Test Drive: 2011 Mazda MX-5 Special Version

2011 Mazda MX-5 Special Version. Click image to enlarge

As a lightweight, rear-wheel drive sports car with a 50/50 front/rear weight distribution, oversteer in wet or icy conditions is a concern. The MX-5, perhaps more than most other cars, benefits from standard Dynamic Stability Control that helps prevent loss of control when cornering by selectively braking different wheels; and traction control that minimizes drive-wheel spin. These automatic safety systems compensate for poor road conditions, poor drivers, or both. Still, I think it would have been better if Mazda hadn’t deleted the rear limited slip differential which can improve traction when one rear wheel is on a slippery surface and the other isn’t.

The MX-5’s power retractable hardtop is a neat piece of engineering that retracts in only twelve seconds. After putting the transmission in Park or Neutral, the driver releases a latch in the centre of the windshield header and presses a button on the instrument panel. Neither the brake pedal or handbrake need to be activated before opening the top.  It folds in two pieces, and when retracted, a body-coloured tonneau partially covers it, but not completely.  As a result, the design includes some crevices where dust and dirt can collect if the car is left open in a parking lot on a windy day.

The retractable top folds into the same space as the soft convertible top does, so the trunk is the same size of 150 litres (5.6 cu. ft.). It is a small trunk, but then again, it’s a small sports car where cargo capacity is a secondary consideration to performance and looks.

When raised, the body-coloured top looks quite handsome but gives the MX-5 a unique profile that’s more rounded than the soft-top MX-5. Personally, I think the old removeable hardtops looked better in profile, but it’s likely that Mazda engineers had to make some compromises in the PRHT design in order to get the folding top to fit into the small space behind the seats.

With the top up, the driver’s rear visibility is quite good, partly because of the rear window is large and partly because it’s only inches away from the driver’s head. On the road, the hard convertible top shuts out road and traffic noise better than the soft top, reduces wind noise, and the top doesn’t flap around in the wind. It also eliminates the possibility of thieves cutting open the soft top to gain entry.

2011 Mazda MX-5 Special Version. Click image to enlarge

Behind the seats are silver-coloured hoops. These are just for looks; they’re not designed for rollover protection. Between them is a folding windblocker that is supposed to reduced wind buffeting, but I found its effects to be minimal.

The MX-5’s cabin is snug, especially if you’re a larger adult. Driver and passenger sit nestled between a high centre console and door which provide bracing during high-spirited cornering. Controls are well laid out with the exception of the radio’s grey LCD display which often gets lost in the Sun’s glare. The MX-5 Special Version’s standard Bose audio system with five speakers and two tweeters is a lot of stereo for a little car but makes the drive more enjoyable with its impressive sound. This audio system includes six-disk CD changer, Sirius satellite radio and an auxiliary input, however I didn’t see a USB port. Audio, cruise and Bluetooth functions can be controlled with steering wheel buttons. The steering wheel tilts but unfortunately doesn’t telescope.

The Special Version’s unique grey leather seats are comfortable on long drives, offer good side support and integral head restraints, and the driver’s seat has a manual height adjuster. Both seats have heaters with five temperature settings, and the automatic climate control features manual ventilation settings specifically designed for driving with the top down.  Special air vents below the round ones on the dash direct air to the middle regions of the body to keep them warm or cool, as the case may be.

There are two cupholders in the centre console, hidden by a sliding cover, and one in each door.  With the automatic transmission, it’s certainly easier to keep the coffee from spilling when there’s no risk of striking the cup when shifting gears.  For storage, there is a small bin between and behind the seats (where the fuel release lever is hidden), a front glovebox, and a coin tray near the driver’s door.

Our 2011 MX-5 Special Version test car with the optional six-speed automatic topped out at over $43,000 including a rather hefty $1,695 Freight and PDI charge. That’s a lot of money for a compact sports car, but consider that sports cars like the BMW Z4 and Mercedes-Benz SLK start at $54,300 and $59,900 respectively.

The fact is, the Mazda MX-5 is a unique rear-wheel drive sports car that has no direct competitors; and for those who want something extra special with all the toys, the 2011 MX-5 Special Version is unique among MX-5s.

Verdict

With a unique exterior colour and unique leather interior, the top-of-the-line 2011 MX-5 Special Version is basically a gussied up version of the GT. City dwellers who don’t like the extra work of a manual transmission and clutch will enjoy the optional six-speed automatic with paddle shifters.