1st week of March 2017 test drove the Italian Fiat 124 Spyder Abarth / White with Red Brembo brakes after watching a RUclips video review. Looking it over I was impressed by the interior & great flowing lines of the exterior. On the road in traffic it was a different story. Turbo lag with delayed throttle response / heavy clutch / tight notchy shifter had me looking for another car. A 2016 Mazda MX-5 Club soft top with Red Brembo brakes / Black BBS wheels White exterior. The original Japanese version of the British roadster but 4th Gen. Really liked the different style of the MX-5 reminded me of the Jaguar roadster. Driving it was absolutely eye opening ! Completely different in the instant throttle response / light clutch feel / shifter that was comfortable the second my hand felt it. Torque thru every gear with a flat curve. This is how a roadster should drive ! Could not stop driving it. I managed to persuade the Sales Manager to let me extend the test drive for the weekend. Monday after work I was there to Buy this car with checkbook & my trade in. Not a weekend toy like others claim. For me its a daily drive in 4 season Northern Illinois. when the snow is flying the winter tires go on & its almost as fun in snow / ice ! Over 4 years & this car impresses me with the overall design everyday I drive it ! Never thought I'd be saying that about this car before the test drive !
It is a great daily driver. But I don't take it out in snowy conditions. The reason is salt. Everywhere they put out salt in Germany like their life depends on it. MX 5 only gets out after days of dry roads, ideally after rain to be sure there is no salt. Yes, wax on the underbody can prevent it, but it's a lot of work and has to be done regularly :(
Nice video. I have an ND GT soft-top and nice to see you driving it the way it’s meant to be driven. So many other reviewers just sit in third gear on the twisty roads, they may as well be driving an automatic , gears are meant to be used. Nice job!
Just got a new RF GT recently. Great driving review and I agree w/everything you mentioned. It's the perfect way to feel like your going fast, and yet not get a ticket! :D
I watch these videos because I own a 2001 Miata NB that I love. I am looking forward to the day when these NDs are in the price range I can justify for a car that is a weekend plaything.
I actually looked for a used ND myself after driving this car and they are certainly coming down in price, although a good one is still 15k euros give or take, which is way more than a weekend toy is worth for most people :) I'd say give it another 2-3 years and the price will come down to under 10k. Besides, the experience is more or less the same, so if you already have an NB, just enjoy that :)
Enjoyable review to watch! It looks like you are having a ball driving yours like that. I think it is highly likely the next MX-5 (NE?) will be a mild hybrid to reduce weight build up as much as possible. Avoiding hybridisation at least I think (in Europe) is unavoidable. After that (of course) it will be EV unless policy fundamentally changes in the EU. As such I have bought a '69 30th in racing orange and can't wait to get out in it when the weather is better (UK weather)
Thanks for watching! There have been rumors about the MX-5 going full hybrid or EV for its next generation. I don’t think a mild hybrid setup will be enough to meet the Euro 7 emissions standard. Even if they make it a full hybrid, though, they could still retain the feel and manual gearbox, like in the Honda CR-Z, which is a six-speed stick shift hybrid. Two generations from now it will surely go all-electric, though.
Now that's one thing i forgot about, when driving my new MX5 Sports Venture. That steering wheel is pretty thin, as were the steering wheels on the MGs and Triumphs from the 1970s. Mazda thought of everything, when designing this car, even down to certain details, that owners forget about.
Don`t know Yours but my 2,0 ND is 1025 kg with half full tank and 75 kg driver so well under 1100 with me in it - and the seats are adjusting the height as well the slide rail is curved so smaller drivers sit higher than taller ones. Also mentionable that the fuel consumption stated by mazda ( 5,8 l/100 km`s ) is true or even less.
Well, I didn’t weigh the vehicle, I just mentioned what I saw on the official spec sheet. The seats overall aren’t bad, but after experiencing the sport seats, I would wholeheartedly recommend them. Regarding the efficiency, I averaged like 8 l/100km over my drive and I never drove with efficiency in mind :D
I drove the 1.5 back in 2016 at the launch event on a very twisty mountain road (the Transfăgărășan) and I had a passenger with me. It had plenty of power, so yes, I'd say it's sufficient.
They sell the RF because people like me think they’re miles sexier as a hard top and don’t really care for true convertibles but like the looks of a targa. I want this car and would hardly ever even drop the top.
