Mazda MX-5: All 4 generations driven

The iconic Mazda MX-5 offers an affordable entry point into the world of sports car ownership and has been putting smiles on enthusiasts’ faces for decades. We gather all 4 generations of the Japanese roadster for a group drive.

IMAGES: Wilhelm Lutjeharms

In series three of the iconic BBC Top Gear show presenter Jeremy Clarkson said that, in his view, in order to be a petrosexual, you must at some point in your life have owned an Alfa Romeo.

That is obviously open for debate, but I would like to turn that statement on its head and say that one should at least once in your life own a sportscar and, to be more specific a 2-seater drop top and, to discard any further ambiguity, an example of Mazda’s MX-5.

Most of us know that this has been the best-selling two-seater, drop-top sports car in history. What the Volkswagen Beetle did for general transport over several decades, the MX-5 has done for enthusiasts in nearly every country where they have been sold. Young or old, male or female, single or married, the MX-5 has always had an enduring appeal. Not to forget the enthusiasts who have tweaked these cars into proper track, race or gymkhana cars.

The MX-5 might have only been released in 1989, but since then it has evolved over four generations. As we found out, these four generations are different in a number of ways, but at the same time there is an evident and strong thread of similarity that runs through all four cars.

Four kind owners set their alarm clocks for a very early morning start as we headed from Stellenbosch to the Winelands town of Franschhoek to enjoy the mountain pass heading along Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve to drive and discuss this compact, but important, sports car.

Mazda MX-5 – it’s a family affair

It is always very illuminating to see two or more generations of the same model parked next to one another. You can climb behind the wheel of each, compare the seating positions, the trim, the size of the cabin, not to mention the exterior size of each car.

Expectedly the NA (the first generation) looks dainty, but to say it looks small compared to all the other generations will be incorrect. That might be the case with the first-generation Porsche 911 and the latest 992 generation – not in the Mazda’s case though. The beauty of what Mazda has achieved (or aimed for) with each generation is to keep true to the original concept. Although the NC (third generation) is the largest of the four, it is only marginally larger while the other three do look similar in size.

Time to drive each generation back-to-back and experience what each has to offer.

1st-gen Mazda MX-5 – an NA from 1991

Open the door with the tiny, chromed door handle and the cloth-upholstered seat is a welcoming touch compared to the usual leather seats we are mostly used to these days. There is an immediate compact nature to the car as it feels like you are wearing it, instead of just being seated in it. You are close to your passenger, there is only a very short bonnet in front of you and you are very close to the door. Turn around and the rear body area feels almost non-existent.

The cabin is beautifully plain. There are basic controls for the ventilation (non-air conditioning) system and a neat Momo three-spoke steering wheel. Importantly, to my left, a very short and wonderfully direct, stubby gear lever is perfectly positioned.

Turn the key and the modest 1.6-litre engine developing 85 kW and 135 Nm catches immediately. The sense the lightness is apparent the moment the wheels start turning.

Though over three decades old, there is an honest eagerness from the car. It might not offer the focus and raw experience of other brands, but the engine revs relatively easily, it changes direction as expected while the suspension offers a comfortable and plaint ride quality.

It is quite exciting to be able to see clearly right around you, especially with the roof lowered. Needless to say, it is joy to use the direct, and short throw five-speed gearbox.

It is the overall simplicity of the car itself as well as the driving experience that stands out – and in this case especially, the fact that it is still completely original. Talking of family affairs, Wamuwi, the owner of the MX-5, bought it from his father-in-law, keeping the car in the family.

2nd-gen Mazda MX-5 – an NB from 2002

Unveiled in 1997, the second-generation MX-5’s design moved away from the pure lines of the NA. At the rear is a small integrated spoiler and gone are the iconic pop-up lights.

Although the NB weighed around 100 kg more than the NA, it still stayed true to the original concept, particularly when compared with other compact sports cars from the era, of which there were not that many. The updated cabin now had a modern sound system with a CD player (remember those!), and was marginally more luxurious, but still simple in its general execution.

Andrew, the owner of this car, has done what hundreds of fellow enthusiasts have done: he has customised his car to suit his personal preferences. As can be seen in the pictures, this includes, to name a few, different wheels and coil-over suspension that has been fitted on all four corners. This has also lowered the car by around 50 mm.

With a fixed and colour-coded hard top, this particular NB looks the sportiest of the four cars on our test day. His plans for this NB become even clearer when you open the driver’s door. Behind the steering wheel is a Bride bucket seat. I’m not the widest person around my hips, but it was a tight fit even for me. However, I’ve always been a fan of these seats – they truly connect you directly with the car.

Through the first few corners, I can immediately sense that the NB, especially with the upgraded hardware, feels more planted and quicker to turn into corners. There is notably less body roll than in the NA, but at the same time, it still rides well. The engine is punchier (107 kW/168 Nm in standard specification) and it is past 5 000 rpm where the power and fun can be had.

