Iconic roadster delivers plenty of smiles per hour

Hamilton Spectator

05-07-2025

As I approach the Hamlet of Belfountain by heading north on Mississauga Road, I pull over to retract the MX-5's soft top before I embark on one of my favourite Ontario driving routes: Forks of the Credit Scenic Road. As I cruise the road's curves, the warm summer breeze sifts through my hair, the sunlight fills the cosy cabin and the tunes reverberate from the speakers into the open air around me. Now, this is what driving should be about!
I step on the clutch firmly, I pull straight down from third to fourth gear, and release the clutch, then settle in for an enjoyable, exciting drive in Mazda's smallest and most exhilarating machine.
Happy 35th birthday, Mazda MX-5 Miata!
From its origins as a cute, 'smiling' car with pop-up headlights to it's current sleek, stylish design, its original goal of being a driver's car still holds true.
In my career, I've been fortunate to test drive one every year since 2013 and as long as my body can, regardless of grace, slide itself in and out of this low-slung vehicle, I'll keep the tradition alive.
This 35th anniversary trim sits both atop the soft top lineup and also atop a stunning and exclusive-to-this-trim Artisan Red Metallic paint job paired with a beige roof and tan interior. Only 230 are slotted for Canada and they only come with a six-speed manual gearbox.
More power to the manuals!
With limited production runs, serialized badging usually appears inside. Here, Mazda's put this in front of the driver's side rear wheel. Inside, the headrests sport an embossed '35 Anniversary' logo.
With no mechanical changes for 2025, the MX-5 is still a delight to drive overall. It's quick, agile, athletic and performs well at both low and high speeds.
By modern metrics, the power is 'low,' but considering it's small footprint and lightness, the naturally aspirated engine suits the MX-5 exceptionally well.
The do-it-yourself gear changes are smooth and precise, giving the driver a truly engaging driving experience that's fun, fast and fabulous.
With a starting price at the mid-$30,000 point, this is one of the few affordable convertible sports cars remaining that features such engaging and exciting driving dynamics.
Whether it's a straightaway, gradual twists or tight turns, the MX-5 performs well.
Yes, you'll still feel plenty of road imperfections, there's a slightly intrusive rumbling when idling and the cabin can get a bit loud at higher speeds. These things are easily accepted in exchange for the driving joy this convertible roadster offers.
Most new vehicles employ a large digital presence for the instrument cluster. Not here. The large tachometer (middle) and speedometer (right) are analog dials and the temperature and fuel gauge, along with a few other items, use a digital layout.
The blending of old and new school continues with: large dials for the climate controls; a sensibly sized, 8.8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; a long list of standard safety system, highlighted by blind-spot monitoring, lane-change assistance and adaptive cruise control.
The soft top is so easy to operate it can be opened and closed with one hand.
Both seats are adjusted manually and three of the four trims feature heated seats.
Trunk space is minimal, but you can squeeze in two soft-sided bags for a weekend getaway and … one lucky person.
All of this is to say that, if your lifestyle allows for a two-seater, the MX-5 can certainly be a well-balanced year-round vehicle, not just a car for summer fun.
As one of the last manual vehicles available, the current generation is in year 10 and there'll likely be a new generation in the next few years.
This mini Mazda is still fun to drive, affordable, attainable and has earned the title of biggest-selling roadster of all time, rightfully so.
The Subaru BRZ, Toyota GR 86 and Ford Mustang have similar offerings and are impressive in their own right but there truly is nothing like the Mazda MX-5, especially with a manual transmission.
Here's to another 35 years of driving enjoyment from absolutely amazing to 'Zoom Zoom,' complete with the top down and changing your own gears!
Type:
Two-door, front-engine, rear-wheel drive
Engine:
Two-litre, four-cylinder; 181 horsepower, 151 pounds-feet of torque (motive force)
Transmission:
Six-speed manual
Fuel:
Nine litres/100 km in the city; seven l/100 km on the highway; 8.1 l/100 km combined
Cargo:
130 litres
Price:
$35,450