I understand where you're coming from with that. However, to get the same effect, I'd still buy the roadster, remove the soft top roof mechanism to save weight, and then just slap a fixed hardtop on top of it :)
Well, most cars in Europe have engines below two liters and they’re getting even smaller. I’d almost dare say the two liter is the old continent’s equvalent to the small block V8 :~D
@@spendingtimetogether8428 I don't understand why they would use all of those complicated mechanical components to retract what is basically a targa top that could be light weight enough to be easily removed manually to acheive the same look.
@@travisallen2093 Ppl have different preferences. It's not really a targa since the back is open. Anyway, RF sales are great, perhaps even more than the ST.
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
Ask me anything about the MX-5 ND!
1st week of March 2017 test drove the Italian Fiat 124 Spyder Abarth / White with Red Brembo brakes after watching a RUclips video review. Looking it over I was impressed by the interior & great flowing lines of the exterior. On the road in traffic it was a different story. Turbo lag with delayed throttle response / heavy clutch / tight notchy shifter had me looking for another car. A 2016 Mazda MX-5 Club soft top with Red Brembo brakes / Black BBS wheels White exterior. The original Japanese version of the British roadster but 4th Gen. Really liked the different style of the MX-5 reminded me of the Jaguar roadster. Driving it was absolutely eye opening ! Completely different in the instant throttle response / light clutch feel / shifter that was comfortable the second my hand felt it. Torque thru every gear with a flat curve. This is how a roadster should drive ! Could not stop driving it. I managed to persuade the Sales Manager to let me extend the test drive for the weekend. Monday after work I was there to Buy this car with checkbook & my trade in. Not a weekend toy like others claim. For me its a daily drive in 4 season Northern Illinois. when the snow is flying the winter tires go on & its almost as fun in snow / ice ! Over 4 years & this car impresses me with the overall design everyday I drive it ! Never thought I'd be saying that about this car before the test drive !
Great comment. I use mine all year also. 5 seasons and 102000 trouble free kilometers so far. Love it, it's perfect. 🇳🇴
It is a great daily driver. But I don't take it out in snowy conditions. The reason is salt. Everywhere they put out salt in Germany like their life depends on it. MX 5 only gets out after days of dry roads, ideally after rain to be sure there is no salt. Yes, wax on the underbody can prevent it, but it's a lot of work and has to be done regularly :(
@@Fritttenfrau I had the underbody of mine coated with fluid film.
@@tjacobsen5131 Thats a start. I think it is not enough if you really want to keep the car rust free!
@@Fritttenfrau But I want to enjoy it all the time, not just in the summer. 🌞
like your multi angle view during driving. I can feel like in the car with you.
That was the goal :)
Nice video. I have an ND GT soft-top and nice to see you driving it the way it’s meant to be driven. So many other reviewers just sit in third gear on the twisty roads, they may as well be driving an automatic , gears are meant to be used. Nice job!
My thoughts exactly :D Thanks, happy you liked the video!
Just got a new RF GT recently. Great driving review and I agree w/everything you mentioned. It's the perfect way to feel like your going fast, and yet not get a ticket! :D
Most “performance” vehicles nowadays have too much power and are too big/heavy. The MX-5 really isn’t and it offers an unmatched experience.
I recently got the 2021 rf also, so much fun.
I watch these videos because I own a 2001 Miata NB that I love. I am looking forward to the day when these NDs are in the price range I can justify for a car that is a weekend plaything.
I actually looked for a used ND myself after driving this car and they are certainly coming down in price, although a good one is still 15k euros give or take, which is way more than a weekend toy is worth for most people :) I'd say give it another 2-3 years and the price will come down to under 10k.
Besides, the experience is more or less the same, so if you already have an NB, just enjoy that :)
@@OneTireFire you still can't find one below 15k
Excellent review! I have that model with the same Machine Grey paint and love it. You really captured the essence of the vehicle.
Thanks for watching!
Enjoyable review to watch! It looks like you are having a ball driving yours like that. I think it is highly likely the next MX-5 (NE?) will be a mild hybrid to reduce weight build up as much as possible. Avoiding hybridisation at least I think (in Europe) is unavoidable. After that (of course) it will be EV unless policy fundamentally changes in the EU. As such I have bought a '69 30th in racing orange and can't wait to get out in it when the weather is better (UK weather)
Thanks for watching!
