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Auto Trader Ten Point Test: Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe
 Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe 25 May 2007 Model tested: Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe 2.0 Sport Price as tested: £20,772 Range price: £18,312 Insurance group as tested: 13E Insurance group range: 13E Date tested: May 2007 Road tester: Stuart Milne
Auto Trader Ten Point Test rating: 86%
In the Roadster Coupe, the Mazda MX-5 has undergone its most radical transformation since its launch in 1989.
While the standard MX-5 packs a traditional soft top roof arrangement, the Roadster Coupe has a folding hard top. This takes just 12 seconds to raise or lower – the fastest roof on sale today.
But has breaking with tradition spoilt the greatness of the world's most popular roadster; or given it an extra dimension?
Read on for the full review, or click the links to skip to a section.
Looks | Looks Inside | Practicality | Ride and Handling | Performance
This, the third generation MX-5 has started to grow up, but thankfully not at the expense of its styling. It's still obviously an MX-5 – especially from the rear, which has hardly changed since the original model. The front is less fussy than its predecessor, and the lights look more aggressive which gives it more presence than ever before. The side profile looks a little different from the soft-top version, although it takes several glances to realise it has a solid roof. Our top-of-the-range 2-litre Sport model features twin tailpipes, as well as pretty 17-inch alloys.
8/10
The interior looks every inch a sports car. In fact, with its clear, circular gauges and simple rocker switches, it brings to mind the original Lotus Elan. The dash might not look too inspiring, with acres of black plastic, but the shiny black inserts lift the mood – and it’s a refreshing change from faux aluminium trims. The leather-trimmed seats proved to be both comfortable and supportive, even on 'spirited' journeys along winding lanes. The best thing about the interior is the way it's put together – it feels so solid.
8/10
The MX-5 is far more practical than other driver-focused cars such as the Lotus Elise. The roof – which raises or lowers in just 12 seconds – folds behind the seats, and is unusual in that it doesn’t impact on boot space. The Roadster Coupe is eight decibels quieter than the soft top, although we found road noise excessive at speed. Strangely, noise was reduced with the roof folded. A small weekly shop is about all the MX-5 can manage with its 150-litre boot, unless the driver travels alone leaving the passenger seat and footwell free. But the MX-5 has plenty of space in the cabin for oddments. There's a large covered compartment in the centre console, with a bigger compartment between the seat backs, as well as a decent sized glovebox. Each door has its own cupholder, but we found they dug into the driver's leg.
8/10
Full marks here. Even at low speeds, the MX-5 feels as nimble as a single seater race car. The steering is wonderfully direct and responsive, and perfectly weighted – no over-the-top power assistance here. It's communicative, with bags of feedback through the steering wheel, providing the driver with loads of information on what the front wheels are doing. All this, and the ride is pretty good too, leaving occupants to climb out ache free. The only criticism is on the larger 17-inch wheels, the MX had a tendency to skip over bumps, which could become disconcerting on faster or sharper bends.
10/10
With fuel and insurance costs spiralling, many driving enthusiasts are choosing cars for maximum driving pleasure, rather than outright speed. And the MX-5 is such a car. That's not to say it’s a slouch though. Our 2-litre MX-5, with a slick six-speed gearbox could dash to 62mph from rest in 8.2 seconds (8.9 for the five-speed 2-litre model, or 9.6 for the 1.8) and reach a maximum speed of 129mph. In-gear acceleration was brisk too, thanks to its light weight; indeed the folding hardtop only adds 18kg so it doesn't blunt performance or handling.
9/10
At more than £20,000, the MX-5 Roadster Coupe is expensive, especially when it is likely to be a second car, with something more spacious for everyday use. The Roadster Coupe is around £2,000 more than the soft-top equivalent, but is likely to be more appealing to buyers when it comes to sell. All MX-5s retain around half their new price after three years and 60,000 miles. The 2-litre, six-speeder returns around 35mpg, but cost-conscious buyers might like to consider the 1.8, which can cover almost 39mpg on average. Emissions of 193g/km place it in costly Group F tax band, but insurance is low for a sports car at Group 13.
7/10
The MX-5 Roadster Coupe feels superbly built, with only the occasional creak from the roof when raised. It’s a similar story underneath, with it coming third best for the cheapness and rarity of breakdowns in the Reliability Index. It's too soon to hear of any anecdotes about known faults, but the previous generation had very few.
10/10
The latest MX-5 hasn't been put through the EuroNCAP crash test programme yet, although its predecessor launched in 2002, scored four stars. This model is the first Mazda roadster to have side airbags as standard, which are joined by 'bags for both driver and passenger. The passenger seat has an ISOFIX child seat anchor point, and an airbag deactivation switch, while the steering wheel and pedals have been designed to reduce injury to the driver. Our 2-litre, six-speed test car has traction and stability control to reduce skidding, while all models feature ABS and brakeforce distribution.
8/10
All models feature electric windows and mirrors, 16 or 17-inch alloys and that electric roof, which opens at the touch of a button. Our range-topping 2-litre six-speeder also has climate control, bright xenon headlights and heated leather seats. The optional BOSE stereo is worth the extra £555, and sounds great. All models now have a lead in the glovebox to connect an iPod to, and can be controlled via the stereo or steering wheel-mounted switches.
8/10
The Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe offers one of the best driving experiences available at any price. And it goes to prove you don't need to sacrifice reliability, comfort and a huge pile of cash to get a proper drivers' car. It still has its critics, who brand it a hairdresser's car, but drive one and that opinion will change forever.
10/10
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3. Practicality
7. ReliabilityPage 1
