Car Statistics: Mazda - MX-5 Series 05 (4 stars)

Styling (4 stars)

It's classic MX-5 updated for the 21st century. All the recognisable features are visible, and the mid-life refresh has brought the look into line with the rest of the Mazda range. This means more angled headlights and a less cute front grille.

Handling (5 stars)

Brilliant - the MX-5 is easy to control, encourages you to push on and is forgiving if you don't quite get things quite right. It's unintimidating, but still able to reward keener drivers. Unfortunately the automatic doesn?t get the same high-quality suspension and shock absorbers as the manual, so although it still handles with aplomb, it is not quite as adept.

Comfort (3 stars)

It's roomier than its predecessors, but if you're tall or big it's still a bit cramped especially with the roof up. The driving position is good, with the gear lever well placed for swift, sporty changes. Thankfully Mazda has now removed the knee-bruising cupholders that were in the central console, which has added to the comfort levels.

Quality (4 stars)

The car feels very solid and well put together, and the simplicity of the roof mechanism means there's little to go wrong. The fact there are so many of the first generation of this car still on the road should tell you something about their reliability.

Performance (4 stars)

The MX5 is not really about straight-line speed, but it is nippy for when it is needed. The 1.8-litre gets to 62mph in 9.9 seconds, while the 2.0-litre manages the sprint in 7.9 seconds.

Roominess (2 stars)

This is not the ideal car if you've got more than a weekend?s luggage. The boot is small at just 150 litres, the glove box is tiny and there's a lockable cubby hole between the seats plus two more behind them. And that's it.

Costs (4 stars)

Reasonably-priced servicing, tightly-controlled depreciation and good fuel economy - 35 mpg is possible from either engine - makes the MX-5 a sensible place to put your money. Insurance groups are low compared with rivals at 11 and 13 for the 1.8- and the 2.0-litre respectively.

Value (4 stars)

If you want a small roadster the MX-5 has pretty much got the segment sewn up at this price level. Prices have gone up compared to the previous generation - although higher equipment levels and strong resale values offset this somewhat.

Stereo (3 stars)

The optional Bose unit is the one to go for. It's got a six-disc CD changer, seven speakers and steering wheel controls. The unit has been specially designed to offer the best sound for a convertible car. Thankfully the fiddly iPod connection has been replaced by a simple aux socket to connect mp3 players. There is no satnav available.