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Mazda can be summed up in a single word: bold. Not only do its cars generally look like nothing else on the market, but it’s also invested heavily in innovative engine technology.

So, while many car makers have moved to smaller turbocharged engines, Mazda instead offers larger motors that are still efficient. For example, the entry-level petrol option in the Mazda 3 is a 2.0-litre unit –&nbsp;far larger than what you’ll find in most rivals – but it remains very clean.

Highlights of Mazda’s line-up include the MX-5 sports car, which has won our Convertible of the Year Award multiple times, and the CX-5 large SUV, which was named as our inaugural best car for dog owners.

MAZDA

MX-5

Fun, fast and rock solid: what more could you want from a convertible sports car?

Used Mazda MX-5 Coupe Cabriolet 2005 - 2015

Official fuel economy stands at 38.7mpg and 36.7mpg for the 1.8 and 2.0-litre models respectively, while the Sport drops to 34.5mpg. However, in the real world you'll struggle to achieve these figures if you enjoy the car's performance to the full.

The 1.8-litre is cheaper to insure, at group 11, compared with the 2.0-litre at group 13. The 1.8 generates 174g/km of CO2, with the 2.0 at 183g/km. Revised, more efficient engines when the car was facelifted in 2009, bringing the 1.8-litre down to 167g/km and the 2.0-litre to 177g/km.

Mazda dealers are excellent for servicing, but using one of the many independent specialists will save money, especially on cars out of warranty. A great reputation and desirable image mean that the MX-5 depreciates slower than most cars, so you'll lose less money in the long run.

Fun, fast and rock solid: what more could you want from a convertible sports car?

There are far more roadsters than Coupe Cabriolets on the market. The first is cheaper to buy, but the second does have a slightly higher spec as standard, so it's not bad value.

Avoid the entry-level model, which come with steel wheels, unless it has the Option Pack fitted. This adds alloys, a leather steering wheel and cabin trim, and a stereo upgrade. The 1.8-litre model is fast enough, and slightly cheaper to run. However, if you want to make the most of the MX-5's agile chassis the 2.0-litre is best. The larger-engined model also comes with electronic stability control and side airbags as standard. The Sport, only available as a 2.0-litre, has alloys as standard, as well as leather upholstery and heated seats.

The range was facelifted in 2009, with changes to the front and rear bumpers, door mirrors and enhanced cabin trim. SE replaced the old entry-level trim, while Sport Tech superseded Sport.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Ride comfort shouldn’t be sacrificed at the altar of handling sharpness</li> <li>Plenty of power from a melodic engine</li> <li>Handling that doesn’t come at the expense of a back-breaking ride​​​​​</li> <li> Practicality is not essential but nice to have </li></ul>

Driving fun is right at the top of any sports car buyer's priority list, and every one of our award candidates has backroad entertainment coded into its DNA.

Sports

Whether you're looking at a roadster or a Coupe Cabriolet, check the roof-folding mechanism, and that there are no signs of leaks, tears or damage. The Coupe Cabriolet's roof can stick half open, because of faulty position sensors.

Careless owners can leave the roof down in poor weather, so it's important to check for damp patches and water marks on seats and carpets.

Some owners complain of a strange buzzing noise from near the gearlever when the car is accelerating. Mazda says it's nothing to worry about.

The wheels can be incorrectly aligned, so check for any signs of uneven tyre wear.

Unlike previous generations of MX-5, this model is available in two different guises: to complement the traditional soft-top roadster, a Coupe Cabriolet was introduced. Its electrically powered folding hard top gives the refinement of a coupe, but allows you to get the wind in your hair at the touch of a button.

The MX-5 is one of the best-driving cars available, regardless of budget or badge. Both hard- and soft-top models are impressively agile. The steering is precise and full of feel, while the rear-wheel-drive chassis offers fluid handling with bags of grip. The ride is comfortable and controlled over broken surfaces, especially in the hard-top coupe, which has slightly softer suspension settings.

A two-seater sportscar can never be described as practical, but the MX-5 is comfortable and reasonably roomy for two, while the boot provides a good usable space for smaller bags.

Used Mazda MX-5 Coupe Cabriolet 2005 - 2015 reliability

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Used Mazda MX-5 Coupe Cabriolet 2005 - 2015 review

Whether you're looking at a roadster or a Coupe Cabriolet, check the roof-folding mechanism, and that there are no signs of leaks, tears or damage. The Coupe Cabriolet's roof can stick half open, because of faulty position sensors.,Careless owners can leave the roof down in poor weather, so it's important to check for damp patches and water marks on seats and carpets.,Some owners complain of a strange buzzing noise from near the gearlever when the car is accelerating. Mazda says it's nothing to worry about.The wheels can be incorrectly aligned, so check for any signs of uneven tyre wear.

What to look for when buying a Mazda MX-5 2005 - 2015, covering common problems to check for and overall vehicle reliability.

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Used Mazda MX-5 Coupe Cabriolet 2005 - 2015 reliability

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