2011 Mazda MX-5 Review
Price
RM220,000
Installment
RM2,098/mth
2011 Mazda MX-5 at a glance
Being the best-selling sports car in history, the Mazda MX-5 has a lot to live up to. Fortunately for keen drivers, the 2011 Mazda MX-5 is still as involving as ever to drive. And it now comes with a more useable hardtop instead.
2011 Mazda MX-5 quick specs
| Body Style | Convertible |
| Class | Sports/GT |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 2 |
2011 Mazda MX-5 ratings (overall rating : 4/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
The MX-5 is as iconic to Mazda as Beetle is to Volkswagen, so there is little surprise how familiar the 2011 Mazda MX-5 looks. The classic shape and rounded ends are included in an altogether more contemporary Mazda MX-5 design. The dashboard has a simple, neat layout to not distract from driving.
Handling
Despite the larger size and new body shell, Mazda has managed to minimise any weight increase. On the roads, the 2011 Mazda MX-5 is the usual loads of fun, thanks to its light weight and optimally-balanced rear-wheel-drive chassis. The 2011 Mazda MX-5 is easy to drive well, offering impressive grip levels and excellent body control. The steering is sharp, accurate and detailed on feedback.
Comfort
The 2011 Mazda MX-5's rigid chassis is free from scuttle shake, thereby providing a reasonably comfortable ride over rough surfaces, despite the firm suspension. With the hardtop down, a conversation can still be maintained; roof up, wind and road noise are not intrusive. The driving position is perfect, with all controls handily in place, but the steering column can only adjust for height and not reach.
Quality + Reliability
The dashboard feels solidly-assembled and nicely-finished. The materials used are more tough than appealing, but are of much higher quality than in the previous model. According to JD Power customer satisfaction surveys, Mazda has consistently taken the top few spots in terms of reliability. And we expect the 2011 Mazda MX-5 to maintain that impressive record.
Performance
The 2.0-litre, with 166 bhp at 6700 rpm and 190 Nm at 5000 rpm, is paired to a close-ratio six-speed automatic transmission. To exploit the full potential of the brilliant chassis will require a heavy right foot, which will inevitably dent the fuel economy, but we reckon most will be addicted to the high-revving action.
Roominess
Room and practicality are hardly the 2011 Mazda MX-5's strong points, but driver and passenger now get more room than before. Occupants sit in a low-slung and somewhat cosy cabin that is conducive for driving. As a puncture repair kit is used in place of a spare wheel, there is now boot space for a couple of small bags. The roof can be taken down electrically via the pressing of a button.
Running Costs
Fuel economy is good for a sports car. Maintenance and repair costs should be reasonable too. The lack of competitors in the segment and the small number of Mazda MX-5s on the roads should be factors enough to warrant more than decent resale values.
Value for Money
The 2011 Mazda MX-5 is not known for luxury or comfort, and the Mazda badge is hardly that attractive. Bring in the asking price and the 2011 Mazda MX-5 will need to be seriously talented to even make sense to buyers. But the single talent that the Mazda MX-5 boasts is one that appeals to the heart than the head. That involving drive and the resulting pleasure does not come cheap, but it is sure worth every ringgit.
Equipment
The 2011 Mazda MX-5 gets leather steering wheel with audio controls, 17-inch aluminium alloys, leather interior trim, power door locks, power windows, power side mirrors, fog lamps, remote keyless entry, driver/passenger/side airbags, Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), immobiliser, manual air-conditioner, and radio/MP3/CD player with six speakers.
Environment
If you only consider the ability to carry two and that the engine will likely be high-revving for most of the time, the 2011 Mazda MX-5 is far from “green”. However, there are few other sports cars that can provide the same driving pleasure at such low levels of carbon dioxide emissions and fuel consumption.
Live Life Drive Verdict
Involving drive
Ride-and-handling balance
Reasonable running costs
No telescopic steering adjustment
No manual gearbox
Not high on practicality
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