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

New Jaguar GT electric saloon sheds more disguise ahead of 2026 reveal
Jaguar GT saloon
News

New Jaguar GT electric saloon sheds more disguise ahead of 2026 reveal

Jaguar’s comeback is getting closer, as validation prototypes of its new GT saloon hit UK roads
21 Nov 2025
Everyone loves the idea of a GT car, so why does nobody buy them?
Aston Martin Vanquish
Opinion

Everyone loves the idea of a GT car, so why does nobody buy them?

We all love a great GT, says Jethro. Trouble is, no-one wants to buy them
21 Nov 2025
The Porsche 911 GT3 now laps as fast as Ford’s Mustang GTD, thanks to new Manthey upgrade
Porsche 911 GT3 Manthey Racing upgrade – front
News

The Porsche 911 GT3 now laps as fast as Ford’s Mustang GTD, thanks to new Manthey upgrade

An uprated aero, suspension and brake package from Manthey Racing has made the 992.2 GT3 just as quick as a Mustang GTD around the Nürburgring, with n…
21 Nov 2025