This month's issue of BBC Top Gear magazine features the new MX-5 as it's cover story. The recent press event in Barcelona gave motoring journalists the opportunity to drive a pre-production model of the new car with the 1.5 engine. Richard Hammond got behind the wheel and gives his first impressions in the 8-page article, along with photography by Justin Leighton.
Hammond goes on to talk about the classic recipe for a roadster, that it should be front engine, rear wheel drive, simple, lightweight, and above all fun to drive. After a brief history lesson on the car's origins, the big question is whether Mazda can capture the spirit and feeling from the 1989 model in 2015 for a new generation. The MX-5 has long been a favourite of Top Gear, and whilst this was not a full road test and doesn't give an opinion on the faster 2.0 model, the overall opinion is very positive.
Tom Ford takes a quick look at the competition in the form of the Fiesta ST, Subaru BRZ, Toyota GT86, and the Caterham 160. These are available for similar money and are said to be just as fun to drive.
Also featured in the magazine this month are the new Ferrari 458 GTB, Aston Martin's new V12 Vulcan, Nissan's 1250Bhp front wheel drive GT-R LM, Ford's new 4WD Focus RS, and the usual mix of news and reviews. The magazine is priced at £4.95 and is well worth a read.
The car will also feature on the TV show on BBC2, Sunday 8th March at 8pm.
