Bob Hall on the MX-5

[gslender]

The LCD is just the 2014 version of the radio/tape deck of NA era. So not really a good example to cite for less is more philosophy.
Cheer up, if you hate ND so much, we are ok with that.

....and if that's the case, then all good.

Like you, I'm keen to see the ND actually be something of a success. I think Mazda have been pretty clear that they wanted to obtain more of the original formula that made the first model great, and obviously they felt they lost it a bit with the NC and so its not like I'm off the planet with wondering if they actually achieved that. The NA6 could have come with a 10 stack CD player in the boot - who knows, perhaps that was the "more = more" LCD dash display of the late 80s...??

[smy0003]

Most of us on here want a pure MX5.
People who buy a new car expect features, that was a big problem with the NC. A base Mazda 3 was better equipped.
So while people on here say that the NC wasn't pure enough, it really was under equipped to appeal to the broader market, especially in its later years.

The NA was great, but they'll never make anything like it again. If the ND was released as a barebones, manual everything, no options MX5, it would be the last MX5 ever built; it would be a flop. That's not what is driving the current market, and the MX5 doesn't hold the most popular sports car title by being a super niche product.

I think that makes the NA all the more special, though.
It doesn't need to be repeated on because it has already existed. The MX5 now has to make small roadsters relevant for the next generation of buyers, and the ND is looking good for it.

And in 25 years time people will complaining that the NG MX5 has hover drives instead of wheels like their beloved NDs.

[Mr Morlock]

95% in agreement with smy- but they did all through the 25 years offer "specials" . Mazda have to strike a balance with the ND - but in the end its not a family car or a work horse- its for fun. Incidentally whilst many of us are not new generation buyers we have now come to expect certain things from cars i.e. new generation cars. .

[trader]

You're right JBT it did dispel some myths. Owning a malibu gold I had researched why they were so rare and even have a seperate valuation on the Redbook site. Bob clarifies why the yellow was initially painted white. (I had heard or read that it was to stop fading). Also confirmed why the exhaust was so small diameter. Euro/jap drive by regs rather than to increase back pressure which is a comment I've often heard.

I have never really been interested in the NC but looked forward to the ND as a replacement for my NA. I must admit though at the NSW Presidents picnic on the weekend there were some reallly nice looking NC's. I never realised how much could be done with interior/exterior/performance so maybe they're back on the agenda. However after the 3 hour drive home I'm sure I would miss the NA's finer points that will never be replicated in NC or ND (numb bum, ringing ears, rattles, continually looking at guages, compulsory top down as too much trouble to put up etc). What I really love about the NA is being able to look over the door sill at the roadway as you're screaming along - a feature of every great classic!