There have been rumors about the MX-5 going full hybrid or EV for its next generation. I don’t think a mild hybrid setup will be enough to meet the Euro 7 emissions standard.
Even if they make it a full hybrid, though, they could still retain the feel and manual gearbox, like in the Honda CR-Z, which is a six-speed stick shift hybrid.
Two generations from now it will surely go all-electric, though.
Now that's one thing i forgot about, when driving my new MX5 Sports Venture.
That steering wheel is pretty thin, as were the steering wheels on the MGs and Triumphs from the 1970s.
Mazda thought of everything, when designing this car, even down to certain details, that owners forget about.
Yep, and the thin steering wheel adds to the driving experience, even for those (like myself) who like a thicker rimmed wheel generally speakig.
Great review man! I want a MX5 so bad 😅
Thanks for watching!
Cup holders are removable and moveable to front position near shifter.
Yeah, that’s true and I forgot to mention it, although they’re still a bit in the way in that position too. Thanks for your comment!
Professional production
Spasiba, I try :)
I just picked up a grand touring ST and never imagined I’d have so much fun at 60mph…….lol
Yeah, that's one of the best parts. It's still fun even with the base 1.5-liter engine available here in Europe...
One note- the RF hardtop has even less headroom for taller people.
Don`t know Yours but my 2,0 ND is 1025 kg with half full tank and 75 kg driver so well under 1100 with me in it - and the seats are adjusting the height as well the slide rail is curved so smaller drivers sit higher than taller ones. Also mentionable that the fuel consumption stated by mazda ( 5,8 l/100 km`s ) is true or even less.
Well, I didn’t weigh the vehicle, I just mentioned what I saw on the official spec sheet. The seats overall aren’t bad, but after experiencing the sport seats, I would wholeheartedly recommend them. Regarding the efficiency, I averaged like 8 l/100km over my drive and I never drove with efficiency in mind :D
You drive the 2.0 in this test. Will the 1.5 ben sufficient for this kind of mountain driving with 2 persons and full trunk?
I drove the 1.5 back in 2016 at the launch event on a very twisty mountain road (the Transfăgărășan) and I had a passenger with me. It had plenty of power, so yes, I'd say it's sufficient.
They sell the RF because people like me think they’re miles sexier as a hard top and don’t really care for true convertibles but like the looks of a targa. I want this car and would hardly ever even drop the top.
I understand where you're coming from with that. However, to get the same effect, I'd still buy the roadster, remove the soft top roof mechanism to save weight, and then just slap a fixed hardtop on top of it :)
@@OneTireFire if the hard top conversion carried the same fast back lines I would too. All of the kits I’ve seen just don’t look as finished.
wait they removed the cd player on the middle part?
Yes, I think they haven’t had CD players since 2017 or something.
Have a 2017 RF GT, and there's no CD player (Australia).
If you are going to read from a piece of paper (or your phone), pull over… Drive, when you drive…
Yeah, that was not very smart of me, but I had to do a lot of stuff with very little time. Not a good excuse, I know...
Salut, se poate dezvalui locatia filmarii? :)
Depinde cine întreabă 😅
@@OneTireFire viitor propietar de ND :D
@@alexandru5962 Congrats! E la Sărata Monteoru, Buzău.
Appreciate "big NA 2 liter engine" is very weird from perspective of North America (laughs in 5.3 liter GM push rod v8)
Well, most cars in Europe have engines below two liters and they’re getting even smaller. I’d almost dare say the two liter is the old continent’s equvalent to the small block V8 :~D
I don't understand the RF either.
What's there not to understand? It's gorgeous and the best-looking MX-5.
@@spendingtimetogether8428 I don't understand why they would use all of those complicated mechanical components to retract what is basically a targa top that could be light weight enough to be easily removed manually to acheive the same look.
@@travisallen2093 Ppl have different preferences. It's not really a targa since the back is open. Anyway, RF sales are great, perhaps even more than the ST.
Because a soft cloth top just looks weird and inelegant.
People in snowy climates want to daily their ND year round.
You are forgetting caterhams,, half the weight of that tank,, 😂
The MX-5 is indeed a tank compared to a Caterham. You do have a point there :)