Mazda MX-5 facelift

The MX-5 has been at the top of its game for the last two decades and that doesn’t look set to change. As long as you don’t need bags of space then there’s nothing this sports car doesn’t do well – and for less money than most. The only fly in the ointment is the new semi-automatic gearbox. Don’t tick that box on the options list and you’ll have endless fun.

Mazda's best just got better! The hallowed MX-5 sports car has been given a new look for 2009 with a more aggressive front end and a few tweaks under the skin, too.

Believe it or not, it’s now exactly 20 years since the MX-5 was first unveiled at the Chicago Motor Show in February 1989. Since then, the model has been a roaring success and earned the well-deserved title of the world’s best-selling sports car, with over 850,000 units sold worldwide.

Video: watch CarBuyer's video review of the Mazda MX-5

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The MX-5’s last and most significant update was the introduction of the current third generation model in 2005. The 2009 model might not be as big a leap forward as its forebear, but it does feature some trick improvements in the form of a more macho nose, better fuel economy and emissions and the all-new option of a sequential paddle-shift gearbox.

An angular grille, thick-set, curvier headlights and leaf-shaped driving lamp surrounds are the order of the day at the front. Elsewhere on the exterior the rear light clusters have been mildly redesigned as well as the rear bumper and side sills. Punters also have the option of two new paint schemes – metropolitan grey mica or aluminium metallic.

But it’s not all for show, as Mazda’s boffins have upped efficiency by fettling with the engine and aerodynamics, boosting fuel economy by up to eight per cent and reducing emissions by up to seven per cent depending on the model.

Engine wise, it’s much the same as before, with the choice of either a 1.8 or 2.0-litre powerplant. Neither unit has monstrous power – 124bhp from the 1.8 and 159bhp from the 2.0-litre – but both love to be revved and can induce a grin at any speed. Mazda has even eked out an extra 500rpm (to 7,500rpm) from the 2.0-litre engine when coupled with the brilliantly snappy manual gearbox.

Plant your right foot and the little sports car accelerates with gusto to a great raspy soundtrack accompanied by a distinct whine from the twin overhead camshafts. Six-speed manual models are also blessed with a new induction sound enhancer to heighten the noise.

Handling, as always, is untouchable by anything in the price bracket. The double wishbone front, and multi-link rear suspension work in perfect harmony with the excellent chassis so the driver knows exactly what’s going on at tarmac level.

The only let down is new six-speed ‘Powershift’ semi-automatic transmission. Operated by wheel-mounted paddles, it isn’t nearly as pleasing or involving as the manual and suffers from a jerky change. Stay with the stick though, and we reckon the MX-5 is just as great to drive as ever.

Rival: Audi TT Roadster
TOP build quality and street-cred make the TT Roadster an attractive prospect. But with a starting price of £26,925 and handling that lacks true sports car purity, it makes a lot less sense than the Mazda.