Mazda MX-5

Venture out into the UK's country lane network on any summer Sunday and you'll find Triumph Spitfires, Heralds and Stag soft-tops, MG Midgets, MGCs, MGFs and TFs all making swift if slightly temperamental progress between villages.

But in among them, like sporty little cuckoos infiltrating a clueless Sparrow’s nest, you'll also find MX-5s .

If the MX-5 feels like one of those cars that's been around forever, then you would be right. The current model is the third generation since the first cars appeared in the UK since 1990, and its longevity is down to the simple formula that has been rigidly applied: light weight, simple, bulletproof and fun to drive.

The basic template may be simple but the MX-5 is far from stripped out.

As well as two engine options you can choose a manual or paddleshift automatic, different trims and also the regular Roadster or the Roadster Coupé, with the latter gaining a folding metal roof for greater security and comfort.

Regardless of the specification the MX-5's key delight is the manner in which it offers fantastic feedback to the driver, and the sweet rear-drive set-up means maximum thrills whatever the weather.

Brit convertible fans have been happy to adopt the model because it embodies all of the qualities of the classic British convertible, regardless of where it was conceived.

The MX-5 is automotive fun in as pure a form as you're likely to find in any road car, let alone one at this end of the price scale.

Since the Roadster Coupé version joined the line-up in 2006, the range has been looking smarter than ever.

Mazda’s claim of a 12-second roof deployment is no exaggeration, either.

Of course, all models can be specified with either a hard or soft-top.

Combined with the continued option of 1.8 or 2.0-litre engines and further boxes to tick for air-con, leather interior and a Sports pack for the 2.0-litre model, it leads to quite a diverse range.

But in many ways there’s little need to look further than the 1.8-litre version.

Using a five-speed manual gearbox makes it a little less refined on a long cruise, but for a B-road blast the short shift and precise throw will not disappoint.

Nor will the chassis, which rides extremely well, particularly on the smaller 16-inch wheels and provides a level of feedback and perfectly poised, confidence inspiring handling that’s the equal of the more powerful car.

Slightly revised front suspension improves the car’s balance through the corners, making it feel more agile than ever, with a superb ability to change direction with speed and precision.

Outright performance may not be as sharp as the larger engine, but the 1.8-litre engine still revs freely and will put a huge smile on your face.

Featuring a slightly altered face of its own, the revisions to the exterior have not only given the MX-5 a fresh appeal but have also lowered drag, increasing fuel efficiency by four per cent in the case of the 1.8-litre engine.

The new Mazda grille is present inside the remoulded front bumper, while the light units have also been revised in keeping with more recent Mazda unveilings.

The biggest change is to the seats, which now offer a fantastic level of support, enabling you to really enjoy the handling performance in comfort.

Part leather and an upgraded six-speaker sound system with aux input no longer cost extra on the 1.8-litre model, improving interior quality.

Ahead of the game even in its more basic trim, it’s hard to envision the MX-5 being toppled any time soon.

Mazda MX-5

Price: From £17,990.

Engine: 1.8-litre petrol unit developing 124bhp and 123lb/ft of torque.

Transmission: Five-speed manual transmission as standard, driving the rear wheels.

Performance: Maximum speed 120mph, 0-62mph 9.9 seconds.

Economy: 40.3mpg.

CO2 Rating: 167g/km.