MAZDA MX-5 Roadster Coup?©

MAZDA MX-5 Roadster Coup?©

And engineers have done a wonderful job with the new Roadster Coup?©, because where a number of hatchbacks which have had their roof lopped off to create drop-top motoring have also gain an ungainly rear end in the process, the little MX-5 looks as pert and pretty as the soft-top version, which debuted in 2005 with a chiselled new look and continues on sale alongside the Coup?©.

In its raised position, the hard top gives the MX-5 a secure and traditional car-like feel - and when it's lowered and the sun is shining there's little that can wipe the smile off your face. Even more impressive is that the folding roof does not intrude at all into the boot space, meaning the soft top's 150 litres of space - certainly enough for the weekend bags - remains available at all times.

The new model's sports car dimensions haven't changed and the stylish and well built interior is a superbly exciting place to sit in.

The low-slung driving position is pure sports car and it's always quite a thrill to look up at "normal" hatchbacks and saloons with the satisfying feeling that you really are behind the wheel of something quite exotic - albeit with prices starting from ??15,730 for the soft-top and ??18,580 for the new Roadster Coup?©.

There are two engines to choose from in the MX-5 range and both deliver bundles of pace and character. The 1.8 litre produces 124bhp, which is enough to propel the coup?© to 62mph in 9.6 seconds. In the real world, though, the car feels much faster than that. Perhaps it's the fact you are sitting nearer to the tarmac but the gutsy engine note and strong power delivery certainly won't have buyers feeling they've been short-changed if they can't stretch to the 157bhp 2.0 litre model, which comes with six gears instead of five and slashes 1.5 seconds off the benchmark sprint time.

The hard top also adds 37 kilogrammes to the weight of the newcomer, but performance in the entry-level 1.8 still constantly impresses, whether you are rifling through the close-ratio five-speed gearbox or cruising with the top down.

Ride quality is firm and sporty but never uncomfortable - and the MX-5 is perfectly capable of soaking up the bumps without jarring its occupants.

It's going to be personal preference whether the extra convenience and insulation of the electric folding roof is enough to convince buyers to spend an average ??2,000 extra over the already accomplished soft-top. Either way, both versions are splendid examples of how to build a modern sports car - and both are hugely desirable cars.

Max power: 124bhp at 6,500rpm and 167Nm torque at 4,500rpm

PERFORMANCE:

0-62mph - 9.6 seconds

Max speed - 124mph

ECONOMY: 38.7mpg combined

CO2 emissions/TAX %: 174/21%

INSURANCE GROUP: 13

STANDARD EQUIPMENT: Front airbags; climate control; 16-inch alloy wheels; CD player with six speakers

Source: [url=http://www.tottenhamjournal.co.uk/content/islington/gazette/Motors/story.aspx?brand=ISLGOnline&category=CarReviews&tB rand=islgonline&tCategory=CarReviews&itemid=WeED21 %20Nov%202007%2018%3A02%3A09%3A253]Tottenham, Wood Green and Edmonton Journal[/url]