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

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
Cupra Formentor VZ5 review – Audi’s RS Q3 survives in this 385bhp Spanish crossover
Cupra Formentor VZ5
Reviews

Cupra Formentor VZ5 review – Audi’s RS Q3 survives in this 385bhp Spanish crossover

Once forbidden fruit arrives on our shores in the form of the five-cylinder Formentor VZ5. But is it any good?
24 Nov 2025
Why the wild V8-powered Land Rover Defender D7X-R has ‘flight mode’
Land Rover Defender Dakar D7X-R
News

Why the wild V8-powered Land Rover Defender D7X-R has ‘flight mode’

The Land Rover Defender will take on the world’s most gruelling off-road race in 2026. Here’s our first look at the car that will do it
25 Nov 2025