Mazda MX-5 SE 2004 review

A replacement will be here in about two years but in the meantime, we will have to make do with a turbo MX5 - hardly an imposition.

Long talked about, threatened even, the turbo MX5 came about as a result of an Australian force-fed MX5. Mazda Australia cooked up its own SP turbo MX5 a year or so ago and it absolutely rocked the socks off Mazda's MX5 chief designer.

The SP was a hugely powerful and quick car capable of almost running with the Ferrari/Porsche wolf pack.

And only a few were made.

The SE on the other hand is a genuine factory turbo and is significantly tamer than the fire breathing SP.

It will keep sales of the sporty Mazda ticking over beyond the 700,000 mark which it achieved this month.

All have been built at at Mazda headquarters in Hiroshima.

The SE runs a 1.8-litre, twin cam, four cylinder engine with a light pressure turbo boosting output to 121kW/206Nm driving the rear wheels.

Complementing the extra urge are dynamic enhancements such as larger 17in wheels with low profile tyres and a torsen limited slip differential.

The SE also gains a large outlet exhaust and mild body aero enhancements.

Just 7.25psi blows through the turbo which breathes through an air-to-air intercooler.

One wonders how long before someone turns up the turbo wick for more power and performance.

Mazda says the SE will sprint from 0-100km/h in 7.8 seconds which seems realistic.

It is a fabulous driver's car, even in non-turbo form, offering precise handling, flat cornering and powerful braking.

The SE takes everything to a higher plane with even greater grip, faster response and more kick off the line.

It is hindered a little by turbo lag and a torque drop-off at intermediate revs. But once the correct mode of driving is mastered, it's a quick thing.

Enthusiast drivers will seek out winding roads to extend the car's handling but the SE will usually exceed the driver's ability.

Sitting in the close fitting cockpit is a treat, complemented by the slick six-speed gearshift, direct stering and powerful brakes.

The roof is manually retracted but it doesn't take long to flick off or on.

A classic?

Sure is, especially considering the MX5 is responsible for resurrecting the whole compact ``sports car'' genre.