Some time ago Mazda let slip to us that it would present a world debut at the
British Motor Show this year. We had hoped it was to be a powerful MPS version of the MX-5, but it turns out to be the rather surprising MX-5 Roadster Coupe.
Your initial impression might be that having a folding hardtop option as well as the regular folding fabric roof model in the line-up is a little pointless, but we think there is definitely a market for this car. Admittedly, die-hard
Mazda MX-5 enthusiasts will be up in arms about the dilution of the pure MX-5 concept, but in answer to that, Mazda has managed to keep the weight of the new roof mechanism down to a minimum, with no obvious effect on performance or handling. In addition, the roof neatly stows behind the seats, without encroaching on the car's boot space, though it does take the place of the cubby holes behind the seats.
Many MX-5 owners in the past have bought a removable hardtop for winter use, but they are cumbersome to store and of course once fitted can't be removed and stored in the car on a sunny day. The new Roadster Coupe folding roof replaces the need for this and the premium over a regular MX-5 is not a lot more than the price of a removable hardtop, with a whole lot more convenience. We look forward to trying it out for ourselves later this year.
Shane O' Donoghue - 20 Jul 2006