Mazda MX-5 1.6i Road Test

Mazda MX-5 1.6i

What We'd Like To See

• Air conditioning as standard
• Traction and stability control
• A windscreen integrated aerial
• Side airbags
• Keyless entry

Build Quality

Mazda's renowned reliability and build quality combined with the Zoom, Zoom, Zoom factor ensures that you will not be disappointed. My only reservation was that the cloth upholstery might hitch and that leather would prove more durable in the long term.

Value For Money

The Mazda MX-5 is a classic sports car that appeals to all ages and because it is so popular it holds its value well making it a good long term buy.

Overall Opinion

Having already driven the superb 1.8i Sport model I had my reservations about the MX-5 1.6i. Having said that the 1.6i model did not disappoint, it has all the fun attributes of its more powerful sibling's with less power. It does lack a few of the luxury extras but they aren't going to make it a better drive.

The 1.6i model is a couple of insurance groups lower than the 1.8i Sport which might make a difference to younger drivers for insurance purposes and the C02 Emissions (g/km) are lower at 188 compared to 215 for the 1.8i Sport which might affect company car drivers. By introducing 3 engine variants Mazda have created an MX-5 to suit everyone.

Lets face it it's not the fastest or most prestigious convertible that money can buy but it certainly has that special something. The very fact that the 700,000th MX-5 rolled off the assembly line on the 5th March 2004, during its15th anniversary year goes to prove it. At £15,000 the 1.6i model is a true sports car with few faults and is excellent value for money.

In my opinion Mazda cannot evolve this car any further.

To read our in depth road test of the Mazda MX-5 1.8i Sport [ click here ]

For more information about the Mazda MX-5 model range [ click here ]