, which is an efficient factor as a result of the identical natty design options and chunky, tactile switchgear work equally properly right here within the roadster. You’ll need to look laborious to seek out soft-touch supplies, however that one way or the other feels applicable for a no-nonsense sports activities automobile.
Nowhere is the MX-5’s simplicity higher encapsulated than within the operated by hand roof. Made 3kg lighter than within the NC and requiring 30lb ft much less effort to shut, the hood will be operated simply with one hand, even when shifting. There’s one spring-loaded clip to unfasten on the header rail, then a click on someplace within the housing behind you to substantiate that it’s safely stowed. It takes 4 or 5 seconds and, like just about every part else concerning the MX-5, places every part bigger, heavier and motor-driven to disgrace.
The roof’s tiny measurement signifies that the automobile continues to supply a modest-sized however usable boot. It’s too small for golf golf equipment however is simply sufficiently big for 2 weekend-away luggage. Which appears to us precisely accurately.
Multimedia system
Over its a few years on sale, the MX-5 has gone via quite a few infotainment iterations, however the excellent news is that every one of them are fairly nice to make use of as a result of they had been clearly modelled on the traditional BMW iDrive.
Vehicles as much as 2023 used an older interface, however one which nonetheless had logical menus and could possibly be navigated utilizing each the touchscreen and the rotary controller within the centre console. Entry-level fashions used to overlook out on the centre display, however from 2023, all MX-5s have the 7.0in touchscreen.
In 2018, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto had been added, the previous with wi-fi performance. They do include a Mazda-typical quirk. The touchscreen stops engaged on the transfer and it’s a must to use the rotary controller. The latter works nice for the native interface, however utilizing it to navigate CarPlay is relatively awkward, as that was clearly designed for a touchscreen
In 2024, the display was upgraded to a 8.8in display with far more modern-looking graphics. Fortunately, that did not come at a price of usability – all of the menus stay very logical, and the built-in navigation is definitely fairly good.
The usual stereo isn’t something particular, but it surely’s nearly brawny sufficient to be heard over the highway and wind noise. The Bose system that was accessible on sure trims put up a greater battle, however as that is fairly a loud automobile on the motorway, it’s all the time a little bit of a shedding battle.
