Commenting on the Mazda MX-5's handling What Car? added: "It's most at home when carrying blistering cornering speed down a twisty road, translating every nuance of the surface to the driver. What's more, none of this agility is at the expense of comfort, because the supple suspension can cope with even the worst UK roads.

"For this money, these attributes alone would gain the MX-5 a place in our affections. The good news is that it offers so much more. Supportive low-slung seats provide a superb driving position, while a stubby short-throw gearlever and a chunky three-spoke sports steering wheel are beautiful to use," What Car? enthused.

What Car? liked the equipment available on the new Mazda MX-5 too: "The piano-black finish to the dashboard, slickly operating switchgear and first-rate construction engender a high-quality feel, while Mazda has even managed to endow the MX-5 with a decent-sized boot.

"There's no electric assistance for the hood, because it doesn't need any; just release the central catch and throw it over the shoulder. There's little buffeting with the roof folded down, and a small wind deflector is effective."

Explaining the reasons for the Open-Top accolade for MX-5 What Car? editor David Motton added: "Sealing the title for the MX-5 is its outstanding value for money. Given its catalogue of strengths, the list price looks almost ridiculously low, while excellent economy, reasonable insurance rates and outstanding resale values leave more expensive rivals floundering."



Mazda delighted

Rob Lindley Mazda UK's managing director was delighted with this fourth successful year at the What Car? Awards:  "Mazda is absolutely delighted to win 'Best Coupe' for Mazda RX-8 for the third year in a row. And collecting the 'Best Open-Top' title for the Mazda MX-5 - just three months after its UK launch - is testament to its continued status as the world's most popular roadster. 

"In the past two years, since Mazda RX-8 was launched in the UK, Mazda has held a majority share in the Sports segment thanks to the phenomenal success of our unique rotary-powered coupe and the continued success of the iconic MX-5. 

"With the all-new Mazda MX-5 contributing to 10,000 Mazda sports car sales in 2005, I am delighted we can proudly hold the accolade as Britain's favourite sports car marque," Lindley enthused. 

The Mazda MX-5 is priced from 15,600 UK Pounds Sterling for the 1.8-litre 126ps version while Mazda RX-8 is available from 20,500 UK Pounds Sterling for the 192ps version.

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