Mazda MX-5 - best sports cars

The fourth-generation Mazda MX-5 has some big boots to fill. Unprecedented success over the last 25 years has elevated Mazda's roadster to become the world’s best-selling two-seater sports car. We especially love them here in the UK, with around half of all Mazda MX-5s sold in Europe going to British buyers.

Smaller, over 100kg lighter and more efficient than its predecessor, the new Mazda MX-5 has gone back to its roots in a bid to offer genuine lightweight sports car thrills for buyers whose pockets aren’t deep enough for a Porsche 718 Boxster. 

• Mazda MX-5 review

A foldable fabric roof stows manually behind the driver and passenger, while the boot and cabin offer more space, despite the car’s smaller footprint on the road. Buyers can choose between 1.5-litre or 2.0-litre petrol engines connected to a six-speed manual gearbox and sending power to the rear wheels. The 2.0-litre version gets some extra kit including Bilstien dampers and a limited-slip differential.

The sharp design is an interpretation of the latest Kodo design language, while the interior is brought right up to date with Mazda’s latest MZD Connect infotainment system.

Best sports cars

1. 1. McLaren 570S
2. 2. Mazda MX-5
3. 3. Porsche 911 Carrera GTS
4. 4. BMW M4 Competition Pack
5. 5. Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe
6. 6. Audi RS 5 Coupe
7. 7. Porsche 718 Cayman/Boxster
8. 8. Fiat 124 Spider
9. 9. Nissan GT-R
10. 10. Jaguar F-Type