What Car? Car of the Year 2006 - Best open-top

Mazda MX-5 1.8
Price: £15,600
Target Price: £15,292

You can't beat the simple things in life, and that's a philosophy Mazda has adhered to with its simply brilliant MX-5. The latest model may be longer and wider for improved comfort and safety, and the cabin is less utilitarian than its predecessor's, but the thrill-a-minute drive that is core to every MX-5 remains intact.

Thanks to its low centre of gravity and a classic front-engined, rear-drive set-up, the MX-5 boasts near-perfect weight distribution to deliver exquisite balance and phenomenal roadholding. It's clear that the chassis could easily handle a lot more power than the 124bhp produced by our favourite 1.8-litre model, but performance is still brisk enough to embarrass many a hot hatch.

To be fair, straight-line speed is not really the MX-5's party piece. It's most at home when carrying blistering cornering speed down a twisty road, translating every nuance of the surface to the driver. What's more, none of this agility is at the expense of comfort, because the supple suspension can cope with even the worst UK roads.

For this money, these attributes alone would gain the MX-5 a place in our affections. The good news is that it offers so much more. The piano-black finish to the dashboard, slickly operating switchgear and first-rate construction engender a high-quality feel, while Mazda has even managed to endow the MX-5 with a decent-sized boot.

Sealing the title for the MX-5 is its outstanding value for money. Given its catalogue of strengths, the list price looks almost ridiculously low, while excellent economy, reasonable insurance rates and outstanding resale values leave more expensive rivals floundering.

Highly recommended
Mercedes-Benz SLK 200K
Price: £28,070
Target Price: £28,070

Mini Convertible 1.6 16v One
Price: £13,595
Target Price: £13,595

Porsche Boxster 3.2 S
Price: £38,720
Target Price: £38,720