Our Fleet Test Drive: Mazda MX-5 - 5th Report Update

Date: 26 November 2007   |   Author: John Mahoney

It's a distant memory now but we loved the wet summer we were treated to. If that sounds strange from someone running a convertible, let me explain.

Roof down, the MX-5 is a joy, but it's all too easy to get wrapped up in boring things like nature and the suspicion your forehead is nearing, when the sun actually comes out, well done.

Roof up is when the real fun starts and it is only then you can truly concentrate and appreciate our Mazda's finest quality - the way it drives.

Recently, on route to a car launch in Warwickshire in an epic downpour, the Mazda was an absolute hoot, with its entertaining handling and a firm ride that never verges on uncomfortable. Our car also has a six-speed gearbox [1] that keeps the engine on the boil, but importantly gets a special set of dampers that provide a controlled ride.

The only thing we found depressing about the summer is that it gave us the chance to fire up the standard heated leather seats a few times. Similarly depressing is the fuel consumption we're averaging, perhaps down to the Mazda encouraging enthusiastic driving. So far our best figure has been just over 36mpg on the way to the LeMans 24hour race [2], but that average is just less than 30mpg.

Our recent office move and subsequent increase in motorway mileage has meant this overall average is improving, with recent figures typically the better side of 30mpg. And our running costs, at 34.1ppm, are looking impressively close to the already impressive predicted 32.2p figure.

Subscribe