Mazda MX-5 Review

The Mazda MX-5 or the Eunos Roadster (as it is known in Japan, or even Miata in the USA) was the car that started the main Japanese import scene with the Eunos Roadster imports being considerably cheaper than it's UK counter part.

As the most popular 2 seater convertible on UK roads, The MX-5 has some magic that many people love. The front engined rear wheel drive lay out gives precise handling while also having the extra fun getting the rear out, all with the roof down! Newer rivals sport larger engines, the MX-5 started out with a 1.6 litre engine offering 0-60 in around 9.5 seconds and onto 118 mph. Some said it was under powered - the chassis could definitely take more, but it was the fact that you needed to push it a little harder to get the most out of it that was one of the attractions.

Mazda introduced a 1.8 option from '94, taking over a second off the sprint to 60, and in it's latest revision, onto 127 mph. But this was at the price of a bit more weight, which detracted from the original character of the Eunos.Later models lost the pop up headlights in 1998, which can be prone to failure.

In the USA the Miata, as the MX5 is known there, is the most popular choice for autocross racing, thanks to great handling, rear wheel drive and affordable tuning options at an affordable price. Tuning companies such as Jackson Racing offer supercharging, as one of our readers cars now sports, as well as turbo conversions.

The Mazda MX-5, Miata, Eunos Roadster - call it what you will - has won many people over. If you are looking for a 2 seater car on a budget it would be hard to go wrong, even modified as a track day car.