Mazda MX-5 (2024)

Oh we Brits do love our wind-in-the hair open-top motoring and a long-term favourite for many driving purists is the magnificent Mazda MX-5.

This two-seater has graced our roads for more than 30 years and it still brings as much driving pleasure as the original cars did, albeit with a lot more tech and some improvements on comfort and handling. And this year it has been given a mild make-over to bring it bang up to date.

With prices starting from just £28,015, there is an eight-model line-up for potential buyers to choose from with four Roadsters and four versions of the Retractable Fastback (RF) style. And it comes in a variety of flavours too called Prime-Line, Exclusive-Line and Homura.

Powering the entry-level cars is a 1.5-litre 132PS Skyactiv-G engine, while the Exclusive-Line can be selected with either the 1.5-litre unit or a 184PS 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G engine.

We opted for the MX-5 RF with its electrically-operated hard-top roof in range-topping Homura guise and that meant it automatically gained the larger powertrain.

Costing £37,000 plus £810 for dazzling Soul Red Crystal paintwork, this was the most expensive car in the MX-5 range and it certainly attracted plenty of attention with envious glances from onlookers.

It is the first time since the fourth-generation car was launched back in 2015 that it has been given any design tweaks and the new-look car features headlights that now incorporate the daytime running lights which were previously in the lower bumper, a new light signature and upgraded rear light clusters. Our test model also featured a three-part fully automated roof in Piano black, plus 17-inch gun metallic BS alloys with red Brembo brake calipers.

Moving inside, drivers will notice upgrades to the cabin with a larger central 8.8-inch touchscreen multi-media display along with an updated three-gauge analogue instrument panel. The central dial is the largest and houses the rev counter with the speed shown on the right and the likes of fuel level, temperature and driving range on the left display.

On-board tech is plentiful with full smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a premium nine-speaker Bose sound system, sat nav, a DAB radio and lots more besides. The various features are easily accessed via a simple dial with quick key links to navigation, music or the home screen.

Devices can be connected and charged via USB-C ports and we love the fact this car still features a proper handbrake.

The seats are created from high-end leather and Alcantara upholstery and these can be heated against the winter chill. Both the seats and steering wheel are adjusted manually and, despite its compact dimensions, there is ample room for a couple of six-foot-plus adults to sit comfortably.

When it comes to performance, the MX-5 is a pure delight to drive provided you don’t mind feeling the occasional bump and dip along the way. That’s because you are sitting just inches from the Tarmac and there is only so much the excellent suspension set-up can do.

The 2.0-litre engine delivers 184PS and 205Nm of torque, which for a car weighing just 1,171kg (including the driver) is a fair amount of grunt. It can sprint to 62mph from a standing start in 6.8 seconds (it feels faster) and maxes out at 137mph. And, according to official WLTP-testing, this MX-5 can deliver a combined 41.5mpg with carbon emissions of 153g/km.

The acceleration through the six-speed manual gearbox is responsive and as rapid as you want it to be which makes for guaranteed fun when faced with twisting country lanes. With its low centre of gravity, perfectly weighted steering and those powerful brakes, it can be pushed hard in and out of tight bends with the utmost confidence. Then with the slightest sign that the rain has eased, the roof can be lowered (and raised) automatically in a matter of seconds.

The MX-5 can cruise with ease at 70mph on motorways and is agile and easy to manoeuvre in busier town centres, but it really is those B roads where this model comes alive.

On the practicality front, MX-5 designers have made the most of the limited space available to them. The boot can swallow 127 litres of luggage which is equivalent to a couple of overnight holdalls or the weekly shopping. Then, inside the cabin, there is a lockable compartment behind the seats, a couple of cup holders, some trays and a small cubby bin.

Factor in the wealth of safety systems and driver assistance aids and it’s easy to see just why the MX-5 is still such a fabulous car to drive, especially as it is available in a wide choice of trims and styles to suit all budgets.

Yes, there are faster and far more powerful convertibles out there, but for me, the MX-5 is still ‘the’ car for the people.

Test Drive

Mazda MX-5 RF 2.0 184PS Sport Tech

The iconic Mazda MX-5 has been gracing our roads for more than three decades now and yet it still offers a uniqueness that remains unrivalled.

