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News & Road Tests
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2008 Mazda MX-5 GT Review
by Marc Bouchard / Auto123.com
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Some cars are really nothing more than giant toys. The best example is undoubtedly the Mazda MX-5 (I still prefer its old moniker, the Miata), a small, energetic roadster that's fun to drive but, mostly, incredibly impractical.
Who cares, you'll say, the MX-5 isn't about comfort, it's strictly about excitement. Which I'm definitely not in a position to deny, having myself spent countless hours behind the wheel of this little car, very often for no other reason than to feel the wind in what hair I have left.
 | | The MX-5 isn't about comfort, it's strictly about excitement. |
Limited space
One obviously doesn't embrace the MX-5 in the hopes of trundling the whole family off, dog included! As everyone knows, the little MX-5 only has two seats, two very distinctive seats: the space they offer is far, oh so far, from generous.
For those on the larger side (i.e., ever-so-slightly overweight, like yours truly), sliding behind the wheel is almost an achievement in itself. Even at its highest level, the steering wheel is still very low in order to ensure a sporty driving position. On the other hand, it blocks access to the car, forcing the driver to attempt some nimble acrobatics, and it never fails to stab you in that part of your anatomy that you've spent so many years carefully building up (your paunch, obviously).
Seriously, though, sliding behind the wheel does require a certain flexibility, as you first need to find a comfortable leg position before settling the rest of your body in. And the fact that the steering wheel isn't telescopic doesn't make things easier. For you thinner but taller people, access is less challenging, but driving does become complicated, as the roof is too low and impairs visibility. And once the top is down, it actually grazes the driver's hair.
But, surprise, the trunk is more spacious than you would've thought. It can actually accommodate, fairly well, the luggage of two adults on a weekend getaway to the great outdoors, booze, sleeping bags and all!
Inspired ride
Nonetheless, these few space-related drawbacks are but a small price to pay for so much driving pleasure. Let's face it, the MX-5 is still one of the most enjoyable cars to drive and probably offers one of the most inspired rides considering its price.
No matter the equipment level (I drove the GX version and the GT in manual and automatic mode), the MX-5 offers an experience that's rarely equaled.
 | | The few space-related drawbacks are but a small price to pay for so much driving pleasure. |
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