The Mazda MX-5 just never gets old. It’s always a fun little thing to drive around town or on windy roads and just a perfect convertible for two. Not much has changed for this 2025 model year other than some new additions for their 35th anniversary.
Engine/Transmission
The MX-5 has a 2.0L Inline 4-cylinder engine that produces 181 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque. Although it is on the low side of horsepower numbers, it drives greatly due to its lightweight and because of how well planted it feels to the ground. It is also available with a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic. The MX-5 is rated 9.0 L/100km in a city and 7.0 L/100km on a highway while I averaged 7.5 L/100km.
Handling/Performance
At no moment will the MX-5 feel underpowered. It picks up speed quickly, with the manual transmission being a bit slower but not by a whole lot. The clutch is smooth which is great for those that have issues with keeping a manual car from stalling often. Gear shifting is also smooth and quick, so it does not feel like it struggles from a stop. While on the drive, however, it may feel a bit like it needs an extra gear as the rpms will be a bit on the high side especially at speeds over 100 km/h, but this is just a little something I noticed. Cornering with the MX-5 is just fun, no other way to describe it other than its fun! You will feel in complete control of it as it reacts to all your inputs. Cornering will not make you feel like it leans to the sides, it is just perfect and made for it. While cruising you will feel the bumps as it does not absorb it as well due to its stiff suspension. Road noise is evident and more so on the soft tops than the hard tops.
Interior/Comfort
Its of course only a two-passenger sports car that is ideal for roughly no more than say 6 ft tall individuals to fit comfortably. I have driven MX-5s for a couple of times now within the past few years and I must say, I love it more during the summer than in the winter. At 5ft10, I fit comfortably during the summer, but I noticed I felt a bit squished during the winter and its due to thick winter jackets and clothes, bulky snow/rain boots that made it a bit tight to sit comfortably inside the MX-5. Not a huge deal but just so you have an idea of how tiny it can be inside. As mentioned earlier, there were some new updates for their 35th year anniversary and that included a tan interior including the carpet! And a beige soft top. Other than that, nothing has changed as it is still equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen which I had no issues navigating.
Exterior
For the exterior, the 35th year anniversary update was the colour. They came up with Artisan Red which goes nicely with the tan interior and soft top. Other than that, it looks the same as previous years. I still find myself turning my head to check one out every time I see one so its great looking in my opinion.
Pros/Cons
A bit on the pricey side? I think so, but if you are looking into a sports car that drives perfect on windy roads and you know you will have fun with it, then its not so bad when you compare it to other sports car out there. It may not be as spacious as other two seaters, but it is a lot of fun. The starting price of the 2025 Mazda MX-5 is $43,700 CAD ($36,9635 USD) for the soft top with manual transmission.
2025 Mazda MX-5 35th Anniversary Edition Gallery
