Skip advert
Advertisement

Mazda MX-5 roadster (2005-2015)

"The Mazda MX-5 isn’t just one of the most fun-to-drive cars on the road, it’s also affordable and reliable."

Carbuyer Rating

4.2 out of 5

Owners Rating

4.3 out of 5

Read owner reviews

Pros

  • Super reliable
  • Loads of fun
  • Relatively affordable to run

Cons

  • Cramped interior
  • Very small boot
  • A bit dated

The Mazda MX-5 is perfect if you want an open-top two-seater that’s fun to drive and reasonably cheap to run. There's a new model on the way, which means Mazda is offering some very generous discounts on the current car, too. Many see the Mazda as offering the traditional thrills of a classic British sports car, combined with the reliability of a Japanese model.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Two versions are available, each with a different roof. As its name suggests, the MX-5 Soft Top has a folding fabric roof, but the MX-5 Roadster Coupe has a folding hard-top roof. As a result, the latter is a little quieter on the move, more secure and only marginally heavier.

And it’s that weight that explains the brilliance of the Mazda MX-5 on the move. Even though it’s been on sale for a long time, it’s still one of the most entertaining cars to drive you can buy – at any price. Couple that lightness with steering that responds immediately to your inputs, a wonderful manual gearbox and just enough power to make the most of the brilliant chassis, and it’s no surprise that across three generations, the MX-5 has become the world’s most popular roadster.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Buyers can choose between 1.8 and 2.0-litre petrol engines, which make the Mazda quick enough to be lots of fun on a twisty road. The Soft Top is only available with the 1.8-litre engine, but the Roadster Coupe offers the choice of both engines, plus the option of an automatic gearbox instead of the standard six-speed manual.

The Soft Top features two trim levels: SE and Sport Venture. All models have climate-control air-conditioning, electric windows and alloy wheels. Sport Venture models add heated leather seats and sat nav, and is well worth the additional £500 over the price of the Soft Top SE.

Roadster Coupe trims are slightly different, with SE, Sport Tech, Sport Tech Nav and Venture Edition offered. Here, the SE trim has the same kit as the Soft Top, but the Sport Tech adds Bilstein sports suspension, while Sport Tech Nav also features a sat-nav system and is our pick of the range.

The special-edition Sport Venture version of the Roadster Coupe is well priced and well equipped, but we’d recommend choosing the 2.0-litre engine for the extra performance is provides and the Sport Venture is sadly only available with the 1.8-litre.

All Roadster Coupe versions have an electrically operated roof. To retract the Soft Top’s roof, you’ll need to use some old-fashioned arm power.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Richard is a former editor of Carbuyer, as well as sister site DrivingElectric.com, and he's now Deputy Editor at Auto Express. Having spent a decade working in the automotive industry, he understands exactly what makes new car buyers tick.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

The best convertible cars on sale 2024
Top 10 best convertibles
Best cars
11 Sep 2024

The best convertible cars on sale 2024

Mazda MX-5 review – the benchmark affordable sports car
2024 Mazda MX-5
In-depth reviews
29 Aug 2024

Mazda MX-5 review – the benchmark affordable sports car

Most Popular

It’s official – the Dacia Duster is the Carbuyer Car of the Year 2025!
Carbuyer Car of the Year – Dacia Duster
News
23 Oct 2024

It’s official – the Dacia Duster is the Carbuyer Car of the Year 2025!

The best cheap fun cars from under £5k to over £10k
Best cheap fun cars
Best cars
25 Oct 2024

The best cheap fun cars from under £5k to over £10k

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s best PCP finance offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
25 Oct 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s best PCP finance offers

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
21 Oct 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024