Skip advert
Advertisement
Long term tests

Mazda MX-5 2.0i Sport Tech

Adam Shorrock shares a great driving road that combined with the rear-drive Mazda MX-5, brings a smile to his face

If you’re lucky, your daily commute will take in at least one entertaining stretch of road. Mine is the B671 just off the A1 between Wansford and Elton. Every evening as I peel off the monotonous A605, I look forward to the challenge ahead as I attempt to improve my lines through this road’s series of technical corners.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The only aspect of the MX-5 that taints the experience is its disappointing, chattering, rattling engine sound. Whether at low speeds around town or on a sensational open-road drive like this, it simply doesn’t sound like a 2-litre roadster should.

Thankfully, the little Mazda does its best to distract you by being properly involving in the bends. The steering is well weighted and offers plenty of feedback, while sat low in the middle of the car you can really appreciate the advantages of the front-engine, rear-drive layout and perfect weight distribution. If, like me, you’re perhaps not the most accomplished of drivers, you’ll also appreciate the way the traction control cuts in every now and then to let you know when you’re running out of talent, but without stopping you dead in your tracks and spoiling the fun. It all adds up to make the MX-5 one of the most enjoyable and accessible sports cars around.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Can BMW’s £50k sports coupe beat the Audi RS3? – car pictures of the week
Audi RS3 and BMW M240
News

Can BMW’s £50k sports coupe beat the Audi RS3? – car pictures of the week

In the current issue of evo, we test BMW’s updated M240 against the Audi RS3 – these are our favourite shots
18 Jul 2026
Mercedes-Benz A-class review – the Audi A3-rivalling hatchback Mercedes can’t afford to kill
Mercedes-Benz A-class front
In-depth reviews

Mercedes-Benz A-class review – the Audi A3-rivalling hatchback Mercedes can’t afford to kill

The current A-class is now almost a decade old. Happily, it still looks and feels relatively fresh
16 Jul 2026
This is the next BMW M3 before you’re supposed to see it, and it’s not electric
2028 BMW M3 petrol spies
News

This is the next BMW M3 before you’re supposed to see it, and it’s not electric

The highly anticipated launch of the Neue Klasse BMW M3 is getting closer, and now we’ve had our first look at the petrol-powered model undergoing tes…
17 Jul 2026