Serendipitous circumstances would mean that it’s only now that we get to sample the Mazda MX-5 in its purest form: the one equipped with a manual transmission. While some may say that the era of driving with three pedals is almost over, Mazda begs to differ. As great as the new “ND” is with the 6-speed automatic, it becomes alive when equipped with a manual. Spending a week driving around in this Snowflake White MX-5 MT, there are 7 random thoughts that popped into our heads.


#1. The design is still fresh.

It’s hard to imagine, but the current MX-5 has been around for about two years already. Yet, it still looks modern, fresh, and well, downright happy. I mean, just look at that front clip—that smiling grille is pretty much a preview of what you can expect when you drive this thing. The body-colored upper door panels, subtle high-gloss black aero kit, and slinky headlights all work as do the classic roadster proportions. Putting up the cloth top ruins the clean lines somewhat, but Mazda’s execution is way better than any other convertible in the market.


#2. It’s the ultimate Jinba-Ittai expression.

Designed to be as compact and light as possible, the MX-5 locks you in what Mazda designers consider to be the ideal driving position. With just millimeters to spare in every dimension—be it head, leg, or shoulder room, any amount of slacking will result in banged elbows or knees. Yes, there’s some adjustment to the steering wheel and seats, but these are for fine tuning purposes only. Oh, and the passenger will have to play along too. He or she will find the only passenger compartment to be cocooning which is good if you want to pay 100 percent attention to what the driver’s doing, but not when you plan to doze off during a long drive.


#3. Simpler is better.

Along with the row-it-yourself shifter, this MX-5 has a shorter list of standard equipment compared to the automatic transmission variant. Climate control? Nope. Leather seats? Nada. Bose sound system? MIA. All these omissions sound like a bummer if you’re buying to the roadster lifestyle hoping for some luxury, but for those who enjoy driving? They’re largely unimportant. In fact, the MT model’s fabric seats come with a pleasant side effect: they look better wearing than the leather ones. With more than 10,000 kilometers on the clock already, the seats on this particular MX-5 look more immaculate than the leather ones we tested before with half the mileage.


#4. Makes you fall in love driving a MT once more.

It’s hard to imagine, but driving a manual transmission becomes less of a chore when you’re behind the wheel of this MX-5. The clutch and gearbox action is done absolutely perfectly here. Not only is the clutch pedal light and easy to modulate, but the shifter action is crisp and precise. The instrument cluster indicates which gear you’re in (plus which gear the car recommends you’re should be in), but it’s completely unneeded. Shifting in the MX-5 is done by feel alone and it’s all natural. Even the ratios are perfectly tuned that you find yourself always in the engine’s power band.


#5. You can use it every day.

Normally, you never think of the MX-5 as an everyday car, but if you do decide to use one going to and from the office, it’s no big deal. The overall height is about a foot lower than a typical sedan, so overtaking SUVs and trucks may require extra care (they normally can’t see you in their rear-view mirror), but aside from that, it can handle any parking ramp or driveway with zero problems. With slight body roll dialed into the MX-5’s chassis, cornering, whatever the speed, is always fun. Plus, the ride is actually pretty pliant, absorbing much of what Manila throws at it. Luggage space is, admittedly small, but a quick trip to the grocery doesn’t pose a problem—just don’t take it to S&R.


#6. There’s a hidden charging port.

At first glance, the latest-generation MX-5 seems to omit the all-important power point (aka cigarette lighter) along with the glove box. Today’s gadget-crazed drivers need not fret though; Mazda engineers didn’t make this all-important plug disappear. The ND has one, you just have to know where to find it. Give up? It’s actually located by the passenger footwell. At first, the decision to put it there doesn’t make much sense until you remember that the MX-5 is designed to be driven with the top down. Imagine what happens when rain gets into contact with the exposed power point. Putting it by the foot well gives it and your devices an extra layer of protection until you’re able to put the top up.


#7. The cupholders need some work.

Admittedly, I never drink, much less eat in my car be it a personal or demo unit. With that, I’m part of the small minority that never gets to test the user-friendliness of the cupholders. In the case of the MX-5 though, I needed to get a drink and with that, I got to test the usability of the cup holders. And you know what? They need some work. Not only do they have difficulty in fitting larger drinks, but they barely kept them upright. Half the time, I ended up being a character in Initial D trying to make sure I don’t spill any precious Coke Zero as I made my way home. The cup actually toppled once; thankfully the lid was on tight.