2015 Mazda MX-5 2.0

By: Alex Forrest

With the launch of its new MX-5 in August 2015, Mazda reminded the world of its extraordinary capacity to make sports cars which make you grin daftly all day.

However, when the car was being developed, Mazda did appreciate that some customers would want a little more performance than the 96kW offered by the 1.5-litre engine.

So they now also have a 2.0-litre-engined MX-5, which was launched in Australia in November 2015.

It has 118kW and 200Nm, which means a little extra torque and the ability to spread out those gear changes.

Exiting a corner, the 2.0-litre’s extra torque is particularly noticeable after driving the 1.5. The option of leaving it in third gear while still having enough grunt to get around the bend cleanly will be welcome if for some reason you want a rest from its beautifully weighted clutch and gear shift.

Mid-corner, the 2.0-litre’s extra torque makes the rear end squat down closer to the road, tucking the nose into the bend and highlighting how much fun small cars can be.

Apart from the engine, other factors differentiating the 2.0 from the 1.5 include the 2.0’s suspension, which is stiffer in the front and rear by 19 per cent and 12 per cent respectively.

Like the 1.5, the 2.0 comes in two model grades, being the Roadster at $38,370 drive away, and the Roadster GT at $43,940. Both model grades get 17-inch wheels, as opposed to the 16-inch ones which are standard in the 1.5.

Also like the 1.5, the 2.0 is available with a six-speed auto, which requires an extra $2,000 and also doesn’t get a limited slip differential as standard.

Brake rotors are also slightly bigger in the 2.0-litre. Side airbags were a new addition with the introduction of the new ND MX-5 in August 2015.

Everything else we’ve said before about the new MX-5 still stands. It’ll still make your senses tingle and fizz, only a little earlier than the 1.5 does it.

It’s still not the fastest sports car out there, but for pure, designed-in delight at an affordable price, it’s the pinnacle. 

The MX-5 had not been rated by ANCAP at the time of writing.