Mazda MX-5 2004 review

The nightmare from which I have clawed my way out of was a flash of me hanging on for grim death as I tried to make a turbocharged Daihatsu Charade go around a corner.

It's a recurring theme and harks back to the days when a turbocharger was seen as a panacea for wheezy engines.

The big problem was the turbo (literally) blew the manufacturer's budget and there was no more money for suspension work.

Time has improved these early woes. Since playing with Mazda's latest effort of plumbing a turbo under the MX-5's aluminium bonnet, my nightmare hasn't returned. Mazda's concept isn't new. This version, the SE, is a factory job and comes after a limited run of rorty Australian-engineered turbo versions called the SP.

The SE is restrained, quiet and although it's quick – but not up to the SP – it hasn't the rawness of the SP.

Which is possibly what Mazda intended; a roadster that is a bit faster than the standard version and a touch more exclusive but doesn't harm tradition or upset the loyalists.

Power goes up 15kW and – more importantly – torque is up 41Nm over the standard MX-5, while handling improves with a lowered body, Bilstein shocks and 17-inch doughnuts.

The already acclaimed MX-5 fun factor goes up in proportion to the performance, so once again the MX-5 is a hard car to leave idle in the driveway.

Unlike the blown Charade, it hunts out and eats corners with go-kart handling and pin-sharp steering – all aided by a willing engine and crisp six-speed gearbox.

Despite firmer suspension, the ride is compliant. The engine has virtually no turbo lag, with a pleasant lineal power flow that gets a kick at 5000rpm as the variable-valve system changes to performance mode.

One look under the bonnet shows a lot more performance potential, such as a bigger intercooler to replace the A4-size cooler.

It's not dramatically better than the standard model but merely gives the buyer more oomph for $5000.

With the roof up, it is snug and warm. The turning circle is tiny making it very city friendly and the fuel economy only goes out the window when you cane it.

There's a nice six-speaker sound system, personal storage space within the cabin is minimal, and the airconditioner is a $1953 option – but with the top down, who needs it?