Mazda MX-5

Why it won...

Few cars can claim to be without any direct rivals – but after three generations of success, the Mazda MX-5 has scared off the competition!

The pretty roadster is the default choice for affordable wind-in-the-hair thrills thanks to its simple folding fabric hood, entertaining rear-wheel-drive handling and incredibly attractive prices. The folding hard-top Roadster Coupé variant only serves to boost the car’s appeal, while buyers can now opt for a paddleshift automatic version, too. This new self-shifter arrived in conjunction with the first facelift of the third generation, just in time for the summer. It brought a sharp new style that incorporates the firm’s latest family look.

True, neither the 1.8 nor 2.0-litre petrol engines will set the world on fire when it comes to straight-line performance, yet the MX-5 more than makes up for this with its fun and involving handling, rifle-bolt gearshifts and impressive fuel economy.

Impeccable build quality and the car’s status as the world’s best-selling roadster confirm the Mazda as the only choice for drop-top buyers on a budget. The Roadster Coupé provides improved refinement and security, although the simple folding fabric hood takes some beating in our book. Prices start from £16,345, which makes the MX-5 something of a bargain.

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Porsche Boxster
The Boxster’s appeal is undimmed. With a classy interior, fantastic fabric hood and one of the finest-handling chassis in the world, the entry point to Porsche ownership is an incredibly desirable and entertaining sports car choice – even though it doesn’t come especially cheap.

BMW Z4
It’s all change for the Z4! A new folding hard-top doesn’t compromise its styling: the BMW looks the roadster part, and has a classy cabin and great engines. But the restrained chassis makes it more boulevard cruiser than sports car.