AutoCar

Mazda MX-5: Third Generation Update

Local Launch
Otway Ranges, Victoria

What we liked
>> Rev-happy engine
>> Sharp handling
>> Sharper styling

Not so much
>> Noisy cabin
>> Still no reach adjustment on steering
>> Footwell's tight for all

Overall rating: 3.0/5.0
Engine/Drivetrain/Chassis: 3.5/5.0
Price, Packaging and Practicality: 2.5/5.0
Safety: 3.0/5.0
Behind the wheel: 3.0/5.0
X-factor: 3.0/5.0

OVERVIEW
Mazda's much-loved MX-5 is in its third generation and well on the way to one million global sales, including 15,000-plus in Australia alone.

This update comes well timed, bringing the popular sportscar back into the limelight after the third-gen model was released late 2006.

Mazda says the makeover is an evolution of the MX-5's "Jinba Ittai", or "one-with-the-car feeling". Indeed, retiring MX-5 Program Director of 23 years, Takao Kijima says the updated model has been designed to reach "max out" levels of driver enjoyment.

"We've always made the best efforts to realise its [MX-5's] 'fun' aspects," says Kijima. "While providing new functional aspects we must also provide some emotional aspects as well.

"To realise such fun, we designed the revolution point at an extra 500rpm. This is a kind of symbolic approach for our facelift," says Kijima referring to the extra revs Mazda's freed up in the engineroom.

The fun factor certainly remains, and the MX-5's 'affordable sportscar' catch-cry is yet more qualified with improvements to engine response, as well as the latest looks and onboard 'must-haves'...