The steering feel is also good and you sense that you will quickly be able to learn the limits of the car and be able to drive it to its limit – it simply encourages you to do that!

3rd-gen Mazda MX-5 – an NC from 2009

Johan, the owner of this low-mileage NC (just over 80 000 km) quickly points to the fact that fellow MX-5 enthusiasts often make fun of the NC as it is the largest and heaviest (around 1 100 kg) of the 4 generations of Mazda MX-5.

Somehow it matters little, because there are a number of other benefits. The cabin is marginally roomier and again there is a step up in terms of technology and features, but at the same time it is relatively “minimalistic”. Thankfully, the short, stubby gear lever remains while the tanned seats give a contrasting element to the black hue of the remainder of the cabin.

More important is the seat-lowering kit which the owner installed, allowing you to sit closer to the floor. At 1.87-metres tall that makes a notable difference to me and the result is that you also feel more in control of the car. A slight increase in engine performance (now up to 2.0-litres) to 118 kW and 188 Nm, helps to hide the increase in weight versus the NB.

It is only after a few corners that you can sense that the NC is marginally heavier. However, you would really need to drive the car close to the edge of its capability for the weight difference to play a part. The other side of the coin presents a level of polish to the car that is lacking in the first two generations. I feel as if I will be able to cover longer distances and stay behind the wheel longer than in the other two cars, which is a pretty feather in this MX-5’s cap.

There is still sufficient feedback through the steering wheel though and the engine revs happily past its redline just before 7 000 rpm. Whether you want the roof in place or lower it, it can be done in seconds, by the driver, all while staying behind the steering wheel.

4th-gen Mazda MX-5 – an ND from 2016

Parking the NC and climbing into this pure white ND (unveiled in 2014) the first thing that I’m reminded of is that Mazda should really be congratulated for developing a car that is notably lighter, and slightly shorter, than its predecessor – a rare thing in modern times. The ND is around 100 kg lighter than the NC, which will definitely benefit the dynamic performance of the car, especially in such a small package.

Once behind the wheel, there is again the sense of a car that wraps around you. The MX-5 has now been completely brought into the second decade of the 21st century and the materials feel relatively luxurious while at the same time offering a solid and sturdy feel throughout the cabin, especially with the white panels on the side window sills.

The short gear lever indicates that since day one with the NA, Mazda is still staying true to the concept three decades later. There was a (less exciting) automatic transmission RF version available, but the model here is for the enthusiast who wants to be involved in the driving process. Having only covered 22 000 km, this car feels like new. The owner, Travis, has recently fitted a Kakimoto exhaust, but only for the last part of the system.

Pulling away the Skyactiv 2.0-litre engine has a welcoming amount of punch – still with 118 kW, but now offering 200 Nm. Combine this with the weight saving and you suddenly have a car that is keener to accelerate than all of its predecessors. Having driven the ND when it was launched and brand new, I don’t remember the engine being this happy to rev, but maybe the mileage has done the engine good as it revs with vigour to the redline.

To an extent the ND reminds me most of the NA, being very compact and wrapped around you in every way, while in the case of the ND, giving you enough performance to keep things interesting.

What the owners say

Sitting down with each owner in their respective cars, Wamuwi shares his thoughts on the NA. “I’ve had the car for almost four years now. What I enjoy about it most, and it might sound like a cliché, is the driving feel and that you are connected to everything. You put the top down and you can hear and feel everything around you.

“Also, the fact the everyone responds so positively to it. In terms of buying advice, I would say try to get one that is as original as possible. Also try to get the hard top, as those are usually unobtanium. Make sure it has been looked after.”

Andrew shares what else he has done with his MX-5. “I’ve had the car for about three years. Apart from the changes I’ve mentioned earlier, I’ve upgraded the exhaust with a Powerflow unit and the intake system has also been upgraded. A few of the upgrades, like the suspension, were done as it needed fixing anyway. The shifter has also been rebuilt so that it is nice and tight.”

Keeping the MX-5 for mostly special occasions, Johan has had his car for three years. He bought it in Johannesburg and drove it back to Somerset West. “The most enjoyable aspect for me is how Mazda was able to combine the comfort of a standard, every-day car, with that of a sports car. In terms of the driving experience, the car is much more direct than its (supple) suspension will make you believe. Finally, I do like the fact that it is that little bit bigger and slightly more versatile.”

In the three months since Travis bought his ND, he has done no less than 10 000 km! He is clearly in love with his car. “I like the high-revving engine, the fact that it is easy to handle and because of the light weight it gives me confidence when driving it. Also, the lack of maintenance on these cars. I also bought this car in Johannesburg and drove it back to the Cape.”

Apart from an MX-5 club, there is also an active WhatsApp group for owners. It goes without saying that potential owners will have access to an impressive amount of knowledge, should they decide to purchase one of history’s most significant little roadsters.

Search for a used Mazda MX-5 listed on Cars.co.za