2001 Mazda MX5 1.8 review from Croatia

Nothing so far. Well, one wouldn't expect nothing less at this mileage from any car, let alone a Japanese

built sports car.

As a former owner of a Mk 1 (see 1991 survey) I am a bit disappointed with the body rigidity (or the lack of improvement on Mk 2 in this area) as well as in the area of performance (my new 1.8 140 HP equals my old 1.6 115 HP)

Also, the brakes (except ABS system which operates excellently) give no feeling of improvement both in terms of stopping distances and fading resistance.

Other than the above mentioned, the car is the best looking, best handling, best sounding and certainly best built sports car ever.

It is much more refined than the old one, the interior is so wrapped around you and the Nardi wheel lies in your hands so well that you never want to leave this car.

One thing remains though - small, damn small!

I decided to go in a slightly different direction with this car than with the old one so I've already done some mods, and more are to follow. I've installed Eibach springs (-35 mm), front brace, O.Z. Racing 16" Symphony wheels with 205/45 Yokos, chrome roll bar, Remus cat-back exhaust...

Next on my to-do list are bigger brakes, rear underbody brace for more rigidity and a cold air induction kit.