What you should know

Type: Two-door, rear-wheel-drive sports car. Engine (h.p.): 2.0-liter DOHC I-4 (181). Transmissions: Six-speed manual; six-speed automatic (opt.) Market position: The MX-5 and the Fiat 124 Spider (Mazda and Fiat co-produce the cars) are the least expensive roadsters on the market. They cater to buyers who tend to treat them as hobby cars, rather than daily drivers.

Points: Good looking with the top up or down Upgraded powerplant is noticeably friskier than before MX-5 and a manual transmission make a perfect partnership Sharp interior styling, but could use more stowage space (glovebox) Watching the RF top stow away is a mesmerizing experience You don’t need many bells and whistles added to this car.

Active safety: Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert (std.); lanedeparture warning (opt.); emergency braking (n.a.). MPG (city/hwy): 26/34 (MT). Base price (incl. destination): $25,800.