RECENTDRIVEINTHE NEW MAZDA 3,
whichyou can see pictured above,
had me thinkingaboutthe MX-5, and
how it’s more than just a sports car in Mazda’s
otherwise pretty unsporty range.You see,the
new 3 undoubtedly takes the brand into the
future – it’s sleeker, more tech-driven,with
polished interfaces and a definite maturity
lackingin previous models.But despite all this,
not to mentionalmost completely different
technical packages, the 3 and the MX-5 somehow
connect in how they approach a windingroad.
There is a definite correlationin the way the
two ride and handle,the way they manage their
weight, and the rate ofresponse from their
steering.The 3 is more vague owing to itbeing
a less performance-orientated model,andthe
potency and ultimate response ofits 2-litre four-
cylinderengineis diluted, but Mazda’s ability to
make its cars handlewith a level ofconsistency
regardless ofthe underlyingstructure ordriven
wheels is an impressive feat.
Porsche has mastered this skill,using the 911
as a template for the rest ofthe modelrange,and
it’s one that Mazda more than everis starting to
applywith the MX-5 at the core.Yet it’s done this
withoutresorting to Porsche’s generous price
points.Instead,the Mazda 3 relies purely on how
it feels to the driverto achieve the same result.
So withoutsoundingtoo‘publicrelations’,
from my experience the MX-5 is certainly more
than just anothermodelin the range.It’s a sort
ofconscience to whichall Mazdas adhere,and as
a small,simple,two-seat roadster, that’s worth
celebrating.A real halo model.
JordanKatsianis(@JordanKatsianis)
MazdaMX-52.0184PS
Mazda’s MX-5 and 3 models are more similar than meets the eye
A
Date acquiredNovember 2018Total
mileage 9796 Mileage this month 231
Costs this month£0mpg this month
40.3
OVING HOUSE IS NEVER FUN.IT’S UP
there with root canal work and Michael
McIntyre.So anythingthat makes the
process less stressful is to be welcomed.Thankyou,
CupraAteca.
Its size has actually been a good thing for once,
because the ability to haul all mannerofhousehold
paraphernaliabetween pointsA and B has eased
the stress levels.Thoughtful touches have helped
things along too, such as the handyseat-back
release catches in the boot, and rearseats that fold
themselves flat to save you the trouble.And once
they’re lowered,it’s surprisingjust how muchthe
Cupra can swallow, a complete collection ofevo
magazines included.
But it hasn’tall been work and no play, a few
days away in Chesterthis monthaffording the
opportunity to stretch the Cupra’s legs on the roads
ofSnowdonia NationalPark less than an houraway.
Well you would,wouldn’tyou?
Engaging SportorCupra modenoticeably
heightens the Cupra’s throttle response.Said
modes also add a welcome,all-natural deeper
edge (no pumped-in fake nonsense here) to the
otherwise demure enginenote.However, come to
a slower speed zone and I’ve found myselftwirling
the modedial back to Comfort due to the auto ’box
often lingering in too low a gear.
There was also no escaping the Cupra’s size on
some ofthe narrowerWelsh roads,but it has to be
said there is an elementoffun (up to a point)to be
had from hustling the Cupra along a not-too-twisty
country lane.Even ifit is an SUV...
JonathanBaker
CupraAteca
This month, the Cupra mixes
business with pleasure
M
Date acquiredJanuary 2019Total
mileage 6088 Mileage this month 548
Costs this month£0mpg this month31.7
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