Boasting edge-of-the-seat performance, it’s a proper compact two-seater sports car that is very big on character and ticks all the boxes in the fun factor department.

Globally, the car has sold more than a million models and, despite enhancements and modifications along the way, it maintains its very own distinctive charm.

Customers can choose from is a soft or hard-top coupe-like model and we tested the latter called the MX-5 RF, which stands for Retractable Fastback.

It was powered by a 2.0-litre petrol engine delivering 184PS and 205Nm of torque. That translates into impressive performance stats with a 0-62mph sprint time of just 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 137mph. On the economy front, the car can achieve a combined 40.9mpg with carbon emissions of 155g/km.

Admittedly at £32,260 (£33,070 with options) it’s not particularly cheap but it is most definitely a driver’s car, delivering on every count when faced with twisting country lanes.

The acceleration through the six-speed manual gearbox is sharp and responsive with bundles of power on tap to overtake slower moving vehicles. It’s beautifully balanced with perfectly weighted steering offering good levels of driver feedback and that means tight bends can be attacked with confidence.

Mazda also has its own innovative i-ELOOP set-up that works like a regenerative braking system to capture energy that would otherwise be lost. It converts this into electricity to power the radio, climate control and other on-board systems that require electricity.

With such a low seating position, you do feel a little vulnerable on motorways, especially in the wet with lots of juggernauts thundering by, but it still does the job very competently.

And with the roof raised, the insulation levels are top notch with the car feeling like a refined coupe. Then at the first hint of sunshine, the roof can be lowered for pure wind-in-the-hair driving enjoyment.

The MX-5 is nice and agile in busy town centres, although the all-round visibility is not great. The rearview camera is a really handy feature though when reversing into tight parking spaces.

And it’s a car that always gets noticed by onlookers thanks to its sleek, dynamic styling. Eye-catching features include the body-coloured retractable hard-top roof with a heated rear window, adaptive LED headlights with LED daytime running lights, smart 17-inch alloy wheels and a dual exhaust system.

Apart from being 5mm taller than the standard MX-5, the hard-top model keeps all the striking design cues that helped the vehicle scoop World Car Design of the Year back in 2016.

The three-piece fully automated roof can be raised or lowered at the touch of a button and remains one of the fastest on offer right now. It takes just 13 seconds to complete the operation at speeds of up to 6mph.

The interior is compact, upmarket and very driver focused with heated leather seats, a premium Bose sound system with nine speakers (including four in the headrests), sat nav, a seven-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, a DAB radio, a reversing camera and lots more besides.

As you would expect, the boot is pretty compact in size but, with a 127-litre capacity, is just fine for a couple of soft overnight bags and there is a small cubby box, a lockable compartment between the seats and cup holders for convenience. There is no glovebox though.

Mazda always takes safety very seriously and the MX-5 is packed with tech, such as blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert, front smart city brake support, rear smart city brake support, lane departure warning, a driver attention alert and hill launch assist.

All in all, the appeal of the Mazda MX-5 continues to grow and it’s still as popular now as it was at launch all those years ago.

Test Drive

Mazda MX-5 1.5 132PS R-Sport (2021)

If you’re on the lookout for a limited edition sports car then Mazda has just launched a special version of its popular two-seater MX-5, but customers need to act fast as there are just 150 models on offer.

Based on the 1.5-litre 132ps 2020 model, the latest rear-wheel drive MX-5 R-Sport has some very distinctive styling cues to help it stand out as a little bit special.

The convertible looks dynamic when viewed from any approach thanks to its beautiful curves, grey soft-top hood, Polymetal Grey bodywork, piano black mirrors and striking 16-inch RAS gunmetal alloy wheels.

Move inside and you are greeted with a sporty cockpit featuring burgundy Nappa leather seats with silver stitching, a vinyl leather dashboard, chrome circular air-vent surrounds and a beautifully styled cabin that is totally driver-focused.

The level of on-board technology is impressive and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, heated seats and climate control, a navigation system, power-operated and heated door mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, dusk sensing lights and a Premium Bose sound system with nine speakers – a feature that is most welcome when driving with the top down.

