Photo of Paul Gover
5 min read

The giant grin already seen on the Mazda3 has been slapped on the world's best selling sports car to mark the change to a 2009 model, but the car drives a long way different from a simple cosmetic tweak.

There is nice new comfort stuff in the latest MX-5, but there have also been some significant — and worthwhile — improvements to the mechanical package. The basic body is stiffer, there have been changes to the steering and suspension settings, and even the carryover 2-litre engine has been freshened and given a sportier note.

Pricing and equipment

Read the full Mazda MX-5 2009 review.