Mazda - MX-5

1990-05

The MX-5 is hardly the newest roadster around, and it lacks clever touches like a metal folding roof, but it's such a joy to drive and own that you can forgive any rational shortcomings.

	Strong image despite its age; classic looks
	Sportily nimble, with precise steering and good grip
	Holds its value; sensible running costs
	Road and wind noise at higher speeds
	Cabin is a bit snug if you're large
	Rivals have simpler hood mechanisms

Last revised in 2002, having previously sadly lost the pretty pop-up headlamps that were a trademark of the original 1990 car, the essence of the MX-5 was actually designed and engineered in the late 1980s. This is the car that started a roadster revival and it continues to hold its own.
Yes, its cabin is more cramped, its layout more awkward and its controls more fiddly than in better-packaged, more modern rivals. And it comes only with a manually-operated thin fabric hood, although this soft top is so simple that it can be raised or lowered in barely the time it would take to press a button.
What still impresses is MX-5's agile, supple chassis, its direct, communicative steering, and its fluid ride. It remains one of the most rewarding small sports cars around. It's not expensive, either, unless you opt for a top-spec 1.8i Sport and load in the options.