CHEAP two-seater convertibles come and go, but in recent times only the Mazda MX-5 has endured.
Since launch in 1989, the diminutive and lightweight Japanese contender has seen off a horde of rivals like the Honda S2000, Toyota MR2 and Alfa Romeo Spyder on its way to more than 920,000 global sales – a certified record for an open-topped sportscar.
The current third-generation version has now been around since 2005, but with a brand new replacement still around two years away, Mazda has seen fit to give the existing model a minor makeover, bringing small price rises and spelling the end for the slow-selling fabric-roof version.
Mazda took us for a drive along the Gold Coast in a bid to prove that it still has what it takes to compete against cheaper, rear-drive coupe pseudo-rivals like the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ. The conclusion? It might be showing its age in some areas, but there's plenty of life in the old dog yet.
However, we can't help but feel that the deletion of the soft-top from the range - slow sales or no - takes away a part of its 'soul'.
Click the yellow link below to read the full review
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