MX5 Coupe

Rubenesque roadster

Mazda’s iconic MX-5 has one of the biggest cult followings in the car world. The divine two-seater roadster is definitely up there with the likes of V-Dub, Mini and MG. Ever since its European launch in 1990, the shapely, Rubenesque rag-top has drawn people of all ages and persuasions towards its appealing persona.

It has seen a couple of face lifts over the years and at the end of 2005 underwent a major overhaul under the skin, with just the odd nip and tuck on the outside to keep the style fresh (yet still curvaceous).

And drivers are now offered even more choice with this latest roadster coupé, which has a hard-top that folds away in a mere 12 seconds – Mazda claims it to be the world’s fastest retractable hard-top and I was really impressed at just how quickly it folded down and up at the touch of a button.

So, how has the hard-top changed the characteristics of the MX-5? Well, it’s just one cm taller than the soft-top roadster and is 37kg heavier. It still achieves 50:50 weight distribution, maintaining the MX-5’s agility and fun-to-drive motoring pleasure.

It also looks great and gives the MX-5 super coupé fluidity. The seamless windscreen-roof-boot flow takes the little sports car into another motoring realm. And the redesigned rear end gives the Roadster Coupé a unique style that is different from its soft-top sibling.

Better soundproofing, security and safety – ensuring the occupants are better protected in the event of an accident – are part and parcel of this ‘fixed head’ feature.

With the tin-top neatly stowed away the driver and passenger are treated to the same wind-in-the-hair motoring enjoyment that makes this little roadster so popular with the multitude. Boot space, which is very impressive, remains untouched by the folded roof, too, so you know that your stuff is not going to be crushed as it folds away behind the seats.

However, with the advent of the retractable hard-top, comes the inevitable price hike and the range starts at a relative £18,210 for the 1.8i, which comes with standard features such as 16-inch alloys, climate control air-con, airbags and Apple iPod connectivity.

I have been testing the range-top 2.0i Sport with BOSE and at £21,265 it has burst through the £20k ceiling. However it is comfortably filling the gap between the more affordable soft-top MX-5 and the likes of the Chrysler Crossfire, Nissan 350Z, BMW Z4 and Audi TT roadsters, which are larger and priced in excess of £25k.

‘Heavenly’ is how I would describe time spent with the MX-5. From the minute I saw the perky little sports car, I felt an instant attraction. The car reflects its serious-yet-fun persona from every angle. The curvaceous bodywork is smooth and seamless with colour-matched door handles and wing mirrors. This model has very tasty 17-inch 10-spoke alloys and has the added benefit of dynamic stability control with traction control.

Inside the car a timeless dashboard with premium switchgear and easy-to-reach controls face the driver and passenger. The heated leather seats are adjustable back and forth and the leather steering wheel is also adjustable. I found my perfect driving position and I didn't feel squeezed in. Tall drivers will struggle to find enough legroom, though.

I love the sound system. It's an integral part of the car giving surround sound that fills every inch of the cabin. It can really change your mood and enhance your driving experience. When you have the roof down the sound-quality changes to block out external wind and road noise. So all you hear is beautiful music, whether it's from the radio, CD player or your Apple iPod.

Driving the MX-5 has always been great fun because of its wheel-in-each-corner stance, road-hugging position and 50:50 weight distribution. This latest example with dynamic stability control and traction control keeps the car firmly planted on the road, while allowing the driver to push the car to the limit.

When I talk about really enjoying driving a particular car, there are reasons why one car differs from another and yet each gives a great driving experience. Luxury saloons and premium people carriers each have characteristics unique to that kind of vehicle and both are equally enjoyable to drive, for different reasons.

However, this coupé has to be one of the most engaging driver’s cars ever invented. It is fantastically good fun to drive. Even if you’re just popping down the shop for a newspaper, you cannot help but drive around the block several times first. It is so addictive – like a good book – I couldn’t put it down.

The pedals, with minimal travel, and the short-shift gear stick are in just the right place, allowing for speedy gear changes and sprightly acceleration. The handling, as always, is what gives this car its fun factor, and despite the MX-5 being 17 years old, with each redesign its footprint hasn’t actually grown that much, unlike almost every other car that has undergone a restyle. And, despite having new technology it has not lost any of its original fun-to-drive characteristics.

Therefore a huge pat on the back goes to Mazda for being able to keep the MX-5 spirit alive underneath the extra safety equipment and additional body shell reinforcements.

The only gripe I have with the car is that the window switches are between the driver and passenger and not on the doors themselves. I’m so used to reaching to the door to put the window down that I ended up getting annoyed, while trying to fumble for non-existent window winders.

In summary: Enjoy the best of both worlds with this affordable dream car with its beautifully balanced driving dynamics, top quality finish and rocking sound system. Feel safe and secure inside the luxury cabin or enjoy the fresh air swirling around you with the top down.

It will make you smile, come rain or shine.