USED Mazda MX-5 Open (05 - )

My car

I test drove a Silver 'S' reg model - I loved it, but the brake pedal had to hit the floor before the car slowed down - is this normal?

My car

I bought an MR2 a year or so ago and traded it in for a Celica, but on seeing the new MX-5, I knew it was time to go back to two-seater open top driving.

I took the 2.0 Sport for a test drive and was smitten. The grip in the corners was amazing; you feel as if you can throw it anywhere and it'll just stick. I eventually plumped for a black one because I think it looks better than the others with the top up (and in the UK, that's more likely than not!).

It looks a lot more masculine than the previous model, in my view, due to the flared wheel arches, and the 17-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the heated leather is impressive, as is the sound system (I didn't go for the updated BOSE system). The dials look great with metal highlights and the heater is good enough for even the coldest morning (although I think the hard top might be a good idea when it is eventually available.

Overall, I've thoroughly enjoyed the time I've spent with the car so far, and can't wait until the summer when I can flip the lid over my head and head out onto the winding country roads.

My car

The third generation MX-5 definitely has opened up the eyes of quite a few people who have never before considered driving or owning a convertible sports car.

I'm sure Mazda knows that what it has done is one hundred and ten percent correct. I have had the pleasure of driving the MX-5 partly because I sell them for a living. You may then think, 'why am I writing a review of one?'. Well, mainly because I would like people who haven't had the chance to see or drive it yet to read a little bit about my experience with the car.

I have to say that Mazda has improved on quality, which I think is normally quite hard to achieve. However, Mazda does have around 16 years of heritage to back them up. The drive is much improved with the engine being further back to give you that perfect 50:50 weight distribution, like it's big brother the RX-8.

Handling is a lot better with the wheels pushed further out to each corner (for all those of you who like the bends in the roads). With it being wider, longer and the flared wheel arches, it definitely gives it more road presence, so goodbye to the 'hair dresser's car' it once was.

So I think anyone wanting to buy the best sports car on the road today, visit your local dealer and place an order. Pure exhilaration comes as standard. Zoom - Zoom