Boasting 132PS of power and 152Nm of torque, this petrol-driven MX-5 with Mazda’s latest SKYACTIV-G engine, can reach 62mph from a standing start in 8.3 seconds and tops out at 127mph. According to official figures, under stricter WLTP testing, it can deliver a combined 44.8mpg with carbon emissions of 142g/km.

Given the ideal driving conditions, such as a sunny, dry day and quiet country lanes, the MX-5 is guaranteed to put a smile on any driving purist’s face as it powers through the bends displaying its agility, pinpoint accuracy and excellent grip.

The acceleration is sharp through the six-speed manual gearbox and there is always ample power on tap to overtake slower moving vehicles. The steering is nicely weighted with lots of driver feedback and it’s a car that feels like it’s going much faster than it actually is, but it’s still worth keeping a watchful eye on the speedo.

You do feel a little vulnerable on motorways driving alongside large juggernauts and the driver visibility is fairly poor especially with the roof up which is normal for two-seat convertibles, but there are rear parking sensors to help when reversing.

Lowering or raising the roof is done manually, but only takes a matter of seconds and can be completed while sitting in the car which is handy.

Comfort levels within the MX-5 are snug but fine for a couple of six footers, and space to store stuff is limited to the boot with its 130-litre capacity and a couple of small-ish cubbies within the car. But, once again, that’s the same in most sports-themed two-seaters out there.

Generally, refinement levels are excellent with a good mix of high-end materials, but I did find the centre console on the passenger’s side had a rather sharp edge which lowered the standard a little.

The MX-5 is famed for its dynamic driving ability and this car retains the same award-winning chassis and mechanical set-up as the 2020 model it is based on. And thanks to its lightness, combined with Mazda’s i-ELOOP and i-stop kinetic recovery, along with stop-start technology, fuel efficiency is fairly high and carbon emissions relatively low.

The MX-5 also comes fitted with a wealth of safety features and driver assist systems to help protect occupants, other road users and also prevent accidents happening in the first place.

Systems include front smart city brake support with autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning system, rear smart city brake support, driver attention alert and traffic sign recognition.

All in all, the Mazda MX-5 R-Sport is another fabulous example of the Japanese car maker’s long heritage of offering uniquely-styled limited edition versions of the ever-popular sports car. It looks amazing, drives beautifully and is very exclusive.

Test Drive

Mazda MX-5 (2019) – first drive

How can you improve on perfection? That’s the task Mazda engineers were set when they were looking to refresh the latest fourth generation MX-5. The answer was simple – make it faster and more fun to drive and that’s exactly what they have achieved.

The new 2019 Mazda MX-5 line-up is in showrooms now priced from £18,995 to £29,195 and while it may look the same as the model it replaces, the really big news is discovered beneath the bonnet where the powertrains have been upgraded to deliver improved performance.

At the forefront of the technical upgrade is the higher revving and more powerful 2.0-litre SKYACTIV-G engine that gains a 24PS power increase from 160PS to 184PS and a heightened redline which rises from 6,800 to 7,500rpm.

And these upgrades result in improved performance with the convertible completing the 0-62mph dash in 6.5 seconds – that’s 0.8 of a second faster than its predecessor. Manual and automatic versions of the hard-top RF models are also 0.6 and 0.5 seconds quicker.

And there is more good news too because the more dynamic performance hasn’t compromised the car’s efficiency with all the 2019 MX-5 engine line-up achieving Euro 6d Temp emission regulation compliance. The 2.0-litre 184PS models actually have a lower C02 output than the outgoing 160PS car.

Customers have plenty of choice when it comes to the latest MX-5 convertible line-up. Trim levels are SE+, SE-L Nav+, Sport Nav+ and new GT Sport Nav+ trim, while from £22,595 the RF is available in SE-L Nav+, Sport Nav+, and GT Sport Nav+, with the higher two trims offered with an automatic gearbox.

As an option to the 2.0-litre engine, customers can select the 1.5-litre SKYACTIV-G and that also gets a slight power boost to 132PS.

