{"id":8760,"date":"2014-07-10T12:31:52","date_gmt":"2014-07-10T12:31:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.wheelsforwomen.ie\/?p=8760"},"modified":"2014-09-04T22:51:09","modified_gmt":"2014-09-04T22:51:09","slug":"mazda-mx-5-roadster-coupe-2-0i-sport-tech","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wheelsforwomen.ie\/index.php\/mazda-mx-5-roadster-coupe-2-0i-sport-tech\/","title":{"rendered":"Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe 2.0I Sport Tech"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Mazda_MX-5_Facelift_2012_st\"<\/a>
\nThe rear wheel drive Mazda MX-5 redefined the convertible game when it arrived 25 years ago but can it still fend off rivals, we find out writes Geraldine Herbert<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

What is it?<\/strong> \u00a0The MX-5 has attracted a loyal following for its smart looks, seductive character and affordable cost.<\/p>\n

Who is it aimed at?<\/strong> This two seater is the world\u2019s best selling sports car and is the ideal car for\u00a0anyone seduced by the allure of top down driving.<\/p>\n

Styling?<\/strong>A facelift last year sharpened the look with more muscular, pumped-out guards, triangular fog lamp and a rounded bonnet but the MX-5\u00a0remains\u00a0instantly recognisable.<\/p>\n

Under the Bonnet?<\/strong> Our test car came with a 2.0 litre petrol engine which dashes from rest to 100 km\/h in 7.9 seconds and has a top speed of 218 km\/h.<\/p>\n

What about inside? <\/strong>Slid behind the wheel and the interior is basic but not sparse. The dark plastics of previous versions have given way to a good looking dash and better quality feel throughout. \u00a0<\/strong>Like all low slung roadsters getting in and out is almost a workout in itself but once nestled behind the small sport steering wheel it is very easy to get comfortable. Small mirrors, windows and snug cabin makes for poor visibility but all can be improved in seconds by dropping the hard top roof and it means you won’t miss a single admiring glance. \u00a0Operating the roof is simplicity itself but be warned you’ll have to pack light for weekends away.<\/p>\n

On the Road?<\/strong> \u00a0Press you foot on the accelerator and instantly you discover just how much fun the MX-5 is. Take it on a twisty back road and it responds sharply, hangs on tenaciously and grips fearlessly. On the downside the engine needs to be revved to get the best out of it so it\u2019s a tad tiring on long journeys and it does border on noisy.<\/p>\n

\"Mazda_MX-5_Facelift_2012_2\"<\/a><\/p>\n

And Safety? <\/strong>The \u00a0MX-5 not only looks great but it is as safe as any other car out there and comes with a host of active and passive safety features including airbags all around and traction and dynamic stability control to keep you firmly planted on the road at all times.<\/p>\n

Economy?<\/strong> \u00a0Fuel efficiency\u00a0 is not a strong point and\u00a0 on a mix of city and motorway driving the MX-5 will return an average of 7.8 \u00a0litres per 100 km\/h or 36mpg although \u00a0we found it a little more of a fuel guzzler than the official figure suggests. Co2 emissions of 181 g\/km means motor tax is an expensive \u20ac750 per year.<\/p>\n

Verdict?<\/strong> So much fun and charm crammed into such an iconic roadster the MX-5 offers exquisite road handling and balance at an affordable price. Despite having only two seats, a miniscule boot and poor economy and emissions figures if it wasn\u2019t for the kids, the family pets and the weekly shopping it would be at the very top of our wish list!<\/p>\n

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Why you\u2019ll buy one?<\/strong> Fun to drive; Reliable; Classic<\/p>\n

Why you won\u2019t?<\/strong> A new 4th<\/sup> generation MX-5 has just been unveiled<\/p>\n

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Rivals<\/strong><\/p>\n

BMW Z4 \u2013 Priced from \u20ac48,447<\/p>\n

Audi TT Roadster \u2013 Priced from \u20ac47,870<\/p>\n

Audi A3 Cabriolet\u00a0<\/a>\u00a0– Priced from\u00a0\u20ac36,710<\/p>\n

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Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe 2.0I Sport Tech<\/strong><\/p>\n

Engine:\u00a0<\/strong>1999cc, 160ps @7,000 rpm, 188Nm @5,000rpm
\nMax speed:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0218km\/h
\n0-100 kph:\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>7.9 seconds
\nEmissions (Motor Tax) :<\/strong>\u00a0 181 g\/km (\u20ac750)
\nModel price: <\/strong>\u20ac32,995
\nNo of Doors:<\/strong>\u00a02 doors
\nEuro NCAP :<\/strong>\u00a0Not tested
\nFuel type:<\/strong>\u00a0 Petrol
\nFuel Economy (combined cycle):\u00a0<\/strong>7.8 l\/100km (36 mpg)
\nBoot Capacity Seats up:<\/strong>\u00a0150 litres
\nLength<\/strong>: 4020mm
\nWidth:<\/strong>\u00a01720mm
\nHeight:<\/strong>\u00a01255mm
\nWheelbase:<\/strong>\u00a02330 mm<\/p>\n

For more information visit\u00a0mazda.ie<\/a>\u00a0, the Mazda Ireland\u00a0Facebook\u00a0<\/a>page or check out the video below for an overview of 25 years of the MX-5<\/p>\n