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Mazda MX-5 Review, For Sale, Colours, Specs & News in Australia

Mazda MX-5 Review, For Sale, Colours, Specs & News in Australia

FROM
$41,520

Born in 1989, the Mazda MX-5 can truly be called one of the world's most iconic sports cars.

Modelled after lightweight iconic British droptops like the MG B and Austin Healey Sprite, the initially tiny MX-5 grew in size and weight for more than 20 years over three generations. Then the fourth generation ND turned the clock back in 2015, refocusing on the philosophy of a light, simple, affordable and enormously amusing drop top.

It's available with a 1.5-litre or 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, and has also been remade as the RF hardtop. Prices start at $41,520 for the MX-5 G20 Roadster up to $56,290 for the MX-5 G20 RF GT RS.

This vehicle is also known as The Mazda MX-5 is also known as Mazda MX-5 Miata (North America), Mazda Miata (North America), Eunos Roadster (Japan), Mazda Roadster (Japan) in markets outside Australia..

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6.9L/100km (combined)
Convertible
6 Speed Manual
Overview
Likes
Excellent as a driver's car
Still accessible in price
Updated tech doesn't sacrifice simplicity
Dislikes
Compromised as a daily driver
Tan Nappa leather only in Automatic
Nearing the end of its life :(

Mazda MX-5 Colours

Aero Grey Metallic
Deep Crystal Blue Mica
Jet Black Mica
Machine Grey Metallic
Snowflake White Pearl Mica
Soul Red Crystal Metallic
Zircon Sand Metallic

Mazda MX-5 Engine

A 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine is the only one available in the MX-5 range. It makes 135kW and 205Nm, and can be paried with a six-speed manual in any variant, or a six-speed automatic in GT variants.

It uses between 6.8L and 7.2L, depending on transmission and body style, for every 100km covered according to the official WLTP combined cycle test.

Mazda MX-5 FAQs

Should I buy a used MX-5?

The MX-5 is a great little sports car for someone looking for some fun on the road.

The earliest ones are getting a little long in the tooth and are looking a little tired.

Go for an NC model, that's from 2005-on, and you shouldn't go wrong. They're reliable, user-friendly, they look good, and they're great fun to drive.

Look for a low-mileage example and avoid any that look like they might have been used in competition.

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Best options for a fun convertible?

The easiest question on record. Get an MX-5 and you'll have all the sunshine and fun you want. The only problem will be choosing between the 1.6 and 2.0-litre engines. Most prefer the "big-bore" engine but I like the engagement you get with the smaller one.

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Mustang, 370Z, IS350F, 86 or MX-5?

If you don’t want a convertible, which rules out the MX-5 as my easy first pick, then the 86 is the car for driving enjoyment on a reasonable budget. But don’t overlook its Subaru twin, the BRZ, which is my choice of the two. Both get The Tick, having shared our Car of the Year award.

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Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. CarsGuide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.

Mazda MX-5 Accessories

The MX-5 has very limited features, the newest for its 2024 update being an 8.8-inch touchscreen for its multimedia system, running new software while retaining the physical dial controller.

The MX-5 also now has wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. GT and GT RS variants get heated seats, as well as a nine-speaker Bose sound system.

Mazda MX-5 Boot Space

The MX-5 is not built for much luggage, and could handle a two-person quantity of weekend getaway luggage in its 130-litre boot, though the RF hardtop takes up a small amount more space thanks to its mechanism and has only 127 litres of space.

Mazda MX-5 Seats

Seating is limited to two in the Mazda MX-5, with both being manually adjustable sports seats in every variant. The driver seat also has tilt adjustment.

The base Roadster and RF have cloth trim for the seats, while GT and GT RS variants have heated black leather seats. There's tan Nappa leather upholstery in the RF GT Black Roof edition.

Mazda MX-5 Speed

Mazda hasn't quoted an official 0-100km/h acceleration time for the updated ND, but a 2.0-litre MX-5 roadster can be expected to hit three digits on the speedo in a little over 6.5 seconds with an experienced driver, depending on variant and conditions.

Mazda MX-5 Interior

The MX-5's interior is quite sparse, with simple materials and few features - keeping focus on the task at hand: driving.

An 8.8-inch touchscreen is now found in the 2024 MX-5, while storage remains limited. Two removable cupholders can be placed between the seats or one above the passenger footwell, while a small storage cubby is accessible between the seats. There's also a tiny central compartment, which fits the MX-5's key fob nicely.

Mazda MX-5 Range

The MX-5 has a hypothetical maximum driving range of 662km due to its 45L fuel tank (using 95 RON) and claimed minimum fuel consumption figure of 6.8L/100km, but in the real world that figure is unlikely to be met, with a conservative range in the mid-500kms more likely.