Mazda MX-5 1.5 Sport Nav+
MPG MPG figures are official EU test figures for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results. Fuel consumption is tested using WLTP and CO2 emissions are NEDC equivalent. Only compare fuel consumption, CO2 and electric range figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. For more information about WLTP please refer to kia.com/uk. Model shown: New Sportage 'GT-Line S' 1.6 CRDi 134bhp 2WD 7-speed Auto DCT ISG at £32,315 including premium Infra Red paint at £615. Specification varies across the range and is subject to change without notice. *Scrappage saving of £2,000 (incl. VAT) on Picanto and £2,500 (incl. VAT) on Stonic, Sportage and Venga. Offer available on purchase of a Picanto, Venga, Stonic or Sportage in the United Kingdom, Isle of Man or Channel Island between 01.07.2019 and 30.09.2019. Private customer registrations only, excluding Personal Contract Hire. This offer is conditional on the scrappage of a car or van, of any make, taxed and in good working order, not identified as an insurance write off category A or B, originally registered on or before 31.06.2012 and owned by the customer for at least three months prior to the new vehicle’s order date. The scrappage saving is in lieu of all other offers. Only one scrappage payment can be claimed for each vehicle scrapped. 7 year / 100,000 mile manufacturer’s warranty. For full terms and exclusions visit kia.com/uk.
Longley Park Motors Ltd trading as Longley Park Motors are a credit broker (not a lender) for the purposes of this financial promotion and can introduce you to a limited number of carefully selected finance providers and may receive a commission from them for the introduction.
OPINIONS as to why the Mazda MX-5 is the world’s best selling sports car are divided. There are those who remain convinced it is down to value for money - where else could you buy a stylish two-seater convertible for a little over £19,000 - others reckon it’s all about the way the car drives.
While both sides have a valid point, they may also have missed the point.
Because the key to the Mazda MX-5 is actually its simplicity - it’s light, focused, hugely nimble and, a few stowage issues apart, a car pretty much without fault.
Look at what else is out there at around the same price and there’s no contest - only the Fiat 124 Spider came close, and that car used the same mechanicals as the MX-5.
Two petrol engines - a 1.5litre unit with 131bhp and a 2.0 that develops 184bhp - are up for grabs and buyers also get the choice of a convertible with fabric roof or the RF with folding hard top.
Those with a greater need for speed will no doubt opt for the higher powered engine, which starts at £22,795, but there’s still plenty of grunt from the 1.5.
That’s accompanied by some extra tuning of the main silencer to project a cleaner more powerful engine note too.
Of course cruising round country lanes and enjoying the sunshine doesn’t come much better than in a convertible.
Problem is you’re rarely more than a few minutes away from the arrival of brooding cloud and stair-rod rain.
And with the MX-5 soft-top there’s no relaxing pushbutton retraction - it’s the old lift and tug strategy, which is more fun anyway.
Otherwise this is a car that’s rewarding to drive, feeling agile and stable in equal measure.
That’s partly down to Mazda’s weight saving ‘gram strategy’ which played a big part in the chassis development of a car that’s actually the lightest MX-5 since the first-generation – and that was 29 years ago.
The range also now has telescopic steering and improved seat sliding operation to boost driver comfort and improve what they call the Jinba Ittai – carand-driver as one – ethos that sits at the heart of the MX-5 philosophy.
New active safety features included from Sport Nav+ trim upwards include front and rear Smart City Brake Support, Traffic Sign Recognition and Driver Attention Alert.
These models, like our tested variant, start at £23,595 and feature bright alloy wheels, body-coloured door mirror caps, black leather seat trim and a Premium
Bose sound system with nine speakers.