Mazda MX-5

Sports cars are usually far from affordable, but the MX-5 is a rare exception. Bought used, it's even better value

- Mark Pearson

In production 2015-present Price from £12,000 Our favourite version 1.5 Sport Nav

AFFORDABLE FUN. That's always been the MX-5's ethos. Through four generations and more than a million sales, Mazda's simple little drop-top has proved to be the ultimate real-world sports car: a hoot to drive yet relatively cheap to buy and run. Whatever your mood, the MX-5 is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

Even more compact than any of its predecessors, this latest version takes that fun baton and runs with it. Buyers can choose between the traditional soft-top or a folding hard-top model called the RF, which promises greater security and refinement.

Under its slanted bonnet, you get the choice of two naturally aspirated petrol engines: a 129bhp 1.5 and a 2.0-litre unit that pumped out 158bhp in earlier cars and 181bhp following a mid-2018 refresh. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard, while an automatic 'box is available on the RF model, although these are rare.

There are four trim levels to choose from. Initially, these started with the relatively spartan SE (16in alloy wheels and a basic audio system), followed by SE L Nav (17in alloys on the 2.0-litre versions, heated seats, cruise control, climate control, and a 7.oin infotainment screen). Sport Nav included firmer sports suspension (on the 2.0-litre models), leather seats, a Bose premium sound system, rear parking sensors and a lane departure warning system. At the top of the range, there was a GT Sport Nav+trim with keyless entry, a rear-view camera and a safety pack that was optional on the Sport Nav.