Weekend warrior
The MX-5 isn't that spacious and climbing in is difficult for those with bad backs. The soft top has a metal crossbar that's located right above occupants' heads, and taller folks will feel it rubbing their scalp. For the daily commute, it's a marginal choice. But as a second car in the garage that's taken out on sunny weekend mornings, a blast down a few twisty country roads in the little Mazda is a good thrill ride.

The MX-5 isn't that spacious and climbing in is difficult for those with bad backs.

Inside, all controls are obviously within reach, and work well. The 7-speaker sound system which comes standard with the GT delivers ear-popping output; it still can't read MP3 files, though, which is a shame.

Certain golf bags will fit in the MX-5's trunk, or a couple of soft bags for a weekend trip, but that's about it. It's still a lot better than the Solstice/Sky twins, which don't offer a real trunk. On the highway at 100 km/h, the engine is turning at 3,000 rpm, which makes the cabin a little noisy.

MAZDASPEED upgrades
Our test car is fitted with some parts from the Mazda's performance accessory catalogue. The front lower-body spoiler costs $336, the rear one costs $380 and the side skirts add another $438, which is relatively affordable and make the MX-5 look even better.

The car also includes MAZDASPEED sport shocks that cost $305; if Mazda wouldn't have told us, we wouldn't have noticed them, so they don't make much of a difference. The car's ride doesn't feel stiffer, however. We'd skip on this addition.

Competition
The Mazda MX-5 starts at $27,995, but the GT model tested here carries a base price of $34,500. Add the Performance Package ($1,355) and the MAZDASPEED bits ($1,453), and the final invoice climbs to $37,308.

The Pontiac Solstice has a base price of $28,830, but its level of fit and finish isn't as good as the Mazda's. You can get a 260-hp GXP for $36,460, however, which is quicker than any MX-5.

The Saturn Sky's price range varies from $33,715 to $40,165 for the turbocharged Red Line, without options. It shares the same mechanicals as the Solstice.

The Mini Cooper Convertible's price ranges from $31,600 to $36,600 before options and is very fun to drive, more than the Mazda.

There are other sporty convertibles in the MX-5's price range, of course, but they're four-passenger heavyweights: Ford Mustang ($28,899), Mitsubishi Eclipse ($32,298) and Volkswagen Eos ($35,975).

Conclusion
Some will say that previous-generation MX-5s or Miatas were more entertaining to drive than this current model, because it has grown up and is becoming more refined. However, the MX-5 is one of the best handling cars in its price range. The roadster will get a facelift, some interior changes and minor mechanical revisions for 2009.

GM's effort to create an MX-5 killer was a good one, but the Mazda is still a step ahead. Personally, I'd downgrade to the GS model and get the power-folding hard top version for the same price as this soft-top GT.


Photo Credit : Matthieu Lambert