Click here to view a gallery of the topless MX-5.

It's never-say-die for the cute Mazda MX-5 Roaster Coupe, which returns to the roads with a facelift set to cement the its reputation as the most enjoyable, lightweight two-seat sports car in the world.

Since its launch in 1989, the MX-5 has been through two complete redesigns and many improvements. The aim has always been to improve its function and purpose as a sports car, Mazda says.

20th anniversary

To mark the 20th anniversary of the Mazda MX-5, which is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the best-selling two seat sports car ever (currently at 850 000 units), the third generation has an updated design and performance enhancements.

The grille has been enlarged and changed to a five-point shape from its previous oval and features a mesh design framed by a chrome ring. Restyled headlights with chromed inner bezels and fog-lamps with solver bezels refine its sporty expression.

The front bumper has corners that curve gently downwards and the rear bumper has been widened.

A hard-top first

The coupe's power-retractable hard top is a world first in that it folds into the cabin and does not change available boot space. The roof is made of three sections and folds away behind the seats. A cover over the storage space automatically lifts to allow the roof to be stowed or unfolded and then returns to a closed position.

Two roof-mounted motors and two rear-deck motors power the folding top, which must be manually released from its centre lock before it can be folded.

The cabin is snug and surfaces on the instrument panel have been changed from glossy black to dark silver.

Instruments have been revised to make them easier to read. Climate-control dials on the centre stack have silver-coloured rings and door pocket has been smoothed away to create more space.

Engine tweaks

The powertrain has been upgraded and the speed at which the engine delivers maximum power (118kW) has been raised from 6700rpm to 7000rpm, while the rev limit has been raised from 7000 to 7500rpm. The extra 500rpm is available through Mazda's use higher-specification engine parts. Torque remains at 188Nm at 5000rpm.

The engine and exhaust notes have been retuned to deliver a clearer note throughout the rev range.

Refinements in the front suspension minimise roll and bring better control through corners, while aerodynamic improvements and have improved stability and reduced road noise.

Attention to detail

Fuel consumption has been tackled by reducing rolling resistance of the tyres, reducing engine friction, and revising the transmission gear ratios.

A new sound system tops off the features. A six-channel equaliser delivers crisp and clear sound reproduction and the system is compatyible with various MP3 players.

Price

MX-5 Roadster Coupe - R337 500

Price includes a four-year or 120 000km warranty and a four-year or 60 000km service plan. A three-year emergency roadside assistance plan is standard.

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