Just a loaner of course

The S is in for some headlamp / MOT stuff. Parked her up next to a line of Jazz's and knew what I would be given as a loaner but instead he passed me the keys to a new 06 MX5 with only 1000 miles on the clock. No mention of warm in or anything like that

First impressions are it is an ugly little car. huge wheel arch gaps and dodgy lights. Interior is plastic. Not very plasticy but just plastic - the entire interior almost. Seats are grippy enough. Dials and overall dash layout remoinds me (without having sat in one) of a smart Roadster. It's nice, simple, clear dials etc.

DSC button is well hidden but I found it after the orange light started flashing..

Very light clutch, underpowered - yeah it has a bit of zoomzoom but being so used to the S in the MX5 you hit redline as the Vtec would normally kick in - Def miss that boost of power.

Anyway - keeping her until tomorrow so will give her a proper test on the twisties in the morning.

 

I never drove one I expect they are fun to drive but a bit slow I used to have an MGF

 

I thought this was finally going to be someone admitting to being a skipper thread.

 

The interior/rear end is very reminiscent of the MK1.

Would be very interested to hear how well it drives.

 

I had a Mk2 1.8 and loved it - eminently chuckable, if lacking a bit of poke (with the benefit of hindsight).

Not keen at all on the styling of the Mk3 - the "pumped up" look is just plain wrong. It looks like the Mk2 has overdosed on steroids.

I too will be interested to read what you think of the driving dynamics, Nick.

 

I was just behind one for about 1 mile in traffic and it wasn't until it turned off the main road that I realised it was the new model. What is the point of a brand new car that looks exactly the same as the old one?

PS: The S2K doesn't fit this description because each model change has not been a brand new design before someone jumps in.

 

Pointless model changes, in order to excite the numpty buyers.

You'll see so much more of it in future, now that designs are very mature & there's barely any innovation;

"What can we do?"

"Let's make the old one bigger"

"Great idea!"

The new X5 is another case in point. (The BMW, in case that reads like a typo!)

 

My g/f has a 1.8 MkII and it is a lovely drive. My colleague at work had a 1.6i MkI which he supercharged and he loved it to bits.

Drove a MkIII 2.0i Sport at an SMMT day recently and I was so disappointed with it. Engine note is flat, chassis is good but not the involving drive I was expecting, and overall I wondered what the fuss was about.

The MX-5 has become a 'corporate' car - make it comfortable and refined at the expense of excitement. A real shame, because despite the hairdresser jibes I've always had respect for MX-5 owners, as anyone who knows about cars knows the Mazda had one of the great chassis, despite its lack of power.

Nickrg, I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on it.

 

That's the problem with the new one - IT DOESN'T LOOK LIKE THE OLD ONE! The mark 1 MX-5 is a classic shape - the mark 3 is horrible. I have had no regrets in trading in my mark 2.5 MX-5 for my S2K! I still have a mark 1 MX-5 which I still love.

 

I am not up-to-date on the version of the car, SuzyPee but the new one is no different to the one it replaces, from behind at least. The roof looked grey and faded hence why I never realised it was a new car. Mazda have shot themselves in the foot, they could have been daring and exciting, instead they give us the same as the old one but with wings.