Mazda鈥檚 MX5 has been around for some years now 鈥 but it鈥檚 never looked better.
The latest incarnation of the little convertible has lost the traditional soft rounded look in favour of a more angular design and it鈥檚 given it a whole new lease of life.
There鈥檚 now a Ferrari-esque look to the little car which sets it apart from other small, two-seater sportscars.
But the best thing about it is it still offers the sort of seat-of-the-pants, flies-in-the-teeth rear-wheel-drive sportscar motoring that enthusiasts want 鈥 all be it with a host of hi-tech features on board.
The compact cabin is now stylish in the extreme, with superb high-backed heated leather sports seats, satellite navigation and on-board computer.
But in true sportscar tradition the three-dial dashboard is still dominated by the centrally set large rev counter.
Despite the MX5鈥檚 concessions to modernity its cabin is still best described as 鈥渟nug鈥. There is no space behind the two seats, no glove box and the steering is only adjustable for height and not reach. Anything you want to store inside has to fit into the small space under the armrest or in the tiny, lockable compartment behind the heads of the driver and front seat passenger.
But it鈥檚 this snugness that makes you feel at one with the car and makes driving it so rewarding.
Get behind the wheel and 鈥 if like me you cut your motoring teeth on much earlier two-seater convertibles 鈥 it鈥檚 guaranteed to put a spring back in your step.
Powered by a 2.0-litre, 160 bhp, four cylinder petrol engine the new MX5 is quick off the mark and very lively, hitting 62 miles per hour in just 7.3 seconds on its way to a top speed of 133mph.
And as it does it likes to shout about it, with a super throaty roar from its twin exhaust tailpipe.
I tried the car in November but some weak winter sunshine inspired me to briefly drive with the top folded down and, despite the month, the high-backed
seats with a wind deflector set between them and the low seating position meant I was able to remain comfortably warm.
The hood takes seconds to lower and raise and it can be done with one hand. Once down it locks into position behind the two seats and doesn鈥檛 affect the car鈥檚 boot capacity of 130 litres 鈥 fine for soft bags but forget suitcases.
The car comes with blind spot monitoring as well as rear cross traffic alert, to allow you to safely reverse out of a parking space without colliding with other vehicles looking for one.
There鈥檚 also an automatic dipped/main beam system on the headlights and it鈥檚 one of the best I have come across, as are the headlights themselves.
The ride, as you would expect, is firm but it鈥檚 something you soon get used to and the steering is pin sharp without being extreme. It gives plenty of feedback so you know exactly what鈥檚 happening with the MX5.
As always, Mazda has the gear ratios spot on, making this little car brilliantly flexible around town, lively around country bends and smooth on the motorway.
If you鈥檙e looking for a fun car but still want your creature comforts the Mazda MX5 is well worth sampling.
Perhaps doctors should consider writing a prescription for one for any patients consulting them about a mid-life crisis. It would be the perfect remedy.
Fast Facts
Model: Mazda MX5 2.0 Sport Nav
Price: 拢23,695
Mechanical: 1,998cc, 160 bhp four cylinder petrol engine driving the rear wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox.
Max speed: 133 mph
0-62mph: 7.3 secs
Combined mpg: 40.9
CO2 emissions: 161 g/km
Insurance: 29E
BiK: 24 %
Warranty: 3 years / 60,000miles
