THERE is no doubt that the motoring world would be a much duller place without the Mazda MX-5.
It not only lifted Mazda fortunes and reputation since the 1980s but it has done more to ensure that the artistic and dynamic appeal of a practical modern sports model can overcome the accountants desire to make money from boring hatchbacks.
As it turned out the MX-5 has also been a goldmine for Mazda and brought a lot of money into the company. One of the few examples where the heart has overruled the head and been justified.
Some argued that it lacked the punch of a true sportscar and delivered a less than hair-raising ride, but steady development by its enthusiastic team of engineers has created what I believe to be the best example so far, the MX-5 2.0 Powershift.
The sophisticated sequential box is technology which comes from sports car racing and is employed on high performance cars of all types. In the Mazda MX-5 it brings additional sophistication and refinement to what is already a very well sorted and highly desirable model.
The 2.0-litre engine is extremely good, starting immediately, pulling strongly, smoothly and quietly and providing a lot of punch for the six-speed automatic transmission to maximise. Gearchanges are very smooth irrespective of how hard it is pushed and I found little advantage in manually changing over letting the system sort out itself.
The MX-5 brakes are up to all you expect with good feel, excellent assistance and power and it steers well at speed and has a nimbleness around town which instantly wins praise.
The ride is slightly firm but for many it is surprisingly comfortable too. Only the worst roads taken slowly will cause the suspension to bump underneath. Handling is very surefooted and predictable and there are no real vices. It will tend to run wide on tight turns but this is a good safety feature and simply easing off will result in the line gently tightening.
As a strict two seater it is roomy. The seats are not particularly large but they are extremely comfortable if a little lacking in under-thigh support. Adjustment range is good and visibility all round is generally clear, thanks to the low waistline, big windows, very bright headlights and effective wash & wipe system.
You can specify canvas or hardtop roadster coupe and I would recommend the quick folding steel lid for its practicality and simplicity as well as additional security.
Oddments room in the cabin demands you travel light and the bootspace is small as well, but you can carry some additional items on a bootlid rack if you need to and are not worried about security.
All noise levels are low and even the busy engine makes a pleasant sound.
The sophistication of the Mazda MX-5 means it is sometimes not appreciated how quickly it can go and be cruising for mile after mile on the motorway. It is a very good car for commuting or longer journeys so long as you do not need to take a lot of stuff.
The MX-5 2.0 Powershift is, for me, the pinnacle of performance in this model bringing enormous mechanical refinement to what is a dynamically pleasing chassis and easy driving car. At the price there is nothing to touch it which gives so much pleasure.
FAST FACTS
Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe 2.0i Powershift Sport
Price: £21,695
Mechanical: 160ps, 1,999cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving rear wheels via 6-speed automatic gearbox
Max speed: 121mph
0-62mph: 8.9 seconds.
Combined mpg: 36
Insurance group: 13
CO2 emissions: 188g/km
BIK rating: 25%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles