Mazda MX-5 review - Practicality & boot space

Nobody buys a two-seater sports car for its outright luggage or passenger capacity, but it’s still nice to know you can fit a few good-sized bags in the boot for a road trip or a long weekend away. You should just about be able to do that in the Mazda MX-5, but it’s never been a class leader in this regard and that hasn’t changed much in the latest version.

Mazda MX-5 interior space & storage

The Mazda MX-5 is snug but not excessively cramped inside. It also has wide-opening doors with relatively narrow sills, so it’s much easier to get in and out of with your dignity intact than the Lotus Elise.

The steering wheel has a good level of adjustment but exceptionally tall drivers may have difficulty finding their perfect driving position. There’s no height adjustment for the driver’s seat, either, but you can adjust the angle of the base and backrest as well as moving it back and forth.

Storage space isn’t great, as there’s no glovebox in the dashboard, so the MX-5 is best suited to people who travel light. There is however a storage box between the seats, which locks to provide extra security when the roof is down.

Boot space

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The MX-5 only starts to look like a load-lugger when compared to cars like the Lotus Elise – the boot capacity is a slightly restrictive 130 litres. However, the boot is deeper than you’d expect looking at from outside, so there’s definitely room for a few good-sized bags in there.

The boot opening is quite narrow and restricted, though, making it difficult to get larger items in, so you have to think carefully about how you pack. 

Towing

The Mazda MX-5 has never been suitable for use as a tow car – and that fact hasn’t changed with the latest model.