1990 MAZDA MX-5 (2)

Within a decade, the MX-5 had become the biggest selling sports car of all time. Driving a top example of an original car makes it easy to understand why. It’s a precise instrument that is an engaging way of getting from A to B, and the bigger the distance between the two points, the better. You can put this down to refinement that exceeds most expectations and reliability that was light years ahead of the cars that inspired it. Later cars got engines with more capacity and power but the beauty of the 1.6 is that you enjoy using most of its performance more of the time. Any drive can prove an entertaining exercise, whether it’s a short-shifting cruise or a high-revving howl.

Any MX-5 is strictly a two-seater, of course, but the no-nonsense cabin is not cramped and a tall driver can achieve an excellent set-up. The cockpit is completely free of gadgetry and unnecessary decoration but more importantly, the pedals, gearshift and small steering wheel are superb for their shape, feel and positioning. Sure, the MX-5 doesn’t have the room of the Japanese 2+2 seaters that became more prevalent throughout the 1990s, but it isn’t laden with their weight either.
Not many mass-produced cars instantly impress for being this special.

Ever owned one? Share your NA MX-5 experience: keepers@kiwigarage.co.nz