7-Day Test
Model: Mazda MX-5 Activematic
RRP: $44,035
Price as tested: $45,795 (Options: see text)
Tester: David Dowsey
Date: Feb 2006
Distance covered: 325km
By now most people will have heard that the MX-5 is Wheels Car of The Year for 2005. Even without the coveted gong Mazda's little blaster has sold around 750,000 units worldwide having won the reputation as the benchmark roadster – and all for under $50K. The COTY award simply confirms that the new-generation star has continued in the same vein as the original. Indeed, it has even improved.
But that's not really the big news. The big innovation in the third-generation MX-5 is Mazda's new six-speed automatic (Mazda calls it Activematic) transmission. What? An automatic sportscar? Yes Sir. And it's a good'un.
In the open car's heyday (I'm talking the 1950s and '60s here) slush boxes simply were nowhere near smart enough and the stifled performance they offered didn't come close to doing a sportscar justice. But technology has advanced a lot since then and while we're still not entirely over good old fashioned manuals, new-generation auto boxes are bridging the gap... Fast.
The manual MX-5 is a superb drive and is still our choice. Combined with superb chassis dynamics, well-equipped cabin, good brakes and perky engine it really is hard to beat. But the Activematic could be just the thing for those who prefer an auto but like the look and driving experience of the MX-5.
First gear ratio is much lower than the preceding auto so launch is actually really good. If used properly (and it does take some practice) the self-shifter is incredibly smooth in both fully auto and 'active' modes. The engine is the same 118kW 2.0-litre engine -- couple this with a modest weigh increase over the manual (just 15kg) and the Activematic-equipped MX-5 is more than up to the job.
Good though the auto is, we're not fans of the paddle/button setup. Two paddles behind the steering wheel are used for upshifting, while two buttons on the wheel's spokes are used for activating downshifts. It's all a bit fussy and we would prefer to use the paddles only -- one for up shifts and one for down. The buttons don't always suit some driver's grip positions and people with small hands may find they need to make ungainly adjustments to change down.
But you do have alternatives. If you still want manual override simply slot the gear lever over to the right and flick up and down for 'manual' changes. Easy. Or leave the shifter on the left in fully automatic mode and cruise along.
The roadster comes with all the goodies -- 17-inch alloys, side airbags, six-stack CD player, heated glass rear window and wheel-mounted controls for audio and cruise-control... Everything you could ever need in a roadster. And while the hood is manually operated, it's a breeze to use.
The MX-5 Activematic is better value than previous too. At $1712 more than the preceding auto model (with optional air-con fitted) on Mazda's estimates it delivers $3300 in additional equipment. The auto costs $2175 more than manual.
CarPoint's test car was fitted with the optional leather seats and premium Bose sound system upgrade -- $1760 more and is well worth the indulgence considering it still easily breaks the sub-$50K bracket at $45,795. Practicality can be enhanced a tad with the optional $2940 hardtop.
While the auto makes city stop-start traffic more bearable, the ride is quite hard -- great for a weekend blast but marginal in peak hour traffic. As an auto it would make a good daily driver but it will shine more in its natural habitat -- Sunday morning cruises and, perhaps, the odd track day.
