The new Mazda MX-5 Sport Venture
The new Mazda MX-5 Sport Venture
The Japanese manufacturer’s iconic two-seater roadster has been on sale in the UK now for more than three decades. And it’s even more popular now than the day it was first launched back in 1990.
Since then, it’s been the ‘go-to’ soft-top for those who love to feel the wind in their hair, the delight of a nimble engine, and prefer to enjoy their thrills on a budget which slots well under the ‘stupidly expensive’ cabriolets.
Even after four generations there’s absolutely nothing else like the MX-5 on the market. And the sensations are further heightened by one of the best manual gearboxes in the industry. Nothing comes close to the precise, taut, wrist-flick action of Mazda’s stubby wee manual gearshift.
One of Mazda’s clever achievements with the MX-5 is the ability to launch limited-run versions of the soft-top. It’s almost as if there’s never been a year when Mazda hasn’t introduced another special version.
So, this year it’s … the Sport Venture.
Well remembered: you’re right. The previous-generation MX-5 also benefitted from this trim back in 2014.
Seven years ago, that variation boasted dark blue paint, a number of silver accents and a light leather interior. And to be honest … this 2021 Sport Venture essentially replicates the same packaging.
What’s worth highlighting though is the 2014 model was limited to 1,219 units; this MkIV Sport Venture is restricted to just 160 examples.
We know Mazda has fitted its more powerful 2.0-litre petrol engine to the MX-5, but the Sport Venture is only available with the smaller 1.5-litre petrol engine. Power is sent, as per tradition, to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox.
The 1.5 is a sweet little unit; there are still times when I actually prefer it to the 2.0-litre. There’s no turbocharger, so on paper the 130bhp and 152Nm of torque can seem rather modest.
But jump behind the steering wheel and you’ll soon realise that thanks to its skinny weight — it tips the scales at just 12,00kg — it’ll scamper to 60mph from standstill in 8.1-seconds, and carry on to a maximum of 127mph.
The 1.5 engine is also pretty frugal; Mazda claims 44.8mpg. And you’ll find in real world driving, mixing normal daily journeys with some more spirited exploits, that this figure is easily achievable.
You bet! I recently drove a MkI MX-5 from Mazda’s Heritage Fleet, and I was blown away by how good it still is after all this time. So, catapult yourself forward 30-odd years, and things have just got even better.
It’s as close to perfection as you can get. Sharp, nimble and light, the MX-5 is built for maximising everyday fun in a way that will never have you worrying about losing your driving licence.
It’s just a blast. It actually encourages you to use all 130 horses strapped under the bonnet, and the naturally aspirated engine tempts you to push it to the red line. It zips about city centres and is an absolute hoot once you get it on to your favourite A- or B-road.
As for the six-speed gearbox… well, as I mentioned before, it’s still one of the best, sporty manual boxes in the business. Plus, it’s beautifully located in the cabin, and the travel between gears is sportiness personified. Snap your left wrist and you’re in another gear. Brilliant!
The ride too is top notch, with the combination of small wheels and a firm suspension delivering a compliant package even on bumpier stretches of the UK’s roads.
Given there are no mechanical changes — it’s based on the 1.5-litre 130bhp Sport spec — it’s all about looks with the 2021 Sport Venture. And if you like blue — specifically Mazda’s Deep Crystal Blue Mica — then you’re on to a winner. Me? I’ve always liked blue.
Catch the car in the sun and you’ll see exactly what effect the ‘crystal’ has. The blue also classically contrasts with the car’s grey fabric hood, while the silver roll hops and mirrors certainly help the car stand out from the other MX-5s.
To be honest, not really, apart from Light Stone Nappa leather seats. It’s another colour I like, so I was smitten right away, and makes a huge difference to the standard black leather that comes on the ‘Sport’ trim.
As for interior space: it’s a two-seater sportscar, so don’t expect acres of space. I’m 5ft 8in, and it fits me perfectly. But don’t take that as a limit.
I have a close friend who towers over me at 6ft 2in. He has his own MkIV, and he and his wife toured the North of Scotland in their MX-5 for 10 days from their home in Oxfordshire. So don’t fret about whether the car’s ‘big enough’ for going on holiday. Couple of squishy bags in the boot and you’ll be fine.
As I said, it’s based on the Sport spec, which is already pretty comprehensive. Adaptive LED headlights, cruise control, keyless entry and heated front seats are all standard. So too is a seven-inch media display that boasts satellite navigation and wireless Apple CarPlay.
As for safety, autonomous emergency braking and traffic sign recognition are both included.
The MX-5 Sport Venture costs £27,615. But what you need to consider is that the Sport trim, on which the limited edition is based, only costs £1,250 less at £26,365.
So, you have to ask yourself: is it worth spending the extra money on this very fetching limited edition to ensure you stand out from the MX-5 crowd? I know what I’d do.
| Spec panel | |
|---|---|
| Model | Mazda MX-5 Sport Venture 1.5 |
| Price | £27,615 |
| Engine | 1498cc petrol |
| Power | 130 bhp |
| Torque | 152Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Fuel economy | 49.6 mpg |
| Top speed | 127mph (0-62mph in 8.1 seconds) |
| CO2 emissions | 142 g/km |
