IT'S the best selling roadster ever, and a car which really has stood the test of time.
For the Mazda MX-5 has sold in excess of 700,000 - not bad for a car first conceived way back in 1979.
The first sketch was made nearly 25 years ago and for about ten years the project haunted Mazda's design and development teams in both Japan and the USA.
Several concepts were developed, then discarded. Eventually in 1989, the Mazda roadster made its debut in Hiroshima.
The car was celebrated as the renaissance of the open-top roadster, which had been declared dead for a decade but was obviously sorely missed.
Since then the Mazda MX-5 has continued to deliver all the enjoyment of a classic roadster.
In the UK more than 55,000 have been sold and last year (2003) was an all-time record with sales in excess of 9,000.
In 2003 the front-engined, rear wheel drive MX-5 was updated with improved specification and three new interior colours, and given a price range from just £15,000 up to £18,000 on the road.
The upgraded car also features new design 16-inch alloy wheels on the Sport derivative.
My test car was armed with a 1.8i engine which gives a top speed of 127mph and delivers almost 33mpg on the combined cycle.
It provides a top output of 146PS at 7,000rpm and maximum torque of 168N at 5,000rpm. What it means is acceleration which can whizz you from 0-62mph in 8.5 seconds.
What you get is plenty of power in a roadster with devilishly classical looks. It's curvy, sleek and super-streamlined.
Although I never approached the top speeds, there's bundles of power when you need acceleration, though the 'shift by wrist' gearbox was surprisingly 'clunky' and hard work.
However, the refined double-wishbone suspension engine's agile handling and the ultra-responsive steering glides you around corners and twisting roads.
You feel so low to the ground, it seems like you are connected. The vehicle almost feels like an extension of your body.
A new windblocker equipped with two speakers on the 1.8i and the Sport ensures owners can enjoy the music as well as the thrill of open-top motoring.
Inside the snug cabin, an impressive, new aluminium centre console surrounds the stereo and air vent/air conditioning controls while new cloth seat material completes the improved interior look.
Okay, so there's very little room - and you wouldn't want to get in and out of one with a bad back but what do you expect?
But, as I took the car for a trial on a chilly December week, I found the best bit of equipment in the cabin was the heated leather seats. Believe me, with a soft top, you need something extra to the air conditioning to warm you up!
My test car was the Mazda MX-5 Arctic, which is aimed at helping drivers cope with the changeable British weather.
Mazda is currently (Oct 1-Dec 31, 2004) offering special offer prices on this vehicle. You get £500 off on the 1.6i, making it £16,500 and £17,000 on the 1.8i model.
You get unique design 15-inch alloy wheels as standard. Customers also currently have the option buying an "ice-cool" accessories pack at a special offer price of £499 - £375 cheaper than normal.
The pack includes rear style bar, sound board, chrome filler cap, chrome outer door handle finish and chrome door mirror finish.
FAST FACTS
Mazda MX-5 1.8i Arctic
Price: £17,000
Mechanical: 146bhp, 1,839cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving rear wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 127mph
0-62mph: 8.5 secs
Combined mpg: 32.5
Insurance group: 12
CO2 emissions: 210g/km
BiK rating: 28%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 3yrs paint; 12yrs anti-rust