The 2015 MX-5 can be summed up by saying it’s simple, agile
and enjoyable to drive.
Non-intimidating like eating a hot dog (unless you are vegan or vegetarian) The third generation 2015 MX-5 tester features a power retractable hard top, limited slip differential and Bilstein dampers. After a nearly 10 year lifecycle most have seen it, heard about it and maybe driven it. The interior is bare bones, simple but heavily dated. Center stack is not much to look and steering wheel is very skinny without proper ergo thumb grips like in Mazda3 and 6.
Non-intimidating like eating a hot dog (unless you are vegan or vegetarian) The third generation 2015 MX-5 tester features a power retractable hard top, limited slip differential and Bilstein dampers. After a nearly 10 year lifecycle most have seen it, heard about it and maybe driven it. The interior is bare bones, simple but heavily dated. Center stack is not much to look and steering wheel is very skinny without proper ergo thumb grips like in Mazda3 and 6.
The exterior with many refreshes still has that unique “Miata”
look as most can immediately identify it by first glance. Interior space is
exactly what you would expect from a small convertible but for those who fit it’s
a comfortable place. Trunk space is something that will handle a few overnight
bags and toolbox. The real magic however
is the driving experience.
The MX-5 has neutral handling, great manual transmission
with short gearing and plenty peppy 2.0L make this light weight car fun to
drive. It’s just as simple as winding it
out over and over again. Chassis
rigidity is not all bad, some cowl shake of course but overall this car just
gives the driver confidence to push. The
only real issue we take is just how rollie pollie it feels. There is just too much suspension lean and
body roll. Looking at the suspension
geometry we can tell this car was setup for motorsports which means you can
lower it and still have plenty of suspension travel without having to fiddle
with bump steer kits, roll center corrections and that maybe why in stock form
the car just seems to roll plenty before suspension sets.
The ride makes it feel less intimidating and edgy but also
makes for an extremely livable daily driver.
Overall if someone is in the market for a small sporty convertible, there are not many options, actually this is it and there is a reason for it.
Mazda Notes:
"Ball joints on the rear give more precise handling than rubber bushings. Rear suspension is surprisingly important for steering response."
·
"The PRHT is softer than the soft top, so those
who want a sharper, stiffer car should go for the soft top club spec"
·
"Miatas always have soft suspension with a fair
amount of roll. Reason is that soft suspension gives better tire contact on
rough roads, and good roads are always rough. The best back roads roads are the
ones without other cars on them, and those roads are always poorly
maintained."
Pros:
- Motor
- Trans
- Neutral chassis
- Suspension adjustability and setup
- Easy to drive
- Lightweight
- Comfortable (If you fit)
- Motorsports heritage
Cons:
- Dated Interior
- Body Roll
- Seats are flat and unsupportive
- Seat Heaters insanely hot
- Center console storage marginal
- Life cycle absurd
- Zero Prestige
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