Revolutionary Mazda MX-5 gets a thrilling makeover

In what was a busy week, we spent some time at the fabled Goodwood racetrack in West Sussex last weekend driving the fantastic new Mazda MX-5 — the car that single-handedly revived the two seater coupe genre.

The fourth generation version of the iconic Mazda goes on sale in Ireland in August, from €27,995.

The car features a brand new 1.5-litre petrol engine with 131 bhp and while that may appear to be a tad on the weedy side, let me assure you that given the power to weigh ratio of the car, it will supply all the driving thrills that one normally associates with the MX-5.

Throw in the rear-wheel drive layout, a ‘perfect’ 50:50 weight distribution and what Mazda tells us is more comfort and technology than ever, the car is as much of a cracking driving experience than ever before.

Although we were not fully let loose around the testing and daunting Goodwood layout — sensibly, on Mazda’s behalf, you might think — we still got the sense of a car which has been truly fine tuned and fettled and one which is a genuinely well-sorted handler.

The car will come to Ireland with a choice of two specification grades and the Mazda people here are confident they will sell a considerable amount of them before the year’s end.

Although only two MX-5s — even though they were the ‘anniversary’ versions — were sold in Ireland thus far this year, but Mazda hopes to significantly increase that number once the new version comes on stream.

Maintaining the driver- focused ethos that has made the MX-5 the best-selling two-seater sports car of all time, the latest MX-5 was conceived and developed, we are told, under the concept of “innovate in order to preserve”.

This philosophy has allowed Mazda to maintain the agility, fun, and engagement that has defined the MX-5 while at the same time meeting ever-increasing safety and efficiency requirements, alongside improved refinement. The new car is the lightest MX-5 since the iconic original and is shorter, lower, and wider than the outgoing car, with the smallest overhangs and lowest centre of gravity yet.

According to Mazda Ireland managing director Tony Howarth, the company will be launching five new cars in 2015 but MX-5 is probably the most exciting as it embodies everything that Mazda stands for. “It is a true driver’s car connecting the driver and car through the ‘Jinba Ittai’ concept, meaning oneness between horse and rider. This fourth generation Mazda MX-5 returns to the roots of the original car launched in 1989, being smaller and lighter and, importantly, offering fun to drive for the masses.

“The MX-5 will be available in Ireland starting at €27,995 and, as well as being great to drive, is packed full of technology to ensure the car has all the comforts you would expect of a modern sports car.”

Standard kit across the MX-5 range includes alloy wheels, LED headlights, leather steering wheel, and a lightweight and sleek fabric hood. The Roadster GT models are distinguished by 16-inch Gunmetal alloy wheels and piano-black wing mirrors and feature rain-sensing wipers, rear parking sensors, smart keyless entry, Premium Bose Surround-Sound, and heated leather seats.