The third generation Mazda MX-5 went on sale in the UK on 1st November 2005, 16 years after the original MX-5 was unveiled at the Chicago Motor Show. Mazda has consistently refined the classic twoseater, rear-wheel drive roadster which entered the Guinness Book of World Records as the most successful open two-seater sports car of all time and has produced nearly 725,000 of them to date.

Acutely aware of the MX-5’s iconic status, Mazda understood the need for the new MX-5 to be instantly recognisable and that it should appeal to customers in Europe, the USA and Japan. The new Mazda MX-5 is larger (20mm longer, 40mm wider and 20mm taller) more athletic and a more complete car than its predecessor. Gone is the ‘cola bottle waist’ of the previous models offering more hip, shoulder and elbow room. The new Mazda MX-5 is available with a choice of three petrol engines (1.8i or 2.0i with 5-speed gearbox, 2.0i with 6-speed gearbox).

There are four trim levels standard, option pack, sport and the special launch edition (Mazda has sold out of all 300 of the special launch editions). The 1.8i MZR engine delivers the power in a precise manner allowing you to perfectly match each gear change within the correct power band. A five speed manual gearbox is standard and, with a 0-62mph time of 9.4 seconds and a top speed of 122mph, the 1.8i engine has to work quite hard to discover its potential.

The 2.0 MZR engine is a quicker car with a 0-62mph time of 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 130mph and is available with a choice of standard five speed or optional six speed manual gearbox.

The ride is subtle and the steering is direct always giving the correct amount of feedback to the driver, keeping you composed and in tune with the road ahead.

ABS (anti-lock braking system), alarm, immobiliser and dual front airbags are standard on the entry level car and DSC (dynamic stability control), with TCS (traction control system), limited slip differential and side airbags standard on the 2.0 litre model. We would like to have seen safety as standard with all features, especially side airbags, standard throughout the range.

Mazda have retained the soft top which has proved so successful and it can now be opened and closed with one hand using a single central latch Bigger, stronger, more responsive handle in just six seconds. The roof can be closed without getting out the car and can be folded flush with the boot lid without the need of a tonneau cover. A detachable hard top is also available.

Mazda have worked hard at reducing turbulence when driving with the roof down and for when open top motoring becomes too intense, climate controlled air conditioning is available. The interior has been vastly improved – the well crafted cabin is simple yet functional enabling it to compete with its German rivals.

Storage space was certainly at a premium in the outgoing model. However, the new MX-5 features three storage compartments behind the seats, one of which is lockable. The large lockable glove compartment features a volume of 7.3 litres and there is a useful storage net in the passenger foot well. The doors have integral bottle holders and the centre console incorporates cupholders. The boot is spacious with a volume of 150 litres, six more than the outgoing model.

Whatever your driving ability the MX-5 will bring a smile to your face and, combined with Mazda’s renowned reliability, high residual values and zoom, zoom, zoom appeal, ensures that you will not be disappointed. Prices start at £15,600 for the Mazda MX-5 1.8i and rise to £18,900 for the Mazda MX-5 2.0i Sport with six speed gearbox.