THE well-worn and entirely accurate maxim: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it," applies perfectly to cars, writes David Duffy.

When the car in question is the exquisitely formed and universally acclaimed Mazda MX-5, it makes the decision to bring out a new model a brave move indeed.

Particularly so when sales of the affordable little two-seater sports car are now as strong as they were when the car was launched in the UK ten years ago.

So is the latest MX-5 a worthy successor to the car that rejuvenated the fortunes of soft-top motoring in the 1990s?

The answer, after a 3-hour taste at the wheel in the hills of the Welsh borders, is a resounding yes, especially the more powerful 1.8-litre version.

The car retains the point-and-shoot handling of its predecessor with a gentle move upmarket in comfort and convenience.

Prices have also crept up, ranging from 16,000 for the 1.6i, up to 19,200 for the 1.8iS.

The latest addition to the range is the Icon. Finished in a dark red mica paint, the car has distinctive polished alloy wheels and the interior is trimmed in oatmeal leather.

The 19,200 two-seater is also fitted with a short-throw six-speed gearbox. Standard equipment of the top-of-the-range 1.8iS includes central locking, anti-lock brakes, and driver and passenger airbags.

In addition, the Mazda MX-5 Icon has white dials with chrome accents and a wooden Nardi steering wheel and gear-lever.

The compact car feels larger on the road than its predecessor, though it has grown surprisingly little. But it maintains the low driving position and "snugness" of the original.

The car's excellent handling and stability has been retained, while power has been increased boosting acceleration and performance on both 1.6-litre and 1.8-litre versions.

The classic front engine, rear-wheel-drive layout offers excellent weight distribution and balance. The centre of gravity has been lowered further by storing the battery and spare wheel beneath the boot floor.

A really useful innovation is the introduction of a retractable "aeroboard" which is fitted as standard on the 1.8-litre cars.

This wind-blocking device reduces the amount of air flowing from the rear of the car to the front floor during open air driving, keeping your hairstyle intact and improving the efficiency of the heater.

Less successful is the introduction of a clock for the first time on the MX-5. While all the instrument dials are pleasantly rounded, the clock is a unattractive rectangular digital affair, completely out of keeping with the style that abounds on the distinctive little car.

The front of the new MX-5 retains the air intake design of the current car and the retractable headlamp system has been replaced with a lighter fixed design.

The rear of the car retains the distinctive oval rear lamp cluster design while the boot lid has been raised to improve aerodynamic performance.

The interior has a new instrument panel design with a wider centre console housing the heating and ventilation controls.

Mazda says the sound from the engine and exhaust on the new MX-5 has been analysed to eliminate irritating noise and to enhance a "sporty sound" within noise regulations.

The transmission has also been tweaked to further improve the direct "flick of the wrist" action of the short-throw gearbox.

The 1.8iS model features a Torsen limited-slip differential that supplies maximum power to the right and left wheel independently.

The vinyl soft top now has a glass heated rear window which is easier to open and close since the rear window zipper has been eliminated.

Mazda says the new MX-5 will exceed all forthcoming European offset front and side collision standards. Twin airbags and seat belts with pre-tensioners are standard.

Boot capacity on the new car is increased from 124 to 144 litres with the shape providing more useable space.

Interior space is also enhanced with a centre console box, two cup holders inside the centre console box, an instrument panel pocket, door pockets in both doors and a large lockable glove box.

Story date: Wednesday 12 April

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.