Review: 2016 Mazda MX-5 GT – Part 2
What you’re looking at is the 2L four cylinder SkyActive engine that cranks out 155hp and 148 pound feet of torque to the rear wheels. Now the first thing that you notice about the engine is the layout. It is a longitudinal engine (as opposed to a transverse engine which you usually see) which means the crankshaft is oriented along the long axis of the vehicle, front to back. When it comes to rear wheel drive vehicles, this is the engine layout that you typically see.
Now, you’re likely wondering how well this engine works in MX-5 GT. Quite well actually given that the curb weight of the MX-5 GT is 1058 kg’s. That means that each of the 155 ponies only has to motivate 6.8 kg’s of weight which is a pretty good power to weight ratio. And you feel the results of that. Put your foot down and the MX-5 GT simply rockets forward if you’re not careful. And that’s without even putting it into sport mode which holds the revs longer and makes this MX-5 GT quite a potent little package. You sit low in the car, which means that you feel everything. Every bump, every pitch change in the road, every detail that you could possibly want to feel. And it feels fantastic as you have a complete understanding of what the car is doing underneath you. And it never feels harsh unless the road is actually really harsh. When it comes time to stop, you’ll find the brakes extremely easy to modulate and stopping distances are sort. There’s no body roll to speak of as well. Because the MX-5 GT has a perfect 50:50 weight distribution, it gives it the ability to carve corners with the best of them as the steering can be best described as “point and shoot.” In the hands of someone who comes with an understanding of the physics of a rear wheel drive vehicle with perfect balance, and how to get the most out of said vehicle, you could really have some fun on a track. In the hands of the average Joe, you get a car that is easy to drive and doesn’t require you to be Lewis Hamilton to do so. Either way, the MX-5 GT is a very visceral driving experience that everyone needs to experience.
Now, one thing that I did do for this review that is bit outside the box is that I opted for the 6 speed automatic transmission version (a 6 speed manual is standard). Now, many of you are likely saying “are you nuts?” But let me explain my thought process. A rapidly decreasing number of people in North America, and in many other places know how to shift gears and use a clutch pedal at the same time. Which means that manuals are quickly going the way of the dinosaurs despite the fact that they give the driver complete control of the car and makes driving far more engaging. That means automatics or automatics that can be shifted manually as is the case with the MX-5 GT are becoming more common. Thus it would make sense for me to see what this automatic can do in this roadster as I suspect that Mazda might see a significant uptake in purchase of that version. If I leave the transmission alone, it shifts fine and never left me hanging and waiting for it to shift up or down. Using the paddle shifters behind the wheel (which by the way, work regardless of what position the shifter on the center console is in which is the way it should be done), I got instant shifts. If you decide to opt for the automatic, you will not be disappointed. Another area where you will not be disappointed in is fuel economy. I am currently getting 7.1 l/100 KM’s. That’s exceptionally good seeing as the MX-5 GT prefers premium gas.
In the next part of my review, I’ll look at the interior of the MX-5 GT which is a very nice one. Stay tuned!
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