The fourth-generation (ND) MX-5, a two-seat rear-wheel-drive roadster with a manual soft top and a six-speed manual gearbox, suited to buyers who want a light, affordable sports car.
Body
Convertible
Powertrain
Petrol
Power
130–181 bhp
Range
–
Boot
130 l
What reviewers say
Reviewers agree the MX-5 remains the benchmark affordable sports car, with playful handling, a free-revving engine, a sweet manual gearbox and low running costs, and it is more comfortable than expected. The common criticisms are a tight cabin with little headroom for tall drivers, scant storage and a small boot; Autocar notes some will want more power.
1.5-litre Skyactiv-G four-cylinder petrol, 132 PS (97 kW) at 7,000 rpm, or 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G petrol, 184 PS (135 kW) at 7,000 rpm; bhp converted from kW. Both have i-stop and i-ELOOP. The 2.0-litre is being sold from remaining UK stock, and a 136 PS 1.5 arrives with the 2027 model year in January 2027
Torque
152 Nm at 4,500 rpm (1.5); 205 Nm at 4,000 rpm (2.0)
Gearbox
6-speed manual
Drive
Rear-wheel drive
Range and charging
Economy (WLTP)
41.5–45.6 mpg
Efficiency
WLTP combined 45.6 mpg (6.2 l/100 km) for the 1.5; 41.5 mpg (6.8 l/100 km) for the 2.0
CO2 emissions
140 g/km (1.5); 153 g/km (2.0), WLTP combined
Practicality
Body
Convertible
Seats
2
Boot
130 litres
Length
3,915 mm
Width
1,735 mm
Boot
130 litres
Size
3,915 mm long, 1,735 mm wide (without mirrors), 1,225 mm high (1.5) or 1,230 mm (2.0); 2,310 mm wheelbase; 10.0 m turning circle (wall to wall); 141 mm (1.5) or 149 mm (2.0) ground clearance; maximum kerb weight 1,106 kg (1.5) or 1,128 kg (2.0), including a 75 kg driver. A folding hard-top version is sold as the MX-5 RF
Pros and cons
Pros
+Rear-wheel drive with a six-speed manual gearbox
+45.6 mpg (WLTP combined) for the 1.5
+About 1.1 tonnes with driver
Cons
−130-litre boot and two seats
−The 2.0-litre is available only from remaining UK stock
