One of the Last Sports Cars Left, the Mazda MX-5

Hoarders are a natural instinct for humans, and this is not necessarily a bad thing since it is already built into our survival mechanism. However, this instinct has influenced the car choices of many enthusiasts. At some point in their lives, many car enthusiasts want a two-seat, lightweight sports car, but that would mean owning something impractical for family or even everyday use. This is where the sports sedan and hot hatch come in, providing a practical yet sporty alternative.

Interestingly enough, the car of choice for many enthusiasts can change once a vehicle that goes against everything that is considered sporty is introduced – the SUV. Despite this, the 2023 Mazda MX-5 remains true to the lightweight sports car recipe, even as Ferrari and other manufacturers have entered the SUV market.

The specific car being referred to is the Mazda MX-5 MCP 25th Anniversary Edition, which is a Philippine-exclusive limited edition model created to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Miata Club Philippines. This model comes in Platinum Quartz Metallic with a Navy Blue soft top, complemented by Navy Blue accents on the side mirrors and roll hoops, as well as a set of satin silver 17-inch alloy wheels. Despite the special accouterments of this car, it remains a beautifully simple roadster that has aged quite well. The car was first introduced in 2015 for the 2016 model year, and even then, the simplicity of its looks has made it a timeless beauty.

I recently had the pleasure of checking out the Mazda MX-5 MCP 25th Anniversary Edition, and I must say, it’s a truly special car. The interior is simple yet stylish, with a unique Mazda Connect control knob and a serial number plate finished in Sterling Silver. The black leather seats are comfortable, and the auto-dimming rearview mirror is a nice touch. I was also impressed with the wireless Apple CarPlay and the 9-speaker Bose sound system, which come as standard. To top it all off, the car comes with a commemorative car cover and the MCP 25th Anniversary Photobook. Although the MX-5’s compact dimensions may not be suitable for everyone, as a person who stands at 5-foot 11-inches, I found it to be a perfect fit. Overall, I think this limited edition model is a true beauty, both inside and out.

The Mazda MX-5 MCP 25th Anniversary Edition is a car that truly stands out, but practicality is not its strongest suit. With no glove box, the car only has a center storage area. Additionally, its trunk is tiny, but surprisingly more usable than that of a Toyota GR86 or Subaru BRZ, as it doesn’t have a spare tire in it. However, where the MX-5 really shines is in the driving experience.

The 2023 Mazda MX-5 is currently equipped with a 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G four-cylinder gasoline engine that delivers 181 hp and 205 Nm of torque. This power is sent to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. It is widely believed that the manual transmission is the better choice for the MX-5 as it is one of the best manual transmissions in the world. Not only that, but choosing the manual transmission also comes with a limited-slip differential (LSD) and a strut bar as a bonus.

It’s true that there’s a bit of inherent body roll in the MX-5, but that’s by design. It’s actually more of a medium of communication between the car and the driver, letting the driver know what’s happening to the car’s chassis as it goes through corners. The MX-5 handles corners with delicacy and balance, making it feel like a ballet dancer. The best part is that the MX-5’s personality is approachable. It’s a sports car whose grip limits aren’t too high or too low, allowing drivers to explore their limits without breaking the speed limit. The MX-5 is enjoyable in all occasions.

The new Kinetic Posture Control (KPC) feature in the MX-5 is definitely worth mentioning. It is an evolution of Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC+) torque vectoring system. According to Mazda, KPC adjusts the throttle between the left and right wheels and applies a small amount of braking force to the inner rear wheels when cornering. The goal of this feature is to reduce the lifting of the inner rear wheels when cornering, optimizing grip levels and stability. While I am not sure if I feel any difference from past MX-5s I’ve driven, the car is already inherently good. However, if KPC improves handling, then it’s certainly a welcome addition.

Photo Source: Mazda USA