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• Mazda MX-5 Mk3 (NC) improved practicality
• Still a small car with small spaces to store things
• Folding hard top is arguably the better day-to-day choice.

There are numerous little stowage compartments in the cabin, and four drinks holders, but the boot is small (although it’s eight litres larger than previously) so Mazda MX-5 practicality can’t be described as brilliant.

The fabric hood has to folded manually, but this is a straightforward and quick process. When the hood is raised there’s a deep, plastic-lined well behind the seats that can be used to store soft bags.

The RC (PRHT) model has a roof that folds in 12 seconds once you release a central lever and hit the button, but there’s no space behind the seats even with the roof up. A hardtop accessory is available for the MX-5 Mk3 and can add up to £1,000 to the used value, but you need somewhere to store it – unlike the folding type.

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The efficiently-shaped boot will cope with a weekends worth of bags, while a luggage rack can be added too. The official Mazda luggage rack includes a high-level brake light and is still available new as a full kit from MX-5 Parts; it’s worth noting that the boot rack kit includes boot struts that provide extra strength so if you buy a car with a rack fitted, or add a third-party rack, you’ll want these to avoid the boot slamming.

Replacement boot struts are rated at 165N for soft-top MX-5s, 185N for the folding hard top model, and 240N with luggage rack.

Mazda MX-5 Mk3 (NC) safety

• MX-5 Mk3 was not tested by Euro NCAP
• Significant changes to structure over Mk 2/2.5 NB generation
• At this age, safety ratings cannot be compared

The NB MX-5 scored four stars in the pre-2009 Euro NCAP crash tests, which are less stringent than modern tests and in this case, the rating applies to the 2002 Mk2.

It’s true that Mazda MX-5 safety levels aren’t high, however the NC – Mk3 – is a significant improvement over previous generations. A new body, chassis and structure not only add space around the occupants, a reinforced windscreen frame and integrated roll hoops add protection too. New on this model are side airbags to complement the driver and passenger airbags fitted previously.

A traction and stability control system fitted to 2.0-litre models curtails any unruly loss of control should you encounter slippery roads. It also has an Isofix child-seat anchor point on the passenger seat and the airbag can be disabled.

Roll-over protection is provided by the reinforced windscreen surround and rear roll hoops while an immobiliser with a key-based transponder and alarm provides the theft deterrent.