Other significant changes of note include additional steering wheel adjustment with telescopic movement and improved seat adjustment so the driver can easily find the perfect driving position. But the design of the car has been left untouched – after all, it did scoop the World Car Design of the Year award on its debut. There are new 16 and 17-inch alloys to help the 2019 model stand out along with a choice of body colours.

In truth, the MX-5 has always been viewed as one of the finest driving purist’s vehicles. Yes, there are faster two-seater models out there and plenty of open-tops that are cheaper, but none offer the sheer exhalation of the Mazda. That’s because the MX-5 is very light and with the increased power output it’s a perfect combination for a thrill-seekers driving experience.

We tested the latest fourth generation MX-5 on a lengthy road route across the top of Ireland with beautifully smooth road surfaces, plenty of twisting country lanes and, perhaps most importantly, very little traffic.

We focused mainly on the RF (it stands for Retractable Fastback) model powered by that newly ramped-up 2.0-litre petrol engine. The test car in GT Sport Nav+ trim cost £27,795 although specialist metallic paint added a further £670 to the bill. It could sprint to 62mph from a standing start in 6.8 seconds, maxed out at 137mph and, according to official figures, delivers combined fuel economy of 40.9mpg with carbon emissions of 156g/km.

After such a big build up, we needed a performance to live up to all the hype … and it did just that. The MX-5 is beautifully balanced and agile, it skims across the tarmac and the extra power is instantly noticeable as it fires its way through the hairpin bends. Despite regular rain showers we drove the full four-hour route with the roof down and the rain simply flew across the top of the car and we remained perfectly dry. The road-holding is sublime and the rasp of the engine is guaranteed to attract the attention of bystanders.

The hard top, comprising three sections, can be automatically raised or lowered in just 13 seconds at speeds of up to 6mph. With the roof up, it all becomes rather civilised within the MX-5. The cabin is well insulated against the outside elements with little engine or wind sounds filtering through. But at the hint of clearer skies its back to the wind-in-the-hair driving experience at the flick of a switch.

And thanks to its clever roof mechanism the Mazda MX-5 RF’s 127-litre boot ensures there is no luggage space compromise compared to the convertible.

The cabin of the two-seater is compact but comfortable and there is a wealth of on-board technology to explore, including the likes of a seven-inch touchscreen navigation system, full smartphone connectivity, a premium nine-speaker BOSE sound system (depending on trim level) and lots more besides.

We also had a burst in the roadster model with its fabric roof which is manually raised or lowered. This car priced at £24,795 (£25,345 with extras) could blast its way from 0-62mph in 6.5 seconds, topped out at 136mph and could deliver a combined 40.9mpg and 156g/km of CO2. It was once again powered by the upgraded 2.0-litre 184PS engine and was in Sport Nav+ grade.

This MX-5 model looks more traditional than the RF version and it also delivers on all counts when put to the test. The acceleration through the six-speed manual gearbox is blisteringly fast and there is a constant supply of power on tap so any slower-moving farm traffic soon become rear-view mirror fodder!

The sharp responsive steering never fails to impress and even when pushed a tad enthusiastically into long testing bends it holds firm and exits with a willingness to do it all over again. If this car doesn’t put a smile on your face, you may just be an android!

Of course, the latest MX-5 is packed with a raft of safety features with Sport Nav+ cars and above now featuring Front Smart City Brake Support, Rear Smart City Brake Support, Lane Departure Warning System, Traffic Sign Recognition and Driver Attention Alert, while Blind Spot Monitoring System with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Adaptive LED headlights and a reversing camera are standard on GT Sport Nav+ and optional as a safety pack on Sport Nav+.

It’s hard to believe it was 28 years ago that the original Mazda MX-5 was launched with a £14,249 price-tag and over the years it has gone on to sell more than one million units globally. Today’s equivalent costs just £4,700 more which proves that pricing is vitally important to the Mazda thought process. And it’s that respect for customers along with a willingness to improve on perfection that makes the MX-5 ‘the’ roadster of choice for thousands of driving purists up and down the UK.

Test Drive

Mazda MX-5 RF 160PS Sport Nav

“WOW – that was just brilliant fun” – I exclaimed as I pulled up in my Mazda MX-5 convertible after a blast in the countryside and it was only as all the heads turned to face me at once that I realised I was speaking a little too loudly.

