IN today's highly complex, high technology world of the automobile the idea of taking something simple and making it simpler seems out of step, even bonkers.
But nothing succeeds like success, as the Mazda MX-5 shows.
From its launch it embodied and recaptured the best qualities of the sports cars which dominated Britain's showrooms over the second half of the last century.
While the British cars rusted away or were broken up for spares when one of their important bits broke, Mazda took the kernel of the concept and applied generous quantities of a free ingredient, enthusiasm.
Designers of the original MX-5 in the 1980s wanted to make a simple, fun to drive, easy to live with sports car. How they succeeded is now the stuff of legend.
Now the legend lives on in the new MX-5.
Without destroying the very qualities of the original car, the new MX-5 should have even wider appeal because it is now a little bit bigger and roomier.
There is a simple range of 1.8 or 2.0 engines and option packs can be specified to please those who love to be pampered.
But hey, the Mazda MX-5 I wanted to test was the basic model, although the only thing basic about it was an ability to stir the emotions and bring a smile to my face when ever I drove it.
The 1.8 engine is a driver's delight with its ease of starting, very willing nature to rev and an extremely composed character at speed. It is not unduly noisy and the sounds it makes are very pleasing on the ears.
Matched to the silky engine is a creamy direct gearchange with a boxful of ratios which give it lively getaway from rest or overtaking but which can also provide very relaxed motorway performance.
The powertrain's perfection is matched by the very well balanced brakes, including a good handbrake, and the fluidity of the steering. It makes light work of town driving and has good feedback on more flowing roads.
Secondary controls and instruments are close to the driver, the heating and ventilation system is good.
The oddments space would challenge anyone to think lean but there are some useful spaces in the cabin and the boot is big enough for a sports bag or two.
Strictly a two-seater, the MX-5 is easy to climb into and out of and the seats are small but surprisingly well supporting and the adjustment range is broad.
Visibility is very good and the wipers and lights are effective in poor conditions.
I found the ride surprisingly good for a sports car, possibly due to the size of the steel wheels and tyres, which are not like some wider sets which pick up and magnify bumps.
Handling is a joy over any road. It is easy to place, accurate in response and has no real vices. Push on too hard and it gently lets you know you needed to ease off and when you do it comes back onto line.
The lightweight canvas hood is a one handed operation to release and drop down, but two handed to raise in a few seconds. With the hood in place you also gain some oddments space on the rear shelf for a jumper or jacket.
Wind noise is extremely low with the hood erect and when it is open the car's side windows keep out most of the buffeting.
I like the 1.8 because it is very civilized, economical and easy to drive.
Engineers often talk about "lean manufacturing" but the Mazda MX-5 is the best example I know of putting the principle into production and watching it pay off.
FAST FACTS
Mazda MX-5 1.8i
Price: £15,650
Mechanical: 126bhp, 1,798cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 122mph
0-62mph: 9.4 secs
Combined mpg: 38.7
Insurance group: 11
CO2 emissions: 174g/km
BiK rating: 21%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 3yrs paint; 12yrs anti-rust