Latest MX-5 is even more fun in the sun

all you would expect from a true sports car - although it means a slightly harsh and choppy ride on motorways.

So performance and handling are all good - even better than the best-selling previous model - but what about the looks?

Well no problems in that department too - the MX-5 has always looked cute but now it’s gone and got a bit of an edge looking like a scaled-down Jaguar F-Type - it’s somehow a bit more aggressive and mean-looking than its more rounded predecessor, and the engine emits a suitably matching growl as you let its 158 horses run free.

The original MX-5 has now become a true classic sports car with thriving owners’ clubs. The first generation was similar to the Lotus Elan and the engine size has grown over the years from 1.6 to 1.8 and now 2.0, but with a 1.5 option with 129bhp and slightly slower 0-62 time of 8.3 seconds.

Inside the MX-5 it is all very snug with a proper sports car driving position and the controls on the uncluttered dashboard falling easily to hand. There is a central colour screen for sat nav, DAB radio and CD control and vehicle functions - although not touch screen as Mazda still favour the German-style centre console rotary knob control, which I find a little more fiddly than the straightforward touch screen systems now used by most manufacturers.

And there is no driving mode selector or eco start-stop system… it’s a sports car so the mode is, quite rightly, permanently sports.

At motorway speeds I was pleasantly surprised as the MX-5 is quieter than I expected with little wind noise considering you are in a car with a canvas roof.

Our test motor was the top-ofthe-range 2.0 160ps Sport Nav, which meant red stitched black leather heated seats (a big plus in a convertible in winter) 17” alloy wheels, sports suspension, a premium sound system which includes speakers in the headrests, keyless entry and lane departure warning. MPG figures are reasonable for a performance car at just over 40 overall.

And being able to put the manual roof down on a sunny day - the MX-5’s party piece - means things are even better, especially as up or down can be achieved from the driver’s seat in seconds, handy if you need cover from a summer shower.

The Mazda MX-5 range is priced from just £18,995 up to £24,395 on-the-road. There are three trim levels – SE, SE-L Nav and our Sport Nav. Two SKYACTIV-G petrol engines, a 1.5-litre, 131ps and a 2.0-litre 160ps are offered and all models feature LED headlights, alloy wheels and a really sweet sixspeed manual gearbox.

But you may be able to get a better deal at the moment from Mazda garages as the company last week announced a 2019 model change with uprated engines and safety kit as well as new roof and alloy wheel colours... so there may just be discounts on the current version! More info at www.mazda.co.uk