Local driving can still be fun

Years ago, when the first MX5 was introduced to Malta, the family very nearly embraced one into the fold. However, the requested red car turned blue and the deal was off.

This is in no way said to denigrate a fantastic sports car, one originally loosely modelled around the amazing Lotus Élan. The interesting thing here is that the Élan is so dead that it has a classic car following that will pay an almost indecent sum to purchase one in the sort of condition that is common among the MX5 fraternity.

It came as a grand surprise to be offered the use of a current 2.0 litre model, and not simply the use, but a weekend of use of this iconic sports car.

The 158 bhp power unit in this car is really ‘one for all seasons’. The car was designed to be driven hard, as all sports cars were expected to perform well years ago and provide the driver with a sense of exultation when everything drops into place and a chosen corner is taken at the pilot’s personal limits (not the same as the car’s limits).

In fact, although the car only takes 7.9 seconds to reach 60 mph, and peaks out at 136 mph, it is so drivable with its stability programme and traction control that any experienced driver should be able to enjoy the full MX5 experience, even on some of our more uncertain roads, without more than a few scary moments, probably induced by having to suddenly swerve round an alarmingly deepsection where the roadmysteriously subsides.

I rather like the metal folding roof, partly because in the ever more vandalistic times in which we live, the MX5 has become a very safe car to own. The canvas-top car is, in fact, slightly faster. Weight does indeed play a part.

However, unless the car is always garaged, strange people with sharp knives and jealous inclinations may well damage the traditional top without a thought to replacement costs.

During the heat of a hot summer, the car was driven with the top up and the air conditioning providing exactly the right degree of comfort. In the same way, as the sun began to set, the roof was down, the cool breeze allowed to ruffle the passenger’s hair and all was as the motoring gods intended.

Steering and brakes were worked hard and, frankly, so was the sports suspension with itsBilstein dampers because the car was so willing, at times almost tranquil, that speeds which in most cars would appear most unusual, became the simple ‘order of the day’.

The modern fad seems to be for a kilometre of traffic to be held up by some mischievous elf intent on perambulating down a major road at 40 km/h or less.

Much as I hate having to blast past all and sundry to try and get a little heat into the tyres and brakes, the MX5 can be used as an overtaking vehicle in complete safety, if not in conformity with line painters who find it easier to paint a continuous line than a broken one, thereby theoretically making it illegal for anyone to cross the saidcontinuous line for something so casual as an overtaking opportunity.

By now, it must be pretty apparent that open-top motoring is the way to go for this scribe. When you are piloting a super sports roadster mounted on 17-inch wheels, with a limited slip differential as used by serious sporting motorists, with the dynamic stability control being worked hard and the Bose audio providing background noise, you can feel strangely at ease, even at high speed.

The six-speed gear change allows forextremes in acceleration or even ‘pottering’ pleasure, depending on the driver’s mood and gear selection.

After many years of continuous production, the MX5 must surely be one of the safest sports roadsters on the market today.

Apart from crumple zones, great strength, airbags and ‘grippy’ seatbelts, the whole package exudes safety, comfort, reliability and the joie de vivre normally associated with the very best French offerings.

This Mazda really should be on the shortlist of everyone seriously interested in sports carperformance, road holding and really greateye appeal.

Obviously, there are many bigger, faster, more powerful sports roadsters in the marketplace, but for sheer enduring popularity and success, the Mazda MX5 is almost in a class of its own.

If you don’t believe me, go try one for yourself.

Verdict

Comfort
The interior décor and seats (heated in winter) guarantee a wonderful comfort zone.

Performance
Sports roadsters are always a bit of a compromise.

Cool
Unbeatable, if you enjoy the chance of open-top motoring for two.

Quality
In a nutshell.

At a glance

Top speed
136 mph.

0-60mph
7.9 seconds

C02
174 g/km.

Engine
2-litre front mounted.

Power
158 bhp.

Drive
Rear wheels, traditional.

Maximum torque
139 lb /ft