Skip advert
Advertisement
Long term tests

Mazda MX-5 2.0i Sport Tech

A surging at low speed was unwelcome, but a factory software upgrade soon sorted things and smoothness was restored

Mazda MX-5 2.0i

It’s funny how you can think you’re imagining things. When we first got the latest-shape MX-5 I was sure I could feel it surging slightly when I had it on a steady throttle, but I discounted the problem as a figment of my imagination. However,  John Barker, having driven the Mazda at Car of the Year last month, declared that my noggin wasn’t playing tricks on me – there was almost certainly an engine management issue.

Advertisement - Article continues below

I phoned a Mazda dealer to book the MX-5 in and was warned that finding the cause of a problem like this could take longer than a day. But when I dropped the car off the next morning I was told that there was now a recall on all new MX-5s (that’s what I call quick work!) for a software upgrade because of engine surging. A-ha!

When I picked the car up later that day it had been cleaned (nice touch) and the surging problem hasn’t re‑occurred since. Perfect.

Running Costs

Date acquiredAugust 2009
Total mileage9180
Costs this month£0
Mileage this month961
MPG this month31.7
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Genesis is making Bentley nervous with this unexpected convertible GT
Genesis G90 Convertible
News

Genesis is making Bentley nervous with this unexpected convertible GT

As part of its Le Mans debut, Genesis has given its convertible GT concept a significant update, adding an engine in the process… 
13 Jun 2026
Ferrari F355 by Evoluto review – can you improve on sports car perfection?
Ferrari 355 by Evoluto front
Reviews

Ferrari F355 by Evoluto review – can you improve on sports car perfection?

The Ferrari F355 is beloved by almost all even after three decades. A brave choice for a restomod then... We drive it
11 Jun 2026
Why the ‘experts’ are completely wrong about buying a second-hand car
Used Bentley
Opinion

Why the ‘experts’ are completely wrong about buying a second-hand car

Navigating the absurd world of used car ads makes buying new seem sane, reckons Porter
12 Jun 2026