That’s probably down to the fact that the last hour had been spent whizzing round the twisting country lanes in the Cotswolds and despite it being early November with morning temperatures plummeting to single digits, I had spent that time with the roof down.

In fairness the sun was shining although not giving off that much warmth, but we Brits have a love affair with open-top motoring and the MX-5 I was testing was a little bit special. It was the latest MX-5 RF model and had a roof that could be automatically raised or lowered in 13 seconds at the flick of a switch at speeds up to 6mph. It also featured a three-section retractable steel hardtop which means when closed, the MX-5 RF transforms into a very sleek coupe.

It’s a car guaranteed to stop onlookers in their tracks thanks to its beautifully styled profile, sporty curves, 17-inch bright alloys, body-coloured door mirrors, neat light clusters and muscular front haunches.

The interior is compact but perfectly proportioned with black leather sports seats featuring smart red contrast stitching. On board technology included a premium Bose sound system with nine speakers, sat nav, smartphone connectivity, a seven-inch display screen, smart keyless entry, rain sensing wipers, climate control and all-important seat heaters.

The MX-5 RF was powered by Mazda’s highly-acclaimed 2.0-litre SKYACTIV technology petrol engine which delivers 160PS and is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. And whilst the roof may be the show-stopper on the RF model (it stands for Retractible Fastback by the way), it’s the MX-5’s exhilarating performance and handling capabilities that never fail to impress any true driving enthusiast.

It takes 7.4 seconds to sprint to 62mph from a standing start but feels much faster and the maximum speed is 134mph. But it’s the manner in which this lean, mean two-seater machine handles that has made it such a firm favourite over the years.

Sometimes manufacturers make drastic changes to their cars and the character and driving enjoyment is lost along the way. Not so with the RF which almost matches its roadster sibling when it comes to driving dynamics and performance stats.

The RF weighs 45kg more than the roadster because of the roof construction and Mazda has upgraded the suspension and steering systems to deal with the extra pounds. But you would be hard pushed to spot any differences when it comes to handling.

The acceleration through the six speed gearbox is thrilling, the ride breath-taking and the steering feedback is superb making the MX-5 RF another brilliant driver’s car from Mazda. With the roof raised, the occupants are cocooned inside and protected from all the outside elements. But at the first hint of sunshine the roof is lowered and its back to that wind-in-the-hair excitement again.

Another fact that’s worth noting about the MX-5 RF model is that there has been no compromise concerning boot space – the car maintains its 127-litre capacity as the retractible hood rather cleverly folds away behind the seats.

So, onto the nitty gritty then – how much of a dent will this car make in the savings? Admittedly, the RF model does work out a little more expensive to buy than the roadster and the test car was priced at £25,995 (£27,065 with options fitted). According to official figures it could deliver combined fuel economy of 40.9mpg with carbon emissions of 161g/km.

But all in all, Mazda has provided all the proof necessary that you can take something as popular and brilliant to drive as the MX-5 and raise the bar even further. The RF model is an amazing piece of kit and there is nothing in its price range that comes anywhere close to matching it.

Test Drive

Mazda MX-5 1.5 131PS Sport Nav

When I think back to my earliest cars it was back in the 1980s when I bought my Triumph Spitfire and oh how I loved that car. Every time I got behind the wheel I knew I was in for some awesome driving fun because you felt so connected with the vehicle. Then, with the first hint of sunshine, the roof was lowered for fabulous open-top driving.

Admittedly, it wasn’t perfect. For instance, when it rained hard you could expect wet feet as there was some sort of osmosis effect through the worn chassis and floor linings, but whenever I think back to that bright red Spitfire sat outside my parent’s home it still makes me smile.

The reason for this long-winded reminiscing is simple. Over the years, the only modern-day car that really comes close to that thrill-packed Triumph experience is Mazda’s iconic MX-5 and that is what I have been driving this week.

This classic roadster is the world’s best-selling two-seat sports car and it perfectly combines two very important factors. Firstly, it delivers on every aspect when it comes to sports car thrills. Secondly, it doesn’t cost a fortune to buy with the latest fourth generation car priced from £18,795.

