The Mazda MX-5

It is a small car compared to say a Nissan 350Z, yet still turns heads in the street. The MX-5 was recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records in 2000 as the best selling two-seat convertible sports car in history, with 531,890 units produced to that date. Since then another 200,000 MX-5s have been sold around the globe. Sports cars are about fun. Our test model - in the dead of winter - meant that dropping the top was out of the question except for testing purposes, and I can say that it is one of the best sealing drop tops available. The cabin is well insulated, despite a constant howling from road noise as you sit just inches above the tarmac! The soft-top is a Z design with a centrally located latch handle. The roof can be lowered or raised easily without undue effort. Externally, the MX-5 has a tapered nose and tail and fenders that bulge and wrap around and over 17-inch wheels. Inside there is room to accommodate tall drivers with deep footwells and supportive bucket seats that can be adjusted for rake and forward/aft.

There is plenty of cabin width, with driver and passenger sitting snugly below the windscreen line. Vision is fine and the dash treatment is a delight. A throaty 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 118kW of power at 6700rpm and 188Nm of torque at 5000rpm powers the MX-5. Our test vehicle was fitted with the popular 6-speed manual transmission, although an auto is also available. The manual is a short throw unit that has precise sharp shifts and provides plenty of pulling power across the rev range. Even in sixth there was power to accelerate and pass other traffic. The dash is finished in black, with a high centre backbone tunnel. There are large dials and the layout is spot on. Switches and gauges are precisely designed and five individual round gauges with a metallic trim fill the instrument cluster. The centre shifter falls easily to hand, and behind the seats is a small centre storage bin.

There is moderate storage in the MX-5 but the boot can easily accommodate a couple of overnight bags. There are also two cupholders and door pockets. Ride is firm and compliant and road noise certainly howls, especially on non 'hot-mix' bitumen surfaces. All is for-given however with brisk acceleration, crisp cornering and responsive acceleration. The MX-5 feels extremely rigid and build quality is to a high standard. Standard equipment includes frontal and side airbags, adjustable steering column, air conditioning, cruise control, 6-disc CD player, AM/FM tuner, leather wrap steering wheel with audio and cruise controls, and remote keyless locking. There is plenty to like about the Mazda MX-5. The current MX-5 is more refined than those before it, and it handles superbly. Driving the MX-5 is a rich experience, but with the six-speed manual priced from $41,860 you certainly don't have to be rich to own one.

Brian Tanner