Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe 2.0 Sport: First Drive

Date: 12 February 2007

Prices: £20,772 Category: Sports Key Rival: BMW Z4

The only real way convertibles get onto choice lists is to have a folding metal roof. Mazda knows this and is now offering the new MX-5 with such and option.

Boffins in Mazda's engineering department have managed to add the quick-folding powered roof without adding too much to the car's weight. In fact, the weight is so little changed that the 34.5mpg average is the same, as is the 0-62mph time of 7.9secs.

What has changed is the price (£21,000 for the 2.0 Sport model we drove). The powered folding hard-top costs an extra £2000, but that's easily worth it for one of the most fun, yet cost-effective, cars available.

And that's also why we're going to run an MX-5 Roadster Coupe on long-term test. You'll be able to read about that and all our other long termers at BusinessCar.co.uk.

Verdict: The only sensible way to run a two-seat open-top sportscar for business

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