My name is Ian and I have a problem… I’m a serial buyer of MX-5’s… so I reckon I’m in the right place.
My actual problem is that despite living in the North East of Scotland the last 4 cars I have purchased have been south of London, still if the deals right the deals right.
I have been fortunate to own 8 MX-5’s in total, that’s over a 21 year period though. This time it’s ND number 5 and is an 1.5 Exclusive Line ND3 in Aero Grey.
Collected in Dorset after driving down from Aberdeenshire, the journey total was about 1,350 miles over 4 days by the time we got home!
New features of the ND3 are listed below and also new to me is Kinematic Posture Control or KPC which was introduced on the ND2 in 2022.
Exterior Design:
- Redesigned LED headlights that now integrate the daytime running lights.
- Revised LED taillights with a more three-dimensional look.
- New multi-spoke wheel designs.
- Introduction of a new exterior color, Aero Gray.
I wasn’t sure about losing the fangs as they have been a distinctive part of the ND identity however the front looks good with the new DRL. The tail lights also are stylish though I’m not sure if they light up with the front DRL as in previous versions. I also wasn’t sure about the new wheel design in various images, however they look nice in the flesh and as part of the overall presentation with the Aero Gray colour and the Silver Stitching internally it’s a nicely balanced package.
Interior and Technology:
- A new, larger 8.8-inch rectangular center display for the infotainment system, which is better integrated into the dash and offers improved visibility.
- Updated Mazda Connect system with enhanced connectivity, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Higher contrast graphics for the gauge cluster.
- Replacement of old USB ports with USB-C ports.
- New safety features from the i-Activesense suite.
- Revised physical switch panel with new functions, including a DSC-Track mode.
What to say, technology moves on, the screen is nice and wireless Car Play and Android Auto is probably a plus. There’s a new nav system to learn though basically they’re all the same, need to learn how to configure it to display live traffic delays (if that’s possible) and exit numbers for motorway junctions (also if possible). On this iteration of the car the Bose Audiopilot actually seems to make noticeable volume changes even if it can suddenly get quite loud.
Dynamic Performance:
- Revised steering system with a new steering rack and retuned electric power steering software for smoother, sharper, and more natural response, and reduced friction.
- Improved accelerator pedal response for manual models, leading to more accurate throttle application.
- Introduction of “DSC-Track” mode, which raises the threshold for stability control intervention, allowing for a more dynamic driving experience on track.
Out of the box this is the best driving and handling MX-5 I have owned before having any suspension geometry adjustments made. The back end is absolutely planted when pushing on a bit, more so than before, possibly the KPC doing its thing. The steering is very precise though I’d like it a little lighter so perhaps some adjustments to the caster to come.
Overall very happy with the acquisition.
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Helps to maintain residual equity.
See soon my friend.
