The Mazda MX-5 Finally Gets the Five Stars It Always Deserved
In the world of automotive journalism, a five-star road test score is one of the rarest and most coveted accolades a car can receive. It is not handed out lightly, and in most cases, it is reserved for brand-new vehicles that push boundaries and redefine what is possible in their segment. That is what makes the recent five-star rating awarded to the Mazda MX-5 so remarkable — and so deeply satisfying for everyone who has championed this car over the years.
The fourth-generation Mazda MX-5 has been on sale since 2015. It is not a new car by any conventional definition. It has not undergone a full ground-up redesign. And yet, it has just become the only car to receive a perfect five-star score over the past 12 months from one of the most respected automotive publications in the world. The reason? Because it has earned it — and frankly, it should have happened sooner.
A Decade in the Making: The MX-5's Long Road to Perfection
When the fourth-generation MX-5 launched in 2015, it was tested in its 1.5-litre form and awarded four and a half stars. The verdict at the time was glowing — reviewers called it a fabulous roadster capable of brightening even the greyest of days. But there were reservations. The smaller engine lacked the grunt some drivers craved, and body control fell just short of the best in class. The car was excellent, but not quite perfect.
Then came the 2018 update. Mazda listened to feedback and introduced significant improvements to the 2.0-litre model, addressing both the power deficit and the chassis tuning that had held the earlier version back. The result was a sharper, more satisfying driver's car — one that impressed in group tests and continued to collect awards. Yet, somehow, the definitive full road test of the updated 2.0-litre MX-5 never happened. Newer models, bigger launches, and shinier machines kept getting in the way.
Running that full instrumented test on the 2.0-litre MX-5 was, in the words of those who finally did it, a matter of unfinished business. And when they finally ran the numbers, the car delivered.
What Makes the 2.0-Litre MX-5 So Special?
The Mazda MX-5 has always been built around a single, unwavering philosophy: the joy of driving. Mazda calls it Jinba Ittai — a Japanese concept describing the unity between horse and rider, or in this case, car and driver. Every decision in the MX-5's design and engineering flows from that idea, and in the 2.0-litre form, it achieves that goal more completely than ever before.
- Engine and performance: The 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine produces around 184bhp and revs freely and enthusiastically to its redline. It rewards drivers who are willing to work it, delivering a visceral, engaging experience that turbocharged rivals simply cannot replicate.
- Handling and chassis: The updates introduced in 2018 transformed the MX-5's body control. It now feels taut and composed through corners, with a steering rack that communicates everything the front wheels are doing with rare precision and feel.
- Lightweight design: Weighing in at around 1,000kg, the MX-5 achieves a power-to-weight ratio that many heavier sports cars struggle to match. That low mass makes every input — braking, accelerating, turning — feel immediate and alive.
- Open-top experience: Few things in motoring compare to dropping the MX-5's soft top and driving on a clear road. The car was built for this moment, and it delivers it better than virtually anything else at its price point.
Standing Alone: The Disappearance of the Affordable Sports Car
One of the most significant factors behind the MX-5's five-star status is what has happened to the market around it. Over the past decade, the affordable sports car segment has been quietly decimated. One by one, rivals that once kept the MX-5 honest have been discontinued or priced out of reach.
The Toyota GT86 evolved into the GR86 at a higher price point. The Subaru BRZ followed a similar trajectory. The Fiat 124 Spider, essentially an MX-5 in different clothing, was discontinued. Smaller, accessible roadsters and coupes that used to offer genuine alternatives have simply vanished from showrooms, leaving the MX-5 in an increasingly rare position: the definitive, attainable, pure-bred sports car.
This is not just a sentimental observation. It has practical implications for buyers. If you want a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive, open-top sports car that you can actually afford to buy and run, the Mazda MX-5 is no longer just the best option — it is almost the only option.
Why the Five-Star Score Matters Now More Than Ever
Awarding a five-star score to an 11-year-old car sends a powerful message. It says that greatness does not have an expiry date. It says that driver engagement, mechanical purity, and honest engineering matter more than touchscreens, over-the-air updates, and marketing campaigns built around spec sheets.
The Mazda MX-5 has never tried to be the fastest car, the most technologically advanced car, or the most luxurious car. It has always tried to be the most fun car — and after more than a decade of refinement, it has achieved that goal with a clarity and conviction that demands to be recognised.
In a market increasingly dominated by crossovers, electrification strategies, and digital interfaces, the MX-5 stands as a reminder of what cars can be when engineers prioritise the driver above all else. The five-star rating is not just overdue. It is a statement about what truly matters behind the wheel.
Should You Buy a Mazda MX-5?
If you have any affection for driving — real driving, the kind that makes you seek out a winding road on a Sunday morning — then the answer is almost certainly yes. The 2.0-litre model represents the sweet spot in the range, offering the most complete balance of power, handling, and everyday usability. It is not a perfect car in the conventional sense; the cabin is compact, the boot is small, and ground clearance is limited. But on its own terms, as a machine designed to deliver pure driving pleasure, it is as close to perfect as anything currently on sale.
The Mazda MX-5 has waited patiently for more than a decade to receive the recognition it deserves. Now that it has finally arrived, it feels entirely right — and long overdue.