SUMMER at last and time to be thinking of topless frolics.
So roll out the world's top-selling roadster, the Mazda MX-5, which single-handedly resparked the interest in the breed.
Since its industry-shaking debut back in 1989, the delightful little one has captured around 650,000 customers and the figure has accelerated with the launch of the latest version.
Out goes the old rather spartan interior, replaced by a satisfying modern look and a hoist in equipment levels.
There's a sharpening of the exterior, too, the dressage package coming on top of technical enhancements, including engine revisions, fine tuning of the suspension and a stiffening of the body by 22 per cent.
It's a construction that soaks up with ease the grunt of the new 146bhp, sequential valve timing 1.8-litre engine which generates a 0-62mph time of 8.4 seconds. Be aware, though, that it is a thirsty unit and CO2 expensive.
Cornering is a sheer joy, the roadster magnetic to the line as you push through on the rear-wheel drive.
In fact, there's quite a lot of the track car about the MX-5, including the very firm suspension and the quick, short, responsive speed-sensitive steering which offers a turning circle of a tight 9.2m.
It's a nature which gains full value in the range-topping Sport model. It rides on big-tyred, 16in alloys, adds a limited slip differential and larger disc brakes, and comes equipped with a six-speed gearbox, short action and close-ratioed to further the driving pleasure.
The Sport's cockpit uses classy black leather and high-backed sports seats. Low-slung, there's no height adjustment and the steering column is also non-adjustable, but I was happy with the driving position. The seats are heated but even at this spec air conditioning - still useful even in a roadster - is a daunting £1,300 extra.
All MX-5s now feature white sports dials, chrome-ringed in the revised dash.
With the roof in place, flank visibility is poor and the strong front pillars are somewhat obstructive, too. The MX-5 sticks to totally-manual roof-folding, but it is a quite slick operation. Putting on the cover, however, is a fiddly, time-consuming business.
Once achieved, the open cabin is nicely breezy rather than gale-blown, helped by a rear baffle, but the noise level is a conversation killer and even with the roof on decibels are high, with wind noise off the cloth very noticeable.
But topless is how the MX-5 is meant to be. Its broad-nosed, muscular and well-balanced stance takes on new vitality to become a genuine head-turner with the hood down.
A gaping air intake dominates the face, which also adopts bold new headlamps. There's a new lights set up at the broad back, too, and I like the final little up-turn of the boot lid. The Sport also features a big eye-catching chrome fuel filler cap.
The boot itself is not bad for a roadster, certainly capable of handling a good-sized suitcase, and the side well is useful. In-car storage space, however, is very limited. You get a small armrest box, a net at the back and a seat-back pocket on the passenger side, but that's about it.
Space for the two occupants, on the other hand, is quite good.
Fittings in the Sport include front airbags, radio/CD player, electric windows, heated door mirrors, stainless steel scuff plates and front foglamps. The security sytems, so vital for a soft top, include alarm, immobiliser and power door locks.
All the extra ingredients have had little effect on the MX-5's price - it starts at just under £15,000 for the 1.6i - and its great driving and fun credentials are better than ever. A true summer love-in.
FAST FACTS
Mazda MX-5 1.8 Sport
Price: £18,000
Mechanical: 146bhp, 1,839cc VV-T DOHC 16v, 4cyl petrol engine driving rear wheels via 6-spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 129mph
0-62mph: 8.4 secs
Combined mpg: 29.8mpg
Insurance group: 13
CO2 emissions: 215g/km
BiK rating: 27%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 6yrs anti-rust