2022 Mazda MX-5 GS-P - Driveman.ca

By : Krish Persaud
July 6, 2022

We must begin by mentioning what a great car the Mazda MX-5 is. The lightweight 2-seater Mazda roadster known to the Miata community as the (NA) was introduced to the public in 1989 as a cool drop-top convertible with pop-up headlights and a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 116 horsepower. The second generation (NB) brought us an MX-5 like no other, it introduced a six-speed manual transmission and a turbocharged engine known to us as the Mazdaspeed MX-5 to the plate. The third-generation (NC) MX-5, notable for its power retractable hard top, remained in production from 2005 until 2015, when it was succeeded by the current fourth-generation (ND) MX-5.

As the temperature began to rise, we asked Mazda Canada for a weeklong evaluation of the 2022 Mazda MX-5 GS-P, which they gladly accepted. Our test vehicle was finished in Soul Red Crystal Metallic paint, 17″ black alloy wheels, a Bose sound system with nine speakers, and a Skyactiv-G four-cylinder engine.

The engine that powers the 2022 Mazda MX-5 GS-P is a Skyactiv-G 2.0-liter in-line four-cylinder that produces 181 horsepower at 7,000 RPM, 151 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 RPM, and pulls very nicely all the way up to the redline.

Both a 6-speed automatic transmission and a 6-speed manual transmission are available for the 2022 Mazda MX-5. Our GS-P test vehicle features the 6-speed manual transmission. The MX-5 has a beautiful way of helping you connect with the vehicle thanks to the nicely weighted clutch and the short-throw shifter.

The GS-P comes standard with a sport-tuned suspension that includes Bilstein shock absorbers. These shock absorbers, along with the sport-tuned suspension, seem to work really well at giving a great ride; however, over really rough terrain, you’ll find yourself counting the minutes until you get back on the smooth asphalt. It is easy to depend on the MX-5 when it comes to cornering at high speeds thanks to its rack and pinion and engine-speed sensing power assisted steering, which does a good job at connecting you with the car.

Entering a 2022 MX-5 GS-P model, you will discover seating with more than adequate seat bolstering and padding. The seats are supportive, but the Recaro seats in the available sport package as an option for the GS-P trim level provide even more support. We must also note that the transmission tunnel causes a massive bump in the passenger floor, resulting in a loss of legroom for the passengers.

When we put the MX-5 through its paces in the city and on the highway, we were able to get an impressive 6.9L/100km. Mazda claims that the vehicle’s fuel economy is 9.0L/100km in the city, and 7.0L/100km on the highway. Even though the MX-5 requires 91-octane fuel, you shouldn’t let this put you off because the Skyactiv-G technology and the lightweight chassis help the MX-5 maintain its fuel efficiency.

The MX-5 has a user-friendly simple design, with the seven-inch color touchscreen with the HMI Commander serving as the focal point of the cabin and including easy to add Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The rotary dial isn’t for everyone, but once you get used to it, voice commands make it easy to navigate through the menus.

The nine-speaker Bose system in our 2022 Mazda MX-5 GS-P tester was superb. Headrest speakers and a subwoofer were included in the sound system, which sounds brilliant even when cruising at a leisurely pace with the soft-top down.The representation of sound fields throughout all genres will keep you smiling across your entire driving playlist.

The Mazda MX-5 does not have the most impressive horsepower and torque figures when compared to its competitors. However, don’t let this fool you; it is certainly not slow. Once you approach a twisty, you’ll realize how well-tuned the suspension is and develop a deep appreciation for what the MX-5 truly provides. If you are looking for a fun daily driver with a short-throw shifter and perfectly positioned pedals for effortless heel-toe maneuvers, this is the vehicle for you. We had a hard time returning this vehicle because we love it and just couldn’t get enough.