The only winter driving tool missing was an outside temperature display to help the driver beware of frozen bridge decks and black ice.

One might go on for pages about how enjoyable a cold weather car the

(Photo: Justin Pritchard, Auto123.com)

MX5 is, but it impresses in other areas too. It's quite inviting, for starters. You see, of all the things I'm not very good at, entering and exiting a roadster is the most amusing. Not this one though, because it's really quite easy to board and roomy inside as far as roadsters go. It's nearly cavernous compared to say, a Honda S2000.

Fuel economy is also impressive, and the MX5 is also not overly expensive to run. The test average was about 9L / 100km, even though it does rev excessively high at highway speeds, for instance 4000 RPM at 120km/h. Still, most cars this fun have a more serious drinking problem.

Also impressive are the roof-down aerodynamics. My test week was a chilly one in mid-November, but I was still able to enjoy the car with its roof tucked away. One night in particular, it was five below zero and I decided to be a bit of a jerk. Northerners don't think convertibles should be operated in top down mode when it's cold out- I could tell this by the awkward looks and rude comments I experienced.

But to be totally honest, it was just toasty inside. There was still about 20 percent of the blower fan dial left to use if it were to get any colder. No

(Photo: Justin Pritchard, Auto123.com)

other convertible comes close to this level of aerodynamic prowess. Top down, the wind noise is minimal, the air transfer is almost non-existent, and you can take in the scenery while hearing more of the muted growl from the dual outlet exhaust when the car is pushed.

Power is backed up by precise and powerful brakes with antilock, all kept in check by a suspension that allows for responsive reflexes, tight handling and great feel for the road without sacrificing comfort. The only ride-related complaint is a tendency for the steering wheel to violently pull from the drivers hands over rough surfaces.

So it's everything you may like about the original 3rd generation MX5, but with a slightly different look and push-button top that turned out to be a welcomed feature. Aside from the added hardware, the new PRHT offers a whole new way to enjoy your drop top, 365 days a year.

Illogical? Perhaps. But it's a ton of fun any way you look at it.


What's Hot:
Loads of fun to drive, great reflexes, cold weather operation, roomy for a roadster, fuel economy

Concerns:
Plasticky interior, mediocre standard stereo, jerky steering on rough roads, noisy at speed