The Mazda MX-5 is one of the most popular and recognizable sports cars on the market, with millions of fans worldwide and a slew of automotive trophies to its name.
Mazda released the first-generation MX-5 more than 30 years ago, with the goal of pasting a big big smile on your face.
It's certainly earned its reputation as a “fun car” since then and the current fourth-generation MX-5 retains all of the key qualities that have made it so popular.
It competes in one of the most difficult segments for a sports car internationally.
After all, this is a class that includes a diverse group of what we can't help but refer to as motoring icons, such as the light and airy Alpine A110 and the fearsome Porsche 911.
However, the Mazda MX-5 is significantly less expensive, with no serious competitors in its price bracket. You'd have to spend a lot more money on an Audi TT Roadster or a BMW Z4 to acquire another two-seater soft top that's as much fun.
That is not to say that the MX-5 lacks sports-car engineering. All models have rear-wheel drive, and the revvy 1.5 and 2.0-litre petrol engines ensure that you have a good time.
The 1.5-litre versions are more available here in Bangladesh in comparison to the bigger counterpart and the price ranges between Tk40 to Tk43 lakh.
Engine
The engine revs swiftly and delivers thrilling acceleration. The straight, easy-to-shift manual transmission encourages exploring the engine's high-revving nature.
Even the optional automatic transmission impresses, with fast shifts and lively programming.
According to Mazda, the soft-top variant can reach 100km/h in 5.7 seconds but can be bouncy when driving over a series of bumps, says an owner who has been using the 2019 model of the MX-5 for a couple of years now.
The shocks and springs on the later models provide the firmest ride of the series, however no MX-5 rides poorly.
The handling is crisp, energetic, and playful and feels really light; it cuts like a terrific running back and keeps the driver informed of what the front tires are doing.
Simply put, this car is an absolute joy to drive.
Interior
To start off with the interior of the vehicle, the MX-5 is not the most practical vehicle out there. The cabin is compact but enough for two adults and only fitted with the bare necessities.
While some may consider the interior to be minimalistic, I personally love the clean and professional focus of the steering wheel, pedals, and shifter, as well as the refreshingly simple accommodations.
With limited storage cubbies and a short trunk, the MX5 barely acknowledges the necessity to bring your personal items.
You can even feel too close to your passenger if it weren't for the high transmission tunnel separating you. A casual grasp on the gear lever will almost certainly result in you scratching your knuckles across your knee.
Taller passengers may also have difficulty finding enough headroom, but luckily no one wants to drive around an MX-5 with the roof up anyway.
The Mazda has a touchscreen infotainment system that is enhanced by an easy-to-reach control knob and hard buttons on the center console.
Every MX-5 comes standard with Bluetooth connectivity (for both phone and streaming-audio functionality), as well as a CD player.
Navigation is standard on higher specs and HD radio compatibility is also provided.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard features.
Verdict
Practicality isn't one of the Mazda MX-5's main selling points, with only two seats, no typical glove box or door pockets, and a boot that's 20 litres less than the previous models.
The cabin is also noticeably smaller in the latest model too.
If you are looking for a vehicle simply because of pure driving pleasure, this is the car for you. Not only is it extremely good-looking to most people, but the vehicle is also quite subtle given that it is a roadster.
With a rich history of more than 30 years, the MX-5 is certainly up there with some of the legendary names in the game.