Arguably the best roadster ever, the Japanese have taken what was once the British prerogative and, as we stopped production, took up the mantle and did it even better. The latest version of the iconic MX 5 is slightly bigger than the previous one, but is still instantly recognisable for what it is.
The art of a good sports car is to match driver with car, a holistic approach, and this is what the Mazda engineers have been able to do so successfully. There are definitely more powerful cars around, but it requires more than an average driver to get anywhere near the most out of them and they are far more expensive. On the other hand, the MX 5 gives pleasure to the relatively inexperienced driver right through to the out and out professional. It is incredibly well balanced and as practical as a two-seater sports car can be.
The ride is supple and the steering direct, one of the few cars to give the correct amount of feedback to the driver through the steering wheel. Equipment on all models comprises Anti-lock Braking System, alarm, immobiliser and dual front airbags. Going up a level gets you Dynamic Stability Control with Traction Control System and Limited Slip Differential.
The MX-5 is available with a choice of three petrol engines: 1.8i or 2.0i with 5-speed gearbox and 2.0i with 6-speed gearbox; the three trim levels are Standard, Option Pack and Sport. Economy hasn't been taken into consideration much so consumption is not good and insurance is in groups 11-14.
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Mazda MX-5.