I really am thankful that I wasn’t around in years gone by for the launches of old-fashioned manual convertibles. Senior motoring journalists tell stories about how they woulad have to erect birdcage-like structures and stretch the canvas “roof” over the structure before battling to fasten it to the windscreen. It was obviously a schlep and one they are glad not to have to repeat much these days.
Admittedly, I have been spoilt with upmarket convertibles (not that I could ever afford one). In most cases, I just have to touch a button and the roof disappears and appears again without fuss in about 20 seconds.
Understandably, I was a bit intimidated by having to operate my first non-electronic convertible. I was sure I was going to break something or simply not know what to do with a roof that doesn’t automatically fold away.
But the all-new Mazda MX-5 is designed by those clever Japanese folk who make everything seem so simple.
Given that Gauteng is permanently dogged by rain clouds, I wasn’t given much opportunity to drive with the top down, but when I could, taking the roof down and putting it back up was simple. It unhooks easily from the windscreen and folds neatly away behind the seats, and the strong canvas is lightweight so pulling it back up to close it doesn’t take much effort.
The MX-5 features the new credit-card type key, which has to be in the car in order for you to start it by pushing a button near the steering column. While these sort of ignitions are a clever idea, I’m not keen on them simply because I’m one of those people who has a gate remote and other keys attached to my car key, and it’s always easiest to access the remote when it is dangling from an old-fashioned ignition slot on the right-hand side.
Of course, once you start driving the car, you forget about such trivialities and you remember exactly why two-seater convertibles are so appealing.
The gearbox displays a sporty set-up and the short gear ratios make for lightening-fast changes.
And given that you are practically sitting on the ground, the MX-5’s road-holding is exceptional in most situations, though I was a bit disappointed that it wasn’t more confident through bends at high speeds.
Steering feedback is spot-on and the suspension, while being quite stiff, still makes for a comfortable drive.
Inside, you can expect a high specification list with the all-important addition of seat heaters (if you’ve ever driven a convertible with the top down in the middle of winter in Gauteng, you’ll realise just how important seat heaters are).
The MX-5 comes standard with a front-loading six-CD Bose sound system, with the audio controls on the steering wheel, and safety is taken care of with ABS, EBD, DSC and four airbags.
All in all, the MX-5 is a sporty, yet comfortable, two-seater convertible and one that is sure to steal sales from other far more expensive cars in its class as it offers great value for money.
Fact file
Model: Mazda MX-5
Price: R241 990
Engine: 2,0litre
Tech: 118kW, 188Nm
Top Speed: 210kph, 0-100kph in 7,9s
Tank: 50 litres
Services: 15 000km