For This is the sportiest version of the MX-5, with stiffer suspension for sharper handling. Standard kit is lavish, including heated leather seats and blutetooth.

Against The Sport model handles brilliantly, but the ride is firm. The engine sounds gruff and needs to be worked hard if you want to make swift progress.

Mazda MX-5 Open

What Car? says

5 out of 5 stars

This version of the MX-5 is hugely desirable, thanks to its wealth of standard kit and sporty suspension. It's not such good value as cheaper versions, however.

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Key facts

0–60mph
7.6 secs
Top speed
132 mph
Average mpg
36.2
Tank range
398 miles
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Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

The Mazda MX-5 has become the blueprint for the small, affordable roadster and it delivers so much more than the sum of its parts.

All versions are great fun, thanks to light-footed, assured handling, yet the MX-5 copes admirably with the daily grind of normal driving.

There's plenty of space in the cabin, comfortable seats and even a reasonable boot for when you want to get away from it all on holiday.

Performance and economy are both good thanks to the light weight, which keeps emissions on the friendly side for company car drivers lucky enough to find the Mazda on their lists. We reckon the 1.8 gives you all the power you need, although it's easy to see the appeal of the 2.0's extra grunt.

You can keep costs down by choosing the basic models, but you miss out on basics like air conditioning and side airbags. Sport models have stiffer suspension for sharper handling, but the ride is rather firm.

Reader test team says:

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2 out of 5 stars

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5 out of 5 stars

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justin wallace

4 out of 5 stars
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