Mazda MX-5 Mk1 1990 review
Photo: Rutger van der Maar (CC BY 2.0), via Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The original Mazda MX-5, the NA or Mk1, did something no other car managed in 1989: it made the simple, affordable roadster desirable again. Inspired by the classic British sports cars of the 1960s but engineered with Japanese reliability, it arrived in the UK in 1990 to instant acclaim. The 1.6-litre twin-cam engine produced 115bhp, the weight distribution was a near-perfect 50:50, and the whole car weighed barely 950kg.
Driving one is still a joy more than three decades on. The steering is light and full of feel, the five-speed gearbox has one of the best shifts ever fitted to an affordable car, and the chassis communicates everything through the seat of your trousers. It is not fast by modern standards, but on a twisting B-road few cars at any price are more fun.
When buying, rust is the number one enemy. Check the sills, inner and outer rear wheelarches, the base of the windscreen pillars and the front wing bottoms very carefully, and inspect underneath for rot around the floorpan. Japanese Eunos Roadster imports are mechanically identical and often better preserved, though UK cars have the more desirable mph speedometer. The cambelt is due every 62,000 miles, and a tired vinyl hood is a bargaining chip rather than a deal-breaker.
UK price from: £6,500
Specifications
| Engine | 1.6L B6ZE DOHC 16v petrol |
| Power | 115 bhp (85 kW) |
| 0-60 mph | 8.8 seconds (approx.) |
| Top speed | 114 mph |
| Production years | 1989-1997 |
| Kerb weight | 950 kg (approx.) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| Fuel economy | 36 mpg (combined, approx.) |
| Length | 3,975 mm |
Features
- Pop-up headlamps
- Double-wishbone suspension front and rear
- Mazda Powerplant Frame for drivetrain rigidity
- Five-speed manual gearbox with short, precise shift
- All-round disc brakes
- Lightweight 135-litre boot
- Optional Torsen limited-slip differential
- Electric windows and mirrors
Common parts & prices
| Part | Price (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake pads (set) | £34.99 | OEM quality; fits NA Mk1, front axle |
| Oil filter | £6.49 | Spin-on type for 1.6 B6 engines |
| Cambelt kit | £89.99 | Belt, tensioner and idlers; due at 62,000 miles |
| Replacement vinyl hood | £249.99 | With heated glass window; professional fitting recommended |
| Front shock absorber | £64.99 | Single unit; standard suspension |
| Clutch kit | £119.99 | Cover, disc and release bearing |
Pros
- One of the purest, most enjoyable driving experiences ever made
- Cheap parts and huge UK specialist and club support
- Values of good cars are rising steadily
- Simple mechanics make home maintenance easy
Cons
- Rust is endemic — sills, arches and floorpans must be checked
- Tiny boot and minimal security
- Noisy and blustery on long motorway runs
- Very early cars are now hard to find unmodified
