The Mazda MX-5 has always been the definitive expression of ‘Jinba Ittai’ - the concept of driver and car as one, and from the start the MX-5’s driver-focused cabin and communicative controls have been a big part of this focus on delivering driving pleasure.
Today, the Mazda MX-5 is more than ever built to feel like an extension of the driver. It retains its traditional ergonomic simplicity but matched to higher levels of quality, equipment, refinement and comfort. Plus with styling that’s designed to erase the boundaries between the interior and exterior design, the MX-5 features a signature ridgeline that extends from the front wing past the screen and into the upper door trim, this stylish door trim is body coloured to further reinforce the elegant look and feel of the MX-5’s cabin.
This sense of sophisticated quality and design symmetry continues with the sleek wing-like dash, which stretches out horizontally to create a sense of space, while the lower door panels seamlessly flow towards the front and rear of the cockpit. As with all Mazda’s products, the quality and feel of the cabin materials, switchgear and fabrics set new standards, while in true lightweight sports car tradition, the compact and attractive three-spoke wheel is a joy to hold and use.
The elegant three-gauge analogue instrument cluster has satin chrome rings and is centred around a large rev counter with the speedometer to the right and an information display on the left. The circular satin chrome trimmed theme extends to the circular air vents, engine start/stop button and the design of the tactile rotary air-conditioning dials, while the slender central air vent sits neatly alongside the hazard warning light switch.
When it comes to connectivity, the world’s bestselling two-seater sports car benefits from a first-grade infotainment system as standard, including the Mazda Connect in-car connectivity system. Ergonomically positioned at the ideal height and distance from the driver, the 7-inch colour display can be access by touch-screen or the effortless Multimedia Commander. The Mazda MX-5 features DAB radio, supports auxiliary (AUX) and USB inputs as standard. Also standard across the MX-5 range is Mazda’s integrated navigation system, which comes with 3-years of free European map updates. Plus, the 2023 model features wireless Apple CarPlay® as standard and supports a wired connection for Android Auto™.
Exclusive-Line models will appeal to music lovers thanks to the nine-speaker Premium Bose® sound system specially designed for an open-top roadster, featuring UltraNearfieldTM speakers in the driver and passenger headrests.
Yet for all the latest MX-5’s premium equipment and improved quality, the spotlight on the driving position is more focused as ever. Despite being the most compact MX-5 ever made the fourth generation Mazda MX-5 has the best driving position yet, with more knee room and better head clearance. This is achieved thanks to improved packaging that offsets the 10mm lover overall height with a seat hip-point that’s lowered by 20mm, plus to increase the amount of knee room for the driver, the steering wheel diameter was reduced by 4mm and an extra 10mm of tilt steering adjustment added.
The Mazda MX-5 Roadster is equipped with telescopic steering wheel adjustment, which adds even greater flexibility and comfort into the driving position, with 30mm of reach movement and 42mm of rake adjustment.
As you’d expect for a sports car, the MX-5’s driving position allows you to be completely harmonised with the car and the road. The pedals, wheel and dials are laid out in a single axis that centres the driver in perfect symmetry, while the throttle and brake pedal are aligned for heel-and-toe downshifts. An equal amount of work has gone into the design of the seats, which forgo the usual metal springs and urethane pads internals, to use a lighter net structure that also reduces the amount of vibration transmitted to the occupant by 35 per cent.
Inside the cabin, updates introduced in 2018 included revisions to the seat movement to deliver a more positive and precise movement during seatback adjustment, an increase in rigidity to the detachable cup holders to make mounting and removal easier, and an improved wider door opening operation to help with access in tight spaces.
With generous standard equipment across the range the Mazda MX-5 delivers a new level of comfort, style and quality. Entry-level Prime-Line cars feature i-Stop idle-stop technology, electric windows, heated seats, remote keyless entry and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake. Additional standard equipment also includes cruise control, integrated Bluetooth®, climate control air-conditioning, headrest speakers, body coloured door trim, 7-inch colour touch-screen with Mazda Connect, Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. Exclusive-Line models add further luxuries including Premium Bose® sound system and leather dashboard panel.
Complementing this high-class cabin design and driver focused ergonomics, the Mazda 2023 MX-5 is offered in three interior colour schemes, depending on the model grade. Black Cloth with Silver stitching is offered with the Prime-Line models, while Exclusive-Line models feature Black leather with Silver stitching. The range-topping Homura models are complemented with Light Stone Nappa leather seats which features light stitching, replacing the Burgundy leather of the 2020 model year car.
However, whichever model you choose, the cabin of the Mazda MX-5 brings the driver closer to the car for that instantly apparent ’Jinba Ittai’ feel.