The MX-5 boasts a muscular stance and looks beautifully sculpted from any angle. Eye-catching features include striking LED headlights and beautifully smooth contours. The test model was fitted with 16-inch gunmetal alloys along with piano black door mirrors to complete the look. The MX-5 is the sort of car that immediately grabs your attention and then holds onto it.

Step inside and the compact cabin houses two passengers comfortably and there is plenty of on-board technology to be explored. Features include a nine-speaker BOSE sound system, sat nav, a seven-inch colour touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, DAB digital radio, air conditioning, three-stage seat heaters and steering wheel-mounted controls.

Leather adorns the seats, steering wheel and gear stick and the car certainly has a very upmarket feel. The latest generation model is smaller and lighter than previous versions and that means the new MX-5 can deliver even better driving dynamics. The roof is opened and closed manually (no fancy push buttons on this car) and the boot can actually hold a fair amount of luggage too with a capacity of 130 litres.

When it comes to performance, the Mazda MX-5 is guaranteed to be every thrill-seeker’s perfect driving machine. The rear wheel drive test car was priced at £23,095 (£23,965 with options) and was powered by a 1.5-litre 131PS petrol engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission. It could sprint from 0-62mph in 8.3 seconds and topped out at 127mph. According to official figures, the MX-5 can deliver combined fuel efficiency of 47.1mpg with carbon emissions of 139g/km.

In busy town centres the car is agile and its compact dimensions make light work of parking. But, be warned, with the roof up, the all-round visibility is quite poor with virtually no over-the-shoulder vision. This does make reversing out of a supermarket parking space quite difficult and extra care is needed when changing motorway lanes.

But out on the faster open roads, particularly the winding country lanes, it’s a completely different experience. The MX-5 has built a reputation for delivering exhilarating driving dynamics and it is a reputation that is justified. The steering is sharp and precise and the vehicle can be thrown enthusiastically into bends with a degree of confidence thanks to the ultra-grippy road holding. It is quite loud within the car and you will feel lots of bumps and dips along the way, but that adds to its appeal, so crank up the sound system and get on with it!

The switching through the gears is perfectly tuned to keep the momentum going and the acceleration feels blisteringly fast. In fact, when you are travelling at 50mph it feels much more like 70mph.

Mazda has kitted out the MX-5 with a range of safety features, including dynamic stability control with traction control, dual front and side airbags and a lane departure warning system.

All in all, the MX-5 is a superb roadster that leads the field for anyone who hasn’t quite got the cash for a Porsche Boxster. It has survived the test of time and is growing old in anything but a gracious manner. As for my Triumph Spitfire – I traded it in for a motorbike!

Test Drive

Mazda MX-5 (2015) – first drive

Whoever it was that stated bigger is better obviously hadn’t had the op-portunity to get behind the wheel of the latest fourth generation Mazda MX-5 otherwise they would take that statement right back.

For the latest MX-5 version has shed some pounds, it’s shorter and lower than its predecessor and it’s those dimensions and the weight loss that make this car such a wonderful prospect as it continues to be the world’s best-selling two-seater sports car.

Boasting a sharp new design with slim LED headlights and a large front grille it looks rather muscular and slightly aggressive in appearance and the introduction of rounded taillights certainly give the car a striking identity from the back at night time. This new-look is all part of Mazda’s KODO: Soul of Motion design philosophy which was adopted to help breathe life into their vehicles. And it’s certainly working with the MX-5.

Move inside and the car oozes character with plenty of on-board technol-ogy. The canvas roof can be lowered manually, one-handed from the driver’s seat with little effort. And because the roof stashes away behind the rollover hoops it doesn’t eat into the boot’s storage capacity at all.

Buyers can choose from two engines featuring Mazda’s award-winning SKYACTIV technology and there are nine versions to select from ranging from the 1.5 131PS SE priced at £18,495 to the 2.0 160PS Sport Nav costing £23,295.

All models are richly equipped with the likes of alloy wheels, air conditioning, LED headlights and electric windows as standard. And as you move up through the range features such as a colour touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, DAB radio and cruise control are introduced. All models apart from the entry-level SE feature a superb infotainment system to access a range of services via your smartphone.

