Mazda MX-5 Review

Performance
The MX-5 comes with either a 124bhp 1.8- or a 158bhp 2.0-litre engine. Both normally have five-speed gearboxes but the 2.0-litre is available with an optional close-ratio six-speed unit.

A six-speed automatic gearbox is an option for the 2.0. Both engines only come alive when they're worked hard, but do so and they're lively.

Ride & Handling
You want your roadster to be fun? The MX-5 will be right up your street. The light body and rear-wheel drive chassis give it outstanding balance and just keeps on gripping through corners. Sensitive, communicative steering adds to the experience.

The ride is firm but not uncomfortable, although Sport versions have stiffer suspension that is less forgiving.
Refinement
With the roof down, the breeze is well isolated and the high-backed sports seats help prevent draughts around the driver and passenger. Roof up, the fabric does a decent job of blotting out wind noise, but if you do a lot of winter motorway driving, it is worth paying the extra for the Roadster Coupe's hard top. Both engines sound rather gruff and boomy, and it's best to avoid the automatic gearbox, which isn't very smooth.

Mazda5 2011

The all-new Mazda5 is fitted with a newly-developed 2.0-litre DISI1 petrol engine equipped with i-stop, and a six-speed manual transmission with gear ratios specific to this version. This new direct-injection petrol offers linear and smooth performance characteristics and is fun to drive. It is also one of the most frugal and clean C-MAVs on the market, achieving approximately 15 percent reduction in CO2 emissions compared to the 2.0-litre petrol it replaces. The gasoline line-up features a 1.8-litre engine with a six-speed manual transmission as well.

The all-new 2011 Mazda5 will go on sale in Europe this fall.