Mazda MX-5 2009 review: road test

The MX-5 has always been a favourite, for its classic lightweight sportscar capabilities and affordable bottom-line - I'm a fan.

When they gave it a major upgrade we held our breath - had they ruined it? The answer was no.

The Mazda decision makers gave in to market trends and offered a folding metal hardtop, but they managed to keep true to the modern classic's strengths - light of weight, nimble and satisfying.

Body

Explore the 2003 Mazda MX-5 range

• Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe and Sports 2009 review
• Mazda MX-5 2009 review: road test
• Mazda MX-5 manual 2009 review
• Mazda MX-5 2009 review

The first MX-5 was launched in 1989 at the Chicago Motor Show, tipping the scales at just 940kg with an 85kW/130Nm 1.6-litre engine.

Now, the 118kW/188Nm two-litre hardtop weighs in at 1167kg (the soft-top weighs 38kg) but offers better security and noise insulation, but detracts little from the drive experience apart from less than bountiful three-quarter rearward vision.

Drivetrain

Spark the two-litre engine - which offers unchanged outputs at 118kW and 188Nm but has a higher 7500rpm redline (up 500rpm) and some revised internals - into life and the MX-5 offers fuss-free driving.

The variable-valve engine is flexible around town and the only problem in traffic is having to look around other cars rather than through them - you're looking up at people driving shopping trolleys, let alone the SUV brigade.

But slot the sensational six-speed manual into gear and point the nose at the hills and a smile is impossible to avoid.

Mazda says the 50/50 weight distribution has been retained but the steering response has been improved - it's not like it really needed work.

Driving

Being closer in dimensions to Top Gear's Clarkson than Hammond, the little roadster looks a little on the small side as I clamber down and drop into the seat.

The lack of reach steering adjustment doesn't help with getting an ideal driving position, but I manage.

The cabin is snug but the seats feel comfortable, although lacking in lateral support at the top of the backrest.

There's not a huge amount of storage space in the cabin but the features list has cruise control, drilled aluminium pedals, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather-trimmed seats, dual front and side airbags.

It might only be a two-litre engine but with weight being the enemy of performance, the little roadster doesn't suffer.

The engine revs enthusiastically and quickly gets the MX-5 underway, but its perfect weight balance, strong body and well-tuned suspension mean the charismatic little convertible can carry a lot of corner speed.

Ride quality doesn't suffer for the cornering ability either, so mid-corner bumps don't unsettle it much and it can be driven daily without re-arranging vertebrae.

The MX-5 can also be thrown around and driving enthusiastically, without any of the sting-in-the-tail of some of its far more expensive opposition.

Mazda says the ADR fuel economy number has been reduced by 0.4 to 8.1litres/100 km, although if the talents of the car are being explored more fully then low double figures can be expected.

Styling wise the little Mazda looks better with the hardtop dropped - the upright rear window tends to spoil the lines - but the benefits of the solid roof outweigh the disadvantages.

Phrases like `mid-life crisis’ and `hairdresser's car’ are sometimes unfairly directed at this little beauty - if that's the case then I'm nearly old enough to qualify, maybe I should sign up for scissor school now.