That grin on the Mazda MX-5's face is there probably because it's largely regarded as the most successful sports car of all time.
A tremendous level of simplicity has long helped this celebrated Japanese drop-top earn that title over the years. Simple is a good thing if you're trying to build a car that's light, fuel-efficient, fun and reliable.
In fact, the MX-5's uncomplicated roof-off motoring experience effectively captures the spirit of cool, old British roadsters without the leaks and catching fire in your driveway. It's a simplicity that's been honed and tweaked since the model debuted back in 1989.
Simple Looks and Cabin
The looks back this up. The 2012 Mazda MX-5 is free of gawdy add-ons and flashiness. The MX-5 wears its skin tightly, wastes no space and looks lightweight, agile and entertaining -- largely because it is. Dual exhausts and a wide, planted stance are noticed first, along with the roll-bars that signal the car's top-off intentions.
Inside the Mazda MX-5, look for four cupholders, a bit of storage, two seats, a slick instrument cluster, and little else. The up-level tester offered up heated leather and Bose Audio for a touch more sophistication and long-haul comfort.
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| The MX-5 wears its skin tightly, wastes no space and looks lightweight, agile and entertaining -- largely because it is. (Photo: Justin Pritchard) |
Under the Skin
And though at a glance it looks scarcely more menacing than a pink frosted raspberry cupcake, the 2012 Mazda MX-5 packs a wicked punch under its sheet metal via a sophisticated, track-validated, multilink suspension that anchors it all to the road. Billstien shocks and thick stabilizer bars work to generate direct, rewarding responses to every input.
A 2L 4-cylinder with 167 horsepower drives the rear wheels through a quick-shifting, 6-speed stick. It's a modest power figure that, without a lot of mass to move, proves plenty for whisking the 2012 Mazda MX-5 up to speed in a hurry.
The MZR-series powerplant is peppy and loves to rev, and the transmission's fairly short gears allow for pleasing, full-throttle romps through first, second and third while staying out of demerit-point territory.
The shift action in the 2012 Mazda MX-5 is about the best you'll find anywhere, and pedal placement allows for easy heel-and-toe shifting, and changing gears is most rewarding when done spiritedly.
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| The 2012 Mazda MX-5 packs a wicked punch under its sheet metal via a sophisticated, track-validated, multilink suspension that anchors it all to the road. (Photo: Justin Pritchard) |
Track It
To take in some spirited driving, I did what many MX-5 owners do on weekends: took it to the track. While I was there, I learned that this is a hell of a machine to drive the living bejezus out of.
Since the 2012 Mazda MX-5's got far more grip than power output, it's un-intimidating and forgiving to drive at its limit. Pushing too hard results in a little rear-end squirm, rather than a surprise trip backwards into the rhubarb. The MX-5 sticks all day long, goes like heck and attacks corners in a way a heavier car can't. The virtually perfect front-to-rear weight balance helps here, too.
The stability control system is tuned perfectly allowing you to feel the Mazda MX-5's every move, while only intervening for the nastiest slip-ups to keep you on the tarmac.
Expect instant, direct responses to steering, braking and throttle inputs. Once you get the hang of this car, it'll leave you absolutely grinning all day long. Shame it doesn't look more menacing because the 2012 Mazda MX-5 is an obedient little weapon for racetrack driving.
Brake fade is very minimal, and the modest weight means drivers can lap it hard all day long without excessive brake wear, or leaving the tires chunked-up and worn out.
Plus, with the roof off, there's headroom aplenty with a helmet on and a great peripheral view around the car -- key to confidently placing the 2012 Mazda MX-5 within its surroundings.
Even novice lappers will feel like race-car drivers, and skill levels increase, the car is right there with you. And since the roof doesn't store in the trunk, there's room for a pair of helmets, a bag and a cooler full of track-day drinks and sandwiches.
Sensible
Best of all, you'll drive to and from the track in comfort, getting great mileage, and lap it all day long on about 35 litres of gas.
Other notes? The powerful heater and aerodynamics work to help keep heat in the cabin with the top down, and the 2012 Mazda MX-5 can be enjoyed down to nearly the freezing mark with little more than a light jacket. Also, it rides better on public roads than its track-going performance suggests.
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| You'll drive to and from the track in comfort, getting great mileage, and lap it all day long on about 35 litres of gas. (Photo: Justin Pritchard) |
Complaints? Bigger guys like me will feel like they're wearing the MX-5, and with all that grip and balance, you'll likely want to empty your bank account on performance-enhancing parts before long. It is on the noisy side at speed, too.
At the end of the day, as a weekend getaway machine, a cost-effective weekend racer or an entertaining and fuel-efficient commuter, this smiley little Mazda MX-5 hits the mark.
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