First drive: Mazda MX-5

Updated



For a production car to make it into the Guinness Book of Records these days takes something fairly special, but the Mazda MX-5 has found a place as the all-time top seller in its segment. The third generation car's familiar styling makes it instantly recognisable, but that's where the similarities with earlier versions of the two seat convertible end. Underneath the skin it's completely new - bigger, more spacious, safer and featuring a much higher-quality cabin.

Taller drivers will find the cabin offers reasonable space compared to previous generation models. It's a still a snug fit though, and the steering wheel adjusts for height but not reach which hampers your ability to get completely comfortable. Higher quality interior materials mean it's a far better place to spend time, while your knees will definitely thank Mazda for the removal of cupholders in front of the gearlever. Practicality is limited by a small boot – there's barely half the luggage space you'd find in a typical family hatchback – although there are some useful cubby holes between the seats. The fabric-roof mechanism is refreshingly easy to use - unlatch it, fling it backwards and carry on. The folding hard top is just as simple, with a button operating the system that hides the roof in a rapid 12 seconds. The only criticism that can be levelled at it is that it doesn't operate when the car is moving, as convertibles such as Audi's A3 do.

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