You're likely aware that Mazda is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the MX5 with a new special edition, resplendent in Racing Orange and decked out with a wishlist spec of Rays wheels, Brembo brakes, Recaro seats and Alcantara trimmed interior. 600 of the 3,000 global production run will be coming to the UK and will likely go down among the most sought-after MX5 special editions ever made.
A worthy celebration, and the lucky owners will be justly proud. But the good news is if you want a modern MX5 that truly captures the sense of the original you don't have to pay the premium for a 30th Anniversary Edition. All you really need is the most basic 1.5 Mk4 you can find.
Recent updates to the 2.0 have unleashed performance in the MX5 many have been crying out for since the car first launched back in 1989. In that light, the simple pleasures of the base 1.5 risk being forgotten when, in fact, this may well be the sweet spot in the range for purists who appreciate what the MX5 is really about. A case in point - we recently enjoyed an extended road trip in a post-facelift, 1.5 Sport Nav+ where we discovered the true spirit of the original Mk1 is alive and kicking, albeit with all the mod cons You'd hope for in a brand-new car.
Changes to the 1.5 are minor compared with the 2.0, reduced internal friction contributing to a nominal increase in power from 131bhp to 132bhp while torque goes from 111lb ft to 112lb ft. On paper nothing to get excited about. But, as ever with MX5s, it's about a lot more than the statistics. And from the moment the Mk4 went on sale those able to look beyond the spec sheet have appreciated that the 1.5's revvier nature and 43kg weight saving count for more than you might think.
Because the 1.5 is an absolute zinger. The 2.0 might have the extra grunt but the instantaneous response of the smaller engine more than makes up for it, the precise interaction between accelerator, clutch and gearshift all putting you right back in mind of the 1989 original. Just look at the stats. In its lightest and most basic form Mazda listed the kerbweight of the pre-facelift 1.5 as 975kg, or just 20kg more than a 1.6 Mk1. The Mk4 is considerably wider than the Mk1 but it's actually a fraction shorter too, despite being stiffer, roomier, safer and packed with safety gear the MX5 of 30 years ago couldn't dream of. that's an astonishing achievement.
And, again, looking beyond the numbers, it bears out in the way the car behaves. In the 2.0 Mk4 you have power to spare, which opens up all sorts of opportunities. But in the 1.5 - just like the smaller engined 1.6 Mk1 - you need revs to make progress. Lots and lots of revs, which the engine absolutely relishes. And in that sense the 1.5 is a more accurate modern recreation of the Mk1 driving experience, being a car you can enjoy absolutely flat out and to its limits. All at sensible, responsible speeds without putting yourself or anyone else in danger. This, as anyone who's driven a Mk1 can tell you, is the true joy of an MX5 and the spirit Mazda set out to capture 30 years ago. And makes every 1.5 Mk4 as faithful a celebration as the bells and whistles 30th Anniversary Edition.
Checkout our handy Buyers Guides & Checklists for the Mk1 & Mk4
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