The Mazda MX-5 Sport Models

Mazda MX-5 Rear View

Mazda MX-5 Sport models (priced from £19,695) are equipped with new 17-inch alloy wheels, uprated Bilstein dampers, a front suspension strut bracing bar, a six-speed manual transmission, front fog lamps and heated leather seats. New specification additions include climate control air conditioning, cruise control, a premium BOSE audio system with 6-CD changer and seven speakers, and Bluetooth technology with voice recognition for hands-free telephoning.

The two new Mazda MX-5 PowerShift models (from £20,195) are similarly equipped to Sport models, but feature the new paddle-shift transmission - instead of the six-speed manual - and are not fitted with the uprated Bilstein dampers. With a price premium of just £500 (above the Sport), these two models are expected to account for approximately 10 percent of Mazda MX-5 sales during 2009.

The Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe range starts at £18,345 and carries a modest £2,000 premium over the soft-top models. Designed and engineered by Mazda, the powered retractable hard top is the world's fastest - top-up or top-down in just 12 seconds. Although the Roadster Coupe is 10 mm taller than the soft-top, it weighs just 37kg more thanks to Mazda's meticulous weight-reducing gram strategy. It still achieves an ideal 50:50 weight distribution and shares its sister car's beautifully balanced driving dynamics. Because the roof retracts into a space behind the seats - just like the soft-top - boot capacity remains 150 litres whether the roof is up or down. Climate control air conditioning is standard on all Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe models and heated leather seats, with five-stage settings, are standard or available as an option - depending on model.

Appropriate to its premium positioning, the 2009 Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe now has several additional features to further differentiate it from its soft-top sibling. The new mesh-type front grille is surrounded by a chrome-look edge trim, the headlamps feature chrome bezels and the exterior door handles have a chrome finish. The front fog lamps have silver inner bezels and there is a clear lens for the high-mounted rear stop light. The cabin is also better insulated with interior noise reduced by a significant 2.7dB at 37 mph.

A choice of seven body colours will be available - including two new colours (Aluminium Silver Metallic and Metropolitan Grey Mica). Aluminium Silver Metallic contains aluminium particles that diffuse light and cause diverse kinds of reflections and shadow, depending on light conditions. Carried over colours are Copper Red Mica and Stormy Blue Mica and solid colours Brilliant Black and True Red.

Thanks to the excellent levels of security, including a Thatcham 1 alarm and immobiliser, together with the modest overall costs of crash repair, the insurance groups for the upgraded Mazda MX-5 range are likely to remain equally competitive. Excellent residual values are also anticipated, ensuring the Mazda MX-5 remains an unbeatable proposition for both retail customers, who will find their iconic roadster holds its value over many years, and for fleet operators wishing to offer user-choosers a broad and exciting model range.