A modern antidote to modern cars: 2024 Mazda MX-5 review

The ND version of the Mazda MX-5 is nearly 10 years old, and it's just had a bit of a facelift. Join me as I find out whether the dinky rear-drive sports car is still a lesson in driving pleasure, and whether you could daily drive it or take it on a road trip. This one's the (whisper it) £35,000 Homura model with the 2.0-litre, 184hp engine, and it has some clever electronic toys to help you enjoy it without sticking it in a hedge. Enjoy… because I bloomin' well did.

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[gozorak]

I just recently traded in my seven and a half year old 2016 Miata ND for a 2024 Mazda 3 sedan. The reason? I have no justifiable reason and I kind of regret it. It was the best car I have ever owned and that includes earlier generation Miatas. Took many long trips(thousands of miles) and never had any problem with the lack of space(I travel extremely light). In fact within a week of getting the car in 2016 I drove from Virginia to Texas to visit my girlfriend who had relocated to Texas for her dumb job.

I drove straight through to Texas. No stop overs. Somewhere in Arkansas I removed my shirt to keep myself alert and awake. It was night at the time but I never bothered putting the shirt back on when the sun rose. I drove the entire trip with the top down. When I arrived at her house how ever many hours later, as I got out of the car both she and her daughter began laughing hysterically. I asked whats so funny? They said look at your chest. I had a nice sunburn on my chest except for the white diagonal strip of unburnt skin from the shoulder harness. Fun times. I so miss that car.

[davidlang]

Initially I thought £35K for an MX 5 seems far too much. At launch in 1989 the list price was £14, 250. However, putting this into an inflation calculator comes up with £44, 275. So actually the price has come down in real terms. It's also got faster and it has more technology.
I've had a Mark 1 NA for 6.5 years now, I love everytime I drive it. It puts a smile on my face like Tim's with this Mark 4 ND.

[XuseFans]

My 2024 ND3 just arrived last week, and I have only driven around 180 KMs so far. Already loving it.
MX-5 has always been my one and only dreamed car and dream just fulfilled.

[andrewhill]

The ‘slot for the key, which is on the wrong side’ is actually an alternative slot to insert the driver’s cup holder. Easier to reach for than the contortionist action of reaching behind you between the seats. 😂

[nathansofparadise]

Ive been daily-ing a 2022 RF for a couple years now I still love that car!

[axelfiraxa]

I am taking ownership of my ND3 RF in June, right on time to enjoy summer

[churchofbrap]

Mazda should include a jacket like yours with every new Miata purchase 🎉

[cptndave]

After having and loving my NC I’m now waiting for my ND due in Sydney next week 🎉🎉. Let’s not forget we should be extremely thankful to Mazda. While every other has come and gone or now going EV with I pad dashboards. This is still real manual with three pedals on the floor, still real fuel, still real analog gauges, still real roadster platform. May even be the last. This car is what it is and doesn’t need to prove anything else. Good review by the way.

[mooncat]

Had one a few years ago. Used to get up at 0500hrs in the Summer to get the mountain roads around Braemar to myself. Joy!

[ytubsave]

I purchased the 2023 MX-5 RF here in the U.S. Never had a "sports" car nor a convertible. Always liked the look of this vehicle. You could easily classify me as a senior citizen. I committed the ultimate faux pas and got it with an automatic. I have had standard shift cars in the past so I got that out of my system years ago. At my age I just wanted to get in the car, start the engine, and "go" or in Mazda's case. No distractions other than drive. The Miata is like putting on a perfectly fitting "glove". You are enveloped in it. No excess room, comfortable, and you become part of the vehicle. Get it out on winding country back roads on a beautiful day and you quickly find out what all the mystique is about. Yes, smiles.

[PaulHojda]

Bought myself a 2023 1.5 ND2 as a daily car last year and I love it. It's honestly the perfect commuter car, as it makes every journey to and from work enjoyable.

[paranormalpendle]

I have sn ND2 RF. Bloomin' fabulous !

[tyler]

Tim, this entire video is incredibly well made. Your review style, pacing and sense of humor are all fantastic. This is the first video I've watched of yours and you earned a sub within the first minute (and I am VERY picky with who I subscribe to). Keep it up and your channel is going to blow up, mark my words!

[PaulDurkin-yygc]

Mine is coming this week the RF carnt wait had my Mark 2 from new 26 years and no rust.

[Fyre]

Still daily driving my 2020 RF grand touring--Still in love over 4 years later. Just a few cosmetic tweaks on the inside and outside (dark green vinyl wrap, rear LED light bar between the custom Japanese taillights, LED accent lines in the interior trim lines). Many more years of joy to come!

[troppo]

I normally watch your bike channel. This popped up on my feed. Love the MX5. Closest thing to a bike on 4 wheels. Thanks.

[ThePrimeMinisterOfTheBlock]

Very very good. Mine is on the way and should be here in a month or so. In the mean time I am torturing myself watching reviews like this. I cannot wait to start my car therapy

[TheNaughtyRancor]

My 2016 ND1 is the most fun car I’ve ever had. I love it soooo much.

[Tintoycar]

We have an NB from 2000. Always a smile on our faces when we drive it. Can't explain it. Maybe it's like back to the 60s 🙂

[smiddlehurst]

So I just picked up a mid-2021 RF 2l as a second car and while it's still early days good lord does it make a fabulous first impression. Of course it offers up a fun drive but what's surprised me the most is how civilised it is. Take it on my 45 mile each way commute at least once a week which is almost all motorway and even being a bit old and heavy for this sort of car I get out the other end with my spine more-or-less working. Hell even when the motoring gods decide 5:30 wasn't early enough to avoid traffic and I have to dive off into the back routes on cold, wet and dark mornings it never feels like a chore. Honestly the only downside is this has proper (albeit fairly basic) adaptive LED headlights and I now can't imagine buying another car without them. Oh and with a sensible right foot I'm seeing 50mpg over a tank which is frankly ridiculous for the performance on offer.

Quick tip for iPhone users: If you're finding your phone doesn't fit in the slot very well stick a cheap MagSafe accessory of some sort on the back. I use the Apple Wallet and found it lifts the phone just high enough to make the slight narrowing of the provided space a non-issue.

On the whole hard top vs soft top thing I went for the RF for two main reasons: 1) In my eyes it looks better and 2) It lives outside and a majority of my driving is going to be motorways or in the rain (not through choice, I just live a long way from decent driving roads. And in the UK, hence rain) so I'd rather a quieter cabin. Honestly though think they've missed a trick by not putting out a fixed roof coupe version!