Mazda MX-5 2024 review
Convertible Petrol
Photo: Alexander-93 (CC BY-SA 4.0), via Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The MX-5 remains the world's best-selling roadster for a simple reason: it understands that fun is about balance, not brute force. The 2.0-litre engine revs sweetly to 184hp, the six-speed manual snicks through its gears, and the rear-wheel-drive chassis feels alive at speeds that will not lose you your licence. With the roof down on a summer evening, very few cars at any price deliver this much joy per mile. It is tiny inside and the 130-litre boot fits a weekend bag and not much else, but that is the price of purity. As an affordable route into proper sports-car driving, the MX-5 still has no direct rival in 2024.
UK price from: £29,000
Specifications
| Engine | 2.0 Skyactiv-G petrol |
| Power | ~184hp |
| 0-60 mph | ~6.5s |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Fuel type | Petrol |
| Fuel economy | ~41mpg combined |
| CO2 emissions | ~156g/km |
| Seats | 2 |
| Boot space | 130L |
| Insurance group | 28 |
Features
- Key features: 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G petrol engine; Six-speed manual gearbox; Rear-wheel drive; Limited-slip differential; Lightweight roadster body; Heated leather seats; Bose headrest speakers; Apple CarPlay
Common parts & prices
| Part | Price (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake pads | £44.99 | Performance pad set; bed in carefully |
| Front brake discs | £74.99 | Vented discs; pair for even braking |
| Oil filter | £11.49 | Change oil every 10k miles for engine health |
| Soft-top cleaner kit | £19.99 | Keeps the mohair roof waterproofed |
| Windscreen wipers (pair) | £22.99 | Standard fitment; easy DIY swap |
| Air filter | £18.99 | Replace every 20k miles for best throttle response |
Pros
- Pure, joyful handling. Sweet-revving engine. Slick manual gearbox. Strong residuals.
Cons
- Tiny cabin and boot. Noisy with the roof up. Not practical as a daily driver.
Frequently asked questions
Is the MX-5 good for daily driving?
It can be, but it asks for compromise. The tiny boot and cabin rule out big shops, yet many owners daily theirs and love the commute. As a second car, it is close to perfect.
Is the MX-5 fast?
Quick enough rather than truly fast, with around 6.5 seconds to 60mph. The joy comes from the chassis balance and the revvy engine, not from straight-line numbers.
Manual or automatic MX-5?
The manual is the one enthusiasts buy and values best at resale. An automatic exists, but it blunts the connection that makes the MX-5 special.
Does the MX-5 hold its value?
Generally yes. Strong demand and a loyal following keep used values healthy, and well-kept examples are among the slowest-depreciating sports cars around.