We tested out a couple of models on a road route consisting busy town centres, long winding country lanes and fast-moving motorways and both cars were certainly up for the challenge.

First up was the 2.0-litre 160PS SE-L Nav model priced at £20,695 (£21,235 with options fitted). This car can sprint rom 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds and tops out at 133mph. According to official figures it can deliver combined fuel efficiency of 40.9mpg with carbon emissions of 161g/km.

Whilst the MX-5 has never claimed to be the fastest roadster on offer it does deliver some of the finest driving dynamics and thrills of any model available in showrooms today.

The direct steering is beautifully refined, the handling incredibly respon-sive and that means tight bends can be attacked at pace for fun. Admit-tedly you will feel the odd bump or three! And you will possibly discover a few aches and pains after a lengthy spell behind the will, but those minor discomforts are easily outweighed by the sheer driving pleasure the MX-5 brings with it.

I was lucky that the sun put in a brief appearance during my test drive, so I pulled into a lay-by and in a matter of seconds the roof was lowered. This meant I could fully enjoy the wonders of open-top motoring in all its splendour with an accompaniment from the pitch perfect six-speaker sound system. There is even a speaker in the driver’s headrest!

Next up was the 1.5-litre 131PS Sport Nav model costing £22,445 (£22,985 with extras fitted). This version can reach 62mph from a stand-ing start in 8.3 seconds and has a top speed of 127mph. Combined fuel economy is 47.1mpg with emissions of 139g/km.

Once again this MX-5 was up for the challenge and whilst it had slightly less power, it actually seemed to be more fun to drive… if that’s possible. There was lots of gear changing and the driver/car relationship seemed more perfected in this particular model.

To be honest the MX-5 is the sort of car that will appeal to the majority, but obviously has its downsides too – namely practicality. The boot is not very large (130 litres) and there is very little room within the cabin. There isn’t even a glovebox.

But at the end of the day, who cares? That’s because the MX-5 is in a class of its own. It has always been ahead of the field and this latest in-carnation of the iconic roadster simply furthers the divide.

Mazda MX-5 1.8i SE Air Con

The iconic Mazda MX-5 has long been a firm favourite amongst thrill-seekers who want an open-top driving experience but at a price that won’t break the bank.

With its drop dead gorgeous lines, rugged stance, smart light clusters, neat alloys and roof that can be opened at the push of a button, the MX-5 has always stood out in any crowded car park.

And its driving dynamics are outstanding with a renowned reputation for attacking and conquering bends at high speeds whilst offering road-hugging safety and stability.

That was true when testing out the 1.8 petrol-powered version in SE trim as it cruised rapidly through the five-speed manual gearbox.

Acceleration is very fast – 0-62mph in just 9.9 seconds – and there is a real thrill about the car.

It’s exciting to drive and even the road surface noise and engine ‘s roar adds to its all-round appeal.

The interior was beautifully crafted with plenty of techno treats included in the standard asking price of £18,495.

In fact, the only extra cost was the dazzling crystal white pearlescent paint priced at £495 which possibly makes this car visible from the moon!

Storage is of course a tad limited, but the boot can easily accommodate a couple of large bags and there are a number of handy compartments throughout the cabin.

I have always been a fan of the MX-5 – it offers a glimpse into driving in its truest form. The bells and whistles may be missing, but the buzz is very evident.

But, sadly I think it may have met its match in the UK’s atrocious road network.

While the MX-5 is happy taking on the bumps and dips out in the country, a lengthy 130-mile run along the notoriously bad M4 in the dark and pouring rain proved quite an eye-opener.

The car was shunted, pulled and pushed by the road’s endless ridges and the unexpected potholes left me clambering for the nearest chiropractor.

I appreciate it’s not the MX-5’s fault that the motorways are in such a dire condition, but the harsher weather and lack of investment means they are not likely to improve in a hurry.

Thankfully, my faith was restored the following day. I took the car for another spin in the country and the sun even put in an appearance.

All in all, I’m still a fan of the MX-5 and would happily venture across Europe in one. But getting across the UK in the first place is another story altogether.