Mazda MX-5
OUR PICK Mazda MX-5 1.5 SE-L (2015/65, 68k miles, £12,920)
WHEN it comes to combining wind-in-the-hair thrills with rock-bottom bills, few cars can match the MX-5. Brilliant to drive, affordable to buy and laughably cheap to run, this is a roadster that won’t lead to financial ruin. And with prices now slipping below the £9,000 mark, the current fourth-generation machine is the most desirable of the lot.
Underpinning the Mazda’s appeal are its engaging driving dynamics that make every journey a moment to savour. The blend of nimble and adjustable rear-wheel-drive handling and relatively skinny tyres means you can enjoy the MX-5 at any speed, while the wrist-flick action of the six-speed manual gearbox encourages you to change ratios just for the hell of it. The bigger 2.0-litre engine serves up strong performance, but the smaller 129bhp 1.5-litre unit revs more sweetly and has all the pace you’ll need, plus the promise of 47.1mpg.
Few drop-tops give you such easy access to the elements, either. The manual fabric roof can be raised or lowered in seconds with one hand, so you’ll have no problem dealing with the UK’s unpredictable weather. The powered folding hard-top on RF models takes a little longer, but it offers coupé-like refinement and security when in place.
Regardless of which roof you choose, you’ll get the same smart cabin. Taller occupants will find their heads brushing the ceiling, but a wide range of seat and wheel adjustment (on later models) means getting comfy won’t be a problem. Relatively soft suspension means it rides well, too, which in combination with the light controls and the brand’s reputation for good reliability means the MX-5 is as happy on the daily commute as it is being used for holidays.
There’s also a decent haul of standard kit, but SE-L cars and above get better tech and connectivity. The only niggles are a lack of storage and a cramped 130-litre boot. However, the MX-5’s ability to raise a smile every time you get behind the wheel means you’ll be happy to pack light.