With the ever-increasing tech and innovation in today’s cars, the 2021 Mazda MX-5 has gone the opposite route, and that’s a good thing! That’s mainly because the joyous and enthusiastic driving experience is retained in what we know now as a heritage that dates back by more than 30 years. The perfectly balanced chassis and charismatic four-cylinder engine are a perfect combination that delivers an exhilarating experience on the winding roads.
The 2021 MX-5 is offered in either a soft top, or a power-folding hard-top available with the RF trim. Being a roadster in itself, the MX-5’s cabin space is a bit of a tight squeeze with limited cargo space, but the resulting effect is a feeling of an extension of one’s bio-mechanical limb with complete responsiveness and control.
New for 2021, includes features like Android Auto and Apple Carplay with its MazdaConnect infotainment software as standard features. White nappa leather upholstery and a new Deep Crystal Blue exterior color also makes its way into the list of configurable options.
The onboard four-cylinder engine is eager and rev-happy, delivering quick and crisp acceleration. Choice of transmission comes in either an automatic or a 6-speed manual transmission. Driving enthusiasts will prefer the latter, but the automatic transmission still delivers a high performance feel.
The MX-5 employs a no-fuss independent front strut and multi-link rear suspension to help deliver exceptional ride handling. Despite the small footprint and smaller 2.0 liter four cylinder engine, its EPA fuel economy numbers come in at 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, which is not as great as to be expected from such a small vehicle.
There is nothing quite like the driving experience the 2021 Mazda MX-5 delivers with its perfectly balanced chassis, enthusiastic responsiveness from the four-cylinder engine and exceptional ride handling. With minimal electronics, the driving behavior feels true and transparent to the driver with exceptional engine tone and road feedback.
While the roadster’s cabin space is small, the cozy, low-mounted bucket seats offer tight lateral support. The interior is kept simple in order to maintain a driver-focused car. A small cubby hole in the front center console, a compartment behind the arm rest and two basic cup holders are the only areas within the cabin space for storage while the trunk space provides extra cargo, but is also limited in size, especially for the RF model.
Despite today’s available car tech, the 2021 MX-5 refuses to conform to the new norm by keeping the purely analog instrument cluster. Still, the seat-mounted BOSE audio sound system, electronic folding hard top on the RF model, keyless entry, a simple 6.4” MazdaConnect infotainment system and blind-spot monitoring are features to help keep the MX-5 on par with today’s standards.
Our Grand Touring RF trim comes priced at $35,520 while the soft top Grand Touring trim is $2,755 less for the soft top alternative. Given a small price difference, opting for the RF hard top trim is well worth the convenience, looks and practicality in our books.
