Should you buy one?

Oh yes. It’s without doubt the rest drop-top roadster available for a relatively affordable amount of money. It’s as entertaining – if not as fast – as much more expensive machinery, and it’s easy to live with every day. Even if it’s a long way from being the most practical car in the world.

The MX-5 also has an outstanding reputation for reliability, owners love theirs, and it’ offer’s cheap to run. Add those sharp, distinctive looks to the package and there’s an awful lot to like. No wonder there are no direct MX-5 rivals left – it’s just such a difficult car to compete with.

What we like

Nothing at this price point can touch the Mazda for sheer fun factor. It doesn’t have the performance of a similarly priced hot hatchback (or the practicality), but there’s little to match the appeal of the MX-5’s simple folding roof, perky engines and fantastically driver-focused experience. As cars become increasingly complex, the MX-5 is refreshingly simple when you just want to get in and have an enjoyable drive.

What we don’t like

It is very small inside, which is something you need to check out for yourself before committing to buying one. The lack of storage in the cabin and the small boot might require careful thought, as well. But none of that is particularly surprising given this is a really tiddly car.