The Essentials

• Price from £19,995
• What Car? says:
• Fuel economy: up to 39.8mpg
• What is it? With its folding hard-top, the MX-5 is brilliant to drive, stylish and well priced

• Drive

  So much fun you'll never want to get out

• Inside

  Spot-on driving position

• Safety

  Twin front and side airbags, and a hardtop is more secure than a soft-top

• Reliability

  Service it regularly and you'll be smiling for years

• Space

  It's a good job that it only takes two to tango

• Standard and extras

  Basic cars are bare, but upgrade for leather seats and high-tech driver aids

• What's it like to drive?

  Want your roadster to be fun? The MX-5 will be right up your street. The lightweight, rear-wheel drive chassis gives the car outstanding poise and agility and there's loads of grip, too. Sensitive, communicative steering adds to the experience. The ride is firm but not uncomfortable, although Sport versions have stiffer suspension that's less forgiving. With the roof down, there isn't too much wind buffeting in the cabin and the high-backed sports seats help prevent draughts around your neck. Rood up, and this folding hardtop version of the MX-5 does a better job of isolating occupants from wind and road noise than models with a fabric hood. There's a choice between a 124bhp 1.8 or a 158bhp 2.0 engine. We'd stick with the 1.8; it needs working hard but that's all part of the fun.

• What's it like inside?

  The low-slung driving position feels sporty and snug, and even though the steering wheel only adjusts for height it's easy to find a good driving position. Your passenger will have plenty of room to stretch out, too, but the MX-5 is a two-seater, so the kids will have to stay home. Although the dash looks good, some of the plastic feels cheap. The boot isn't huge but will be able to carry enough luggage for wild weekends away. Opening and closing the roof is a manual job but it's quick and easy nonetheless. Entry-level models have electric windows and alloy wheels, but air-conditioning costs extra. The 2.0i Sport adds bespoke suspension, a six-speed gearbox and fog lights, larger alloy wheels, Bluetooth, cruise control and an upgraded stereo.

• How reliable is it?

  Counting how many shiny, older MX-5s you still see on the road should allay any fears over its durability. It's no surprise, then, that it scored five out of five for mechanical reliability in the latest JD Power ownership satisfaction survey. Front airbags are standard, along with stability control to help keep you on track if you get carried away. The 2.0-litre model has side airbags, too. The MX-5 hasn't been crash-tested by Euro NCAP, though.

• Should I buy one?

  Absolutely. Speed, agility and bullet-proof build quality - the Mazda MX-5 has everything you could ask from a roadster.