In a world where cars become ever heavier and more distanced from the driver, and where autonomy and driving robots hover on a distant, but closing, horizon, the MX-5 is a car that reminds us why we invest such emotional content into these disparate boxes of metal, rubber, and plastic.
It’s as simple a motoring recipe as you could find. Engine in the front, drive to the rear wheels, two seats and a throw-back roof in the middle. A few frills if you want them, but this car really is all about the driving. Squeeze into the cramped drivers’ seat and you are instantly at one with one of the best chassis in the business.
Don’t bother upgrading to the more expensive 2.0-litre engine; the basic 130hp 1.5 is all you’ll ever need and it is perfectly matched to the MX-5’s road holding capabilities.
It is fun in a way all but a handful of modern cars have forgotten how to be, and it makes a mockery of cars priced and powered at far higher levels. New RF model, with its Porsche 911 Targa-style roof, has some interesting street theatre, but it’s weightier and we prefer the standard soft-top, thanks.
Best model: Basic 1.5, thanks.
Prices start from: €27,995
Finance package from: €309
CO2 emissions: 139-161g/km
Sum-up: This is why we love cars.