5 WAYS TO MAKE IT BETTER

1 INDUCTION UPGRADES

A performance air filter is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to up the power. The trade-off is that there’s often more noise under throttle. BBR’s dealer-approved turbo kits for the MX-5 were a big hit in their 1990s heyday and you can still fit one today. It’s pricey, but it ekes 220bhp out of the 1.6-litre engine. That’s a lot for such a small car.

2 SWAP THE FLYWHEEL

While it won’t result in any power increases, a new flywheel will enable you to slot through the gears more quickly, shaving tenths off your 0-60mph time. It’ll weigh less than the standard item, too.

3 IMPROVE YOUR DASH

Remove the cubby hole at the bottom of the MkI’s centre console and replace it with one pilfered from a BMW E36 3 Series. It fits perfectly and also happens to have a clock built into it, something Mazda forgot to include as standard.

4 FEELING THE WIND

Plenty of specialists sell wind deflectors that slot in neatly behind the rear headrests and make the MX-5 easier to enjoy with the top down.

Chances are the soft top will have been replaced at least once already – but if not, a new soft-top is worth it for the reduced leaking and road noise. Choose between vinyl and mohair; the latter’s pricier, but more durable.

5 FIT A BOOT RACK

The MkI version of the MX-5 is particularly afflicted by a lack of boot space, but a chrome bootrack or a strap-on boot bag easily doubles luggage capacity. Make sure your suitcases are waterproof, though.