Skip advert
Advertisement

Dreaming of the summer: Mazda MX-5 generations driven at Goodwood - Mazda MX-5 generations driven at Goodwood - page 3

We take a spin back in time with the first three generations of Mazda MX-5

Either Goodwood’s marshalls have forgotten I’m on the circuit or they’re happy for me to continue circulating as droplets of fresh rain grow larger on the windscreen. The car’s balance remains predictable and ABS adds welcome reassurance on the damp asphalt without spoiling pedal feel. The third-gear Woodcote corner is the trickiest, with understeer on turn-in and oversteer as you squeeze the throttle, but this malleability is what makes the first two generations of MX-5 such a joy – and such appropriate tools in which to learn rear-wheel-drive behaviour.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The same couldn’t be said of the Mk3 MX-5 upon its 2005 debut. evo’s first drive of the car revealed stark shortcomings in its balance and ability to telegraph useful information to the driver, and when a 2-litre car found itself against such luminaries as the Renaultsport Clio Trophy, BMW M3 CS and Caterham Seven CSR in evo Car of the Year 2005, it was first to exit the test, lacking the feel, delicacy and vitality that made its predecessors so endearing.

To its credit, Mazda worked tirelessly to improve the car, and by the time the facelifted ‘Mk3.5’ model arrived in 2009 many of our criticisms were rendered moot. It’s more liveable with on the road than the earlier cars, if not quite as tactile. At Goodwood, the extra grip, improved body control and improved torsional rigidity prove confidence-inspiring, particularly on a drying track.

Along with the extra power – 158bhp at 6700rpm from the 2.0 – it’s the best track car by a margin. Not as talkative as earlier MX-5s perhaps, but reduced slack in the car’s responses and the extra grip at both ends give you impetus to push harder. You need correspondingly higher speeds to really work the chassis, which can be a drawback on the road, depending on your propensity for playing with the rear axle, but as a tool for learning to drive on track, it’s the best car here.

As the dappled grey blanket over West Sussex finally makes way for patches of blue, the roof comes down. Each generation of MX-5 has its faults, but until a rival matches this simple formula, none will feel quite as jovial on a summer’s day.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

BMW M2 CS shows face at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed
M2 CS front
News

BMW M2 CS shows face at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed

BMW has applied the CS treatment to the G87 M2 and it's now made its UK debut at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed
11 Jul 2025
Used Toyota GR86 (2022 - 2024) review – short-lived sports car brilliance
Best driver's cars 2023 - Toyota GR86
Reviews

Used Toyota GR86 (2022 - 2024) review – short-lived sports car brilliance

No minor revision, the GR86 delivers thrills beyond the reach of its iconic predecessor – if you managed to get hold of one...
11 Jul 2025
New Aston Martin Vantage S revealed – Ferrari Amalfi rival is more powerful and focused
Aston Martin Vantage S front
News

New Aston Martin Vantage S revealed – Ferrari Amalfi rival is more powerful and focused

With a bump in power output among myriad detail changes, the Vantage S could be the ultimate driver’s Aston
8 Jul 2025
The 2025 Carrera 4S is an all-wheel-drive Porsche 911 without hybrid power
Porsche 911 Carrera 4S
News

The 2025 Carrera 4S is an all-wheel-drive Porsche 911 without hybrid power

Porsche adds AWD to the Popular Carrera S lineup, as well as a Targa
2 Jul 2025
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

£15k off Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio super SUV
Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio
News

£15k off Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio super SUV

If you have to have an SUV, a Stelvio QV is acceptable. Now it's being heavily discounted.
8 Jul 2025
New Aston Martin Vantage S revealed – Ferrari Amalfi rival is more powerful and focused
Aston Martin Vantage S front
News

New Aston Martin Vantage S revealed – Ferrari Amalfi rival is more powerful and focused

With a bump in power output among myriad detail changes, the Vantage S could be the ultimate driver’s Aston
8 Jul 2025
MST Mk1 Sports is a more affordable less extreme Ford Escort recreation
MST Ford Escort front
News

MST Mk1 Sports is a more affordable less extreme Ford Escort recreation

Costing a tenth of most made-new classics, the MST Mk1 Sports is comparatively accessible
8 Jul 2025