The ND MX-5 is now 9 years outdated – positively geriatric within the context of mannequin cycles. Nevertheless, the no-nonsense inside nonetheless feels contemporary. It was an enormous leap in contrast with the NC generation, however when you’re unaccustomed to MX-5s, it’s seemingly that the cabin’s extremely compact dimensions might want to sink in earlier than you’ll be able to meaningfully survey the small print. The MX-5 has all the time been resolutely bijou, and the ND isn’t any totally different.
Broader adults will discover themselves in frequent contact with the centre console, door trim and the edges of the thin footwell, whereas taller drivers will need for a number of centimetres extra leg room. Despite a 20mm decrease hip level in contrast with the NC, you sit a bit of larger than would appear optimum and head room with the highest up is comparatively restricted. Moreover, there’s a bulge within the floorpan that denies you the choice of folding your clutch leg away on motorways (a malaise of right-hand-drive automobiles solely). Reach adjustment for the steering wheel was added in 2018.
If you intend to do lengthy distances in your MX-5, hunt down a model with the Recaro seats, as a result of they’re considerably extra comfy than the usual objects, and supply extra lateral help too. You’ll discover them within the thirtieth Anniversary version and on 2024 Homura automobiles.
These components can mix to make it difficult to get comfy – difficult sufficient, in actual fact, for some folks to be delay the prospect fully, though others will proclaim this probably the most comfy MX-5 but.
More idiot the critics, although, as a result of in an age that tends in direction of profligacy, the MX-5’s cockpit-sized simplicity – as soon as reconciled with – makes for a captivating setting. The dashboard structure is much like that of the Mazda 2, which is an effective factor as a result of the identical natty design options and chunky, tactile switchgear work equally nicely right here within the roadster. You’ll should look laborious to seek out soft-touch supplies, however that in some way feels applicable for a no-nonsense sports activities automotive.
Nowhere is the MX-5’s simplicity higher encapsulated than within the operated by hand roof. Made 3kg lighter than within the NC and requiring 30lb ft much less effort to shut, the hood might be operated simply with one hand, even when transferring. There’s one spring-loaded clip to unfasten on the header rail, then a click on someplace within the housing behind you to verify that it’s safely stowed. It takes 4 or 5 seconds and, like just about every thing else concerning the MX-5, places every thing bigger, heavier and motor-driven to disgrace.
The roof’s tiny dimension implies that the automotive continues to supply a modest-sized however usable boot. It’s too small for golf golf equipment however is simply sufficiently big for 2 weekend-away luggage. Which appears to us precisely correctly.
Multimedia system
Over its a few years on sale, the MX-5 has gone by means of quite a few infotainment iterations, however the excellent news is that every one of them are fairly nice to make use of as a result of they have been clearly modelled on the basic BMW iDrive.
Cars as much as 2023 used an older interface, however one which nonetheless had logical menus and might be navigated utilizing each the touchscreen and the rotary controller within the centre console. Entry-level fashions used to overlook out on the centre display, however from 2023, all MX-5s have the 7.0in touchscreen.
In 2018, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have been added, the previous with wi-fi performance. They do include a Mazda-typical quirk. The touchscreen stops engaged on the transfer and you must use the rotary controller. The latter works nice for the native interface, however utilizing it to navigate CarPlay is slightly awkward, as that was clearly designed for a touchscreen
In 2024, the display was upgraded to a 8.8in display with way more modern-looking graphics. Thankfully, that did not come at a price of usability – all of the menus stay very logical, and the built-in navigation is definitely fairly good.
The customary stereo isn’t something particular, however it’s nearly brawny sufficient to be heard over the street and wind noise. The Bose system that was once obtainable on sure trims put up a greater battle, however as that is fairly a loud automotive on the motorway, it’s all the time a little bit of a shedding battle.