WHEN it comes to a smaller more affordable sportscar, the one that stands out is the Mazda MX-5.
It took the world by storm when it came out and it’s just as good to be seen in – and more importantly – to drive as it ever was.
This good looking two seater, even in its humblest forms, is a joy to drive in every way.
It’s good without being exceptional in a straight line, but where it excels is in the corners, with handling and road-holding that are immensely safe and huge fun.
Hustle it through a series of hard and harder bends and you begin to realise that all your birthdays have come together. That’s how good it is.
Engines are 1.6 and 1.8. Early 1.6 models had about 110bhp and are brilliant, later ones have much less and some come without the excellent power steering so they should be avoided.
All the 1.8 and later 2.0- litre models have plenty of power for any eventuality and sound sweet and tuneful into the bargain.
Interior
There have been many different varieties, some of which have leather and aircon, but all have a marvellous driving position.
Everything is beautifully to hand and the manual hood is light and easy, taking just a few seconds to put up or down.
FAST FACTS
Mazda MX-5
Price: Pay about £6,000 for an ’05 55-reg, £10,900 for an ’09 09-reg SE
Mechanical: 124bhp, 1,798cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving rear wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 122mph
0-62mph: 9.1 seconds
Combined mpg: 38
Insurance group: 22
CO2 emissions: 174g/km
Marks: 10/10
Main rival: BMW Z3/4