Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe (2006 – 2015) Review

Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe (2006 – 2015) At A Glance

4/5

+Electrically folding hard top version of the MX-5. Just as good to drive as the standard fabric roof model. Top build quality.

-Not much room in the cabin. Limited boot space. Starting to show its age.

Insurance Groups are between 21–28
On average it achieves 95% of the official MPG figure

Mazda’s little MX-5 is popular with British buyers, offering a fun-to-drive sports car at an affordable price. However, with British weather, the folding fabric top of the MX-5 isn’t ideal - hence the introduction of the MX-5 Roadster Coupe in 2006. It combines the best characteristics of the fabric-topped MX-5 with the additional benefit of an electronically folding two-piece metal top.

The character of the car is retained despite some additional weight – buyers gain better weather protection, improved refinement and better security and lose barely anything - which makes the Roadster Coupe even more desirable than the regular MX-5.

Unfortunately it is starting to show its age now – material quality and technology have come a long way in the years since the MX-5 Roadster Coupe’s introduction. The cabin feels a little out of date and it’s tight, with little in the way of elbow room and tight headroom for taller drivers.  More importantly, engine technology has improved substantially since the MX-5 was launched. The 1.8 and 2.0-litre petrol engines aren’t very efficient or very clean – the most frugal model has official economy of 40mpg and emissions of 167g/km, so annual tax discs are pricey.

That said, the MX-5 in any form – hard or soft-topped – is a joy to drive on a twisting country road and on a hot, bright summer’s day this compact, nimble little sports car feels genuinely special. The steering is perfectly weighted and packed with feel and both the 1.8-litre and 2.0-litre engines are powerful enough to be fun. 

As a second car for weekends and odd trips, or for someone who values wind-in-the-hair, enjoyable motoring over cheap fuel and low emissions there's still a lot to like with the MX-5, and the Roadster Coupe is the icing on the cake - it's just as good as the fabric-topped car but with the advantages afforded by a metal roof. 

Real MPG average for a Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe (2006 – 2015)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

95%

Real MPG

26–44 mpg

MPGs submitted

262

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

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Ask Honest John

Why has my insurance premium increased for a lower insurance group car?

"I just replaced my 2009 MX-5 2.0 Roadster 175PS with a 2011 Ford Focus Estate 1.6 diesel 115PS, both valued at £7000. I'm 62 and retired. My insurance company want to raise my premium from £425 to £600. I have nine years NCB. All other quotes want more money for a less powerful car. Why is this? I live in Birmingham and my insurance company say that their algorithm shows the Focus more likely to have a claim. Surely this is because there are more of them on the road."
Insurance in general is rising rapidly and will do so for the next few years, it is more a factor of what is going on in the industry than your vehicle. Firstly, change your insurer. If you do not change your insurer then the premium will always increase based on their current system of working. There is an issue because of where you live. Ford Focus are very common in that area and they are more prone to being instigators of "crash for cash" staged accidents. You can also get five people in a Focus but only two in an MX5, five whiplash claims - at £3000 each - cost more than two. Birmingham is one of the "crash for cash" hotspots in the UK, though this has dropped off a little this year.
Answered by Tim Kelly

Am I wasting my money using super unleaded fuel?

"I have three cars - 2011 Mazda MX5 Roadster 2.0-litre, 2011 Mazda 2 TS2 1.35-litre and 2016 Skoda Yeti 1.2 TSI SEL. I am using Shell V-POWER U/L in all of these. Is this okay or am I wasting my money?"
Very okay. You will be getting better performance: more torque at low rpm and will be keeping your fuel systems and valves clean. Stay with it.
Answered by Honest John

How do I clean green mould off of my Mazda MX5 soft top?

"How do I clean green mould off of my soft top?"
Products by http://www.renovointernational.com/
Answered by Honest John

What are the best options for a sports/roadster under £25,000 to replace my Mazda MX5 with?

"I currently own a 2016 Mazda MX5 1.5. If I change it, what are the best options for a sports/roadster type under £25,000? "
Toyota GT86. But forget the suntan.
Answered by Honest John
More Questions

What does a Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe (2006 – 2015) cost?