THE Mazda MX-5 is undoubtedly the ultimate, affordable, truly fun, convertible sports car.
But then I’m biased. To explain, I had the tin-top RF “Retractable Fastback” on test as part of my job a few years ago and enjoyed it so much that I bought one when the opportunity arose.
However, the upmarket Japanese marque never rests on its laurels and is constantly striving to improve the range of cars it offers motorists.
So I was intrigued to get my hands on the latest MX-5 RF, especially as my test car came in the top-trim GT Sport Tech.
It arrived on my driveway in the same stunning Soul Red Crystal Metallic paintwork as my own prized possession, making my neighbours think they were seeing double.
But the subtle differences and improvements compared with my 2019 Sport Nav+ are sufficient enough to tempt me into seeking a trade-in.
The exterior looks remain largely the same – reminiscent of classic British roadsters of the past, with a long bonnet, rear-set cabin and short tail.
Add in Mazda’s renowned design expertise and you have a car that looks sleek, flowing, athletic and like it is on the move even when it is parked up.
In fact, aside from the practical benefits a hard-top brings to surviving the Scottish weather, I prefer the coupe looks of the RF over the soft-top.
It somehow seems even more powerful and assertive, while the slim LED headlights make it look like a real predator. I also love the circular and tapered rear lamps and the twin exhaust tail pipes.
The GT Sport Tech adds to this with truly racy 17in BBS Gun Metallic alloy wheels and a Piano Black finish for the roof that contrasts strikingly against the paintjob.
And the sporty set-up continues inside the two-seater, with a cabin that cocoons the occupants and the exterior body colour sweeping across the top of the door trim.
Plenty of carbon-fibre-effect and high-class dark material finishing, as well as lots of chrome detailing around the three circular instrument gauges and rotary air vents, add to the mix.
But I also really admired the Light Stone Nappa leather finishing for the body-hugging seats, with the trim echoed in the door cards, and the stainless steel scuff plates.
All in all, the car feels really solidly put together – an impression that was emphasised by a good few days of country, urban and motorway driving.
There’s an undeniable thrill when you grab the leather-clad steering wheel and press the start button, which instantly produces a vroom-vroom exhaust note.
The whole set-up of the pedals, handbrake, various switches and dials is so driver-focussed that it’s a skoosh to change things on the move at speed.
And the 184PS 2.0-litre petrol engine driving the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission is guaranteed to make enthusiastic motorists smile – or even laugh out loud with the roof down.
Mazda’s engineers have ensured the suspension and dynamics set-ups, which includes a limited slip differential, are spot-on, so you feel connected to the road and safe at the same time.
So this MX-5 is a real point-and-shoot machine – with great responses from the steering input, acceleration, precise short-shift gearing and roadholding, while the braking is equally reassuring.
I would argue that this car is more about sheer driving enjoyment rather than just performance. So you can certainly work the MX-5 and get maximum redline fun and the adrenaline rush if you want.
But, equally, you can put the roof down (done at the push of a button in 13 seconds at a low speed) and relax as you tootle around country lanes in the sunshine – getting the Mazda into sixth gear is easily manageable from about 35mph.
The stats are as impressive, since the 0-62mph sprint takes just 6.8 seconds and the two-seater tops out at 137mph. The official average fuel economy is given as 40.9mpg (although I was nearer 50) and CO2 levels are 155g/km.
From my own car, I can also testify to the fact that you can stuff enough luggage in the 127-litre boot for a week away as a couple, if you’re clever with your packing.
The seven-inch infotainment touchscreen, which is handily operated by centre console buttons on the move, has been enhanced to include wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto.
A very clear sat nav and premium Bose sound system with speakers incorporated into the seat headrests are part of the package.
Over and above that, the GT Sport Tech will let you enjoy keyless entry and start, auto climate control and heated seats, along with cruise control and speed limiter.
Then there auto wipers and lights, including adaptive LED headlights to avoid blinding other drivers, and a reversing camera.
Other aids include front and rear parking sensors, lane departure warning, autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert, traffic sign recognition and driver attention alert.
With this top-end model priced from £32,570 on the road, it’s little wonder that the MX-5 remains a hugely popular seller.
