Image © Microsoft
- Mileage total: 9,800
- Mileage since last report: 500
- MPG overall: 30.3mpg
- Costs: £0 so far
- On fleet since: June 2008
In pictures: life with our Mazda MX-5
Where have we been?
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My timing couldn't have been worse. I finally managed to find some time to swap my long-term Skoda Superb with Ian's Mazda MX-5, and what happens? Ice, snow and blizzards - not exactly perfect roadster weather. Nevertheless I persevered and braved the elements in an effort to try and get into work after the public transport system went into meltdown.
After unearthing the MX-5 from the mountain of snow and slip slided it out of the car park, I made it onto main roads, which were just as bad as the untreated car park. The rear-wheel-drive and playful nature of the MX-5 meant it was great fun sliding around on snow-covered roads.
What has impressed?
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Normally convertibles don't cope well with bad weather. Their fabric roofs mean trying to warm the interior can take some time, with the outdoor elements turning the cabin into a fridge. Fortunately though the Mazda's folding metal roof does a great job of insulating the cabin and keeping heat in. Also the heated seats were a godsend in the sub-arctic temperatures.
Although the MX-5 isn't the most powerful roadster on the market, it's playful character and fantastic handling means it doesn't need more oomph. Once the snow melted away I took the roadster out for a spin, and around country lanes it's an absolute hoot.
What’s not so impressive?
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Its playful nature may be great for budding Lewis Hamilton's, but its compact size limits exactly how liveable it really is on a day-to-day basis. I had a big box to transport, which was too big for the boot and after some to-ing and fro-ing I only just managed to get it on the passenger seat.
Lucky for me it wasn't anything fragile. I guess I've noticed the limited dimensions more, having jumped from a Skoda Superb - a car that spoils me with cabin space.
What’s next for the Mazda MX-5 RC
Not sure Ian what you've got in mind for the Mazda, but for my Skoda I've got the 1,500 mile round trip to Geneva.
Performance | 0-62mph 7.9/131mph |
Power/torque | 158bhp@6,700rpm/ 138lb ft@5,000rpm |
Insurance group | 13 |
List price | £21,100 |
Options fitted | Bose sound system (£555) and metallic paint £375) |
Price as tested | £22,030 |
Photosynth of our Mazda MX-5
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All our Mazda MX-5 RC reports
January in the MX-5
December in the MX-5
A mad month for the MX-5
The sun smiles on our MX-5
Mazda MX-5 arrival
MX-5 v BMW 135i Cab
Is the MX-5 the perfect compromise
Why I chose an MX-5
More long-term reports
New arrival: Skoda Superb
Month two: Honda Accord Tourer
Citroen C5: Vive la Différence!!!
Final fling for Clio Cup
Our BMW 135i M Sport Convertible
