There can be little doubt that Mazda hit on a winning formula with their MX-5 roadster back in 1989. Prior to the launch of the latest third generation model, a massive 725,000 MX-5s had been produced and getting on for 200,000 of those models had found homes with European customers. In light of this record-breaking showroom performance for what remains essentially a niche market product, Mazda would have been mad to tinker with the car too vigorously. They didn't, and the result is an enhanced, honed product that's better in numerous subtle ways, but which retains the core appeal that has made the MX-5 the world's roadster of choice.

Here, we're considering the 2.0-litre model. For the time being, it's the range-topping MX-5 by virtue of its positioning just above the 1.8-litre alternative. Rumours of a 2.3-litre derivative or possible turbocharging shenanigans will keep true performance nuts on their toes. The two engines you can buy are separated by £1,000 in terms of list prices and by 35bhp in terms of grunt. The decision on which to opt for would appear to be a clear cut one, with the 160bhp 2.0-litre powerplant offering greater performance for those who are that way inclined, and the 125bhp 1.8 taking care of business with respect to buyers on tighter budgets.

The 2.0-litre MX-5 is, predictably, the quicker of the two. It can hit 60mph from standstill in 7.9s while the 1.8 trails home with a 9.4s time but straight-line speed has never really been the point of MX-5 ownership. This is a car with the thrill of driving as its key constituent part: it's all about delivering poise, balance and sharpness without at any stage becoming hard-edged or threatening. This is what has made the MX-5 the success that it is and the 1.8-litre model comes up with the goods almost as well as the 2.0 in many respects. There's more flexibility in the 2.0-litre engine which has 188Nm at 5,000rpm compared to 167Nm at 4,500rpm in the 1.8. The difference can be felt when accelerating up hills or overtaking but it isn't massive. The 2.0-litre power option turns in a 36.7mpg average economy figure which means that you'll only get two miles further on a gallon of unleaded in the 1.8.

"The whole process of folding and deploying the roof is remarkable simple."

Neither of the MX-5 engines is particularly charismatic and if you like a spine-tingling accompaniment to your open-topped driving experience, it might be best to slip a recording of Honda's manic S2000 into the CD stereo. If anything, the 1.8 is a marginally sweeter-sounding unit with a more satisfying howl when it's extended. The 2.0-litre always comes across as a little flat acoustically and on the open road with the top down, you wouldn't credit that Mazda tried 59 different exhaust silencers to find the sound they wanted. The plus side of this is top drawer refinement in the cabin with the roof up, which is were many British MX-5 owners will spend much of their driving time.

Drop the top and the wind blocker mounted between the seats does a great job of keeping elaborate hairstyles intact. There are even special modes on the ventilation system designed specifically for open-topped driving. The whole process of folding and deploying the roof is remarkably simple. Mazda claim you can detach and fold the canopy back in six seconds but that's a highly conservative estimate. Unclip a catch, fling the roof over your shoulder and you're there. Putting it back up when the heavens open is similarly straightforward and only requires a little more effort.

The driving position in the MX-5 is low and comfortable with a good degree of adjustment to accommodate drivers of various proportions. The seat slides fore and aft a surprising distance given the comparatively limited space and the steering column adjusts for height. The gearbox with its short, stubby lever is a real pleasure to use delivering a punchy feel. One drawback is that the top section of the shifter had a tendency to twist round in your hand on our test model.

The steering is key to the whole MX-5 experience and, true to form, it's keen and accurate. You can point the car into corners with confidence and small adjustments provoke an almost instant response. This MX-5 is no less than 47 per cent stiffer than its predecessor, which helps reduce the flexing and shuddering often evident in roofless cars. Over the bumps and through the corners, the MX-5 never feels less than solid but the damping is well resolved and the MX-5 remains very comfortable when cruising at low or motorway speeds.

Today's MX-5 is only 10kg heavier than the old model thanks to what Mazda call their 'gram strategy'. Essentially, if it was possible to shave as little as a gram from the weight of a component, they did it. This strict diet regime has obvious benefits with regard to handling, performance and fuel economy but it's been brought in with no apparent shortcuts taken in terms of build quality. The interior is well put together along simple design themes. The interlocking aluminium rings of the instruments are a standout feature and the clearly laid-out centre console controls are easy to fathom.

All Mazda MX-5 models get 16" steel wheels, ABS, remote central locking, heated electric door mirrors, twin front airbags and a CD Stereo. The 2.0-litre cars are available from £16,600 and they add a limited slip differential, dynamic stability control (DSC), traction control and side airbags into the mix. Upgrade to the Sport trim level at £18,900 and 17" alloys, the six-speed gearbox, front fog lights, upgraded suspension and heated leather seats are included.

Given a straight choice, most would take the Mazda MX-5's 2.0-litre engine but the extra £1,000 may be a barrier for some and the inferior performance of the 1.8 probably wouldn't make much difference to the average MX-5 customer. The car is bundles of fun regardless of which unit is doing the business under the bonnet. As an introduction to the essential joys of sports car ownership, there's nothing better than an MX-5.

TOP 4 MX-5 DEALS

The results below show the top MX-5 deals on buyacar

	Mazda MX-5 2.0i Sport 2dr Convertible
	ETR	Mthly £306	Saving £1,530	Price £17,515
	Mazda MX-5 2.0i Sport 2dr Roadster Coupe
	ETR	Mthly £355	Saving £999	Price £20,096
	Mazda MX-5 2.0i [Option Pack] 2dr Convertible
	ETR	Mthly	Saving £1,486	Price £16,059
	Mazda MX-5 2.0i [Option Pack] 2dr Roadster Coupe
	ETR	Mthly £333	Saving £955	Price £18,640

typical 10.13% APR

PCP finance quote over 48 months,  10,000 miles pa,  deposit of £1000