Mazda MX-5 2.0 Sport

A top five finish is a good result for a car that’s recently celebrated its 20th birthday. The Mazda MX-5 has been around in one form or another since 1989 – and the latest version is the best yet.

With its pretty looks, engaging character and low price, the Japanese roadster remains one of the finest two-seater drop-tops money can buy. A recent round of minor revisions has refreshed the styling, tweaked the engine and sharpened the chassis, but most importantly, it has left the car’s sporting spirit fully intact.

What’s most impressive is the MX-5’s ability to deliver a thoroughly entertaining driving experience at any speed. The perfect blend of power, grip and balance makes the Mazda a car that can be enjoyed by drivers of all abilities.

The steering is direct and well weighted, the gearshift has a precise, mechanical feel and grip is strong. Better still, the rear-wheel-drive chassis allows you to subtly adjust your line through a corner using the throttle. Switch the traction control off and there’s even the option of smoking power slides. The only black mark against the Mazda’s on-track performance is the exaggerated body movement during hard cornering.

Less extreme behaviour is exhibited on the road, where the MX-5 feels equally at home. It’s at its best with the roof down, when you can enjoy the tuneful exhaust note and revel in the excellent visibility, which makes placing the car in corners even easier. And with such compact dimensions, the Mazda delivers the sort of agility that is the envy of many hot hatch owners.

And the Mazda isn’t merely a one-trick pony. A decent-sized boot, supple ride and long list of standard kit mean it’s a sensible choice for everyday driving, too. Two decades on, and the MX-5 is still at the very top of its game.

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