Mk3.5 - Thoughts?

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Discussion

rfn

Original Poster:

4,541 posts

213 months

Friday 24th April 2009
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Has anyone looked at/driven one of the facelifted Mk3 MX-5's?

Got my brochure through this morning and it looks quite smart.

Wilburo

391 posts

203 months

Friday 24th April 2009
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The pictures make the car look great, as did the Evo review - I thought this was interesting:

evo said:
The 2.0i Sport looks like the obvious choice but the fluidity and poise of the base model 1.8i suggests that the entry level 2.0i (£17,345) with the same supple chassis, 205/50 tyres, five-speed ’box and slippy diff, might be the canniest buy.

The bottom line is that the MX-5 is back to being brilliant again. It’s great to be able to say that, and to be able to suggest something other than a fast hatch to those looking for a satisfying drivers’ car for less than £20K, new. There are plenty of hatches that are more powerful and quicker in a straight-line, but none is as entertaining or life affirming as this little rear-drive roadster. Thank you, Mazda.
http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evocarreviews/234161/mazda_mx5.html

S7Paul

2,103 posts

240 months

Friday 24th April 2009
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Mk 3.5 tested against a Mk 1 in the latest Evo; not had time to read it yet.

MX-5 Lazza

7,952 posts

225 months

Friday 24th April 2009
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From the press pictures pre-release I didn't like it. It had a stupid bumper inside the rad intake like a Peugeot which I though looked really naff.
However, they had one at Beaulieu for the Photo Shoot a few weekends ago and I have to say it looked pretty good - an improvement on the Mk3 and much better than the pictures.

I still prefer Mk1/2.5 though.

Wilburo

391 posts

203 months

Friday 24th April 2009
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Agree - mk.1 still the best looking, as it's so small and Elan like.

For some reason, men look much better in the mk.1 than they do in the mk.3 too... I guess because it looks like they like a good drive rather than a good paint job? Not trying to be controversial, but there does seem to be an image thing there, unfortunately.

Look forward to seeing a 3.5 in the flesh.

Shaw Tarse

31,637 posts

209 months

Friday 24th April 2009
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I had a look at a couple on Sunday, Seems to be OK, steering wheel felt smaller than in the Mk3. I prefer the headlights.
Still has the 4x4 look.
One had the flappy paddle gearbox.
I haven't driven one so can't comment on how it drives.

Wilburo

391 posts

203 months

Saturday 25th April 2009
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Evo's mk.1 / mk.3 comparison seems very positive and both get 4.5 stars.

To summarise, the mk.3 is able to change direction better, but the mk.1 is able to 'float' through corners, constantly adjustable. Both have great steering and gear changes.

rfn

Original Poster:

4,541 posts

213 months

Saturday 25th April 2009
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Interesting thoughts!
I really liked the Mk3 but now thinking the facelift makes it looks a little dated. The 3.5 is very nice from what I've seen and the reviews are positive. Need to spend some time at my local Mazda dealer next week and see one in the flesh and try and get a drive.

Edited by rfn on Saturday 25th April 17:47

bluetone

2,047 posts

225 months

Saturday 25th April 2009
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nomisesor

983 posts

193 months

Saturday 16th May 2009
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The previous EVO discussed a pre-release drive (in Italy I think) and compared it with the Cosworth S/C and suspension modded Litchfield offering of the last variant - which sounded very interesting, but the thread below suggests that some niggles (roll bar clearance) and more importantly, mapping for the Cosworth is still not sorted. Anyone know differently?

http://www.mx-5.com/Community/forums/ShowThread.as...



Edited by nomisesor on Saturday 16th May 18:04