Big on the fun factor; Mazda's MX-5 is a real pleasure to drive and raises a smile both with its looks and its perky performance, says DEREK STEWART-BROWN.

Byline: DEREK STEWART-BROWN

IT'S officially the world's best-loved sports car - and it just keeps getting better.

Despite the fact the original design is more than 20 years old, motorists around the world can't get enough of the Mazda MX-5. The truth is that this is a car that simply "does what it says on the tin".

It's honest-to-goodness fun in a reliable, sturdy two-seater that's as polished a performer as you'll find.

Just a glimpse at the sexy MX-5 raises a smile. The curvy lines on the latest-generation model are accentuated by the "smiley grille", slightly wider arches and eyebrow headlights.

You can't fail to notice it at any angle and, when driven, it takes on a positively aggressive stance, as it tackles the corners like a pup with a tasty bone.

Almost one million motorists have invested in a Mazda MX-5 since 1989 - and there are almost 100,000 UK owners.

More than 20 years ago, it was a revelation, setting standards at the time that no other manufacturer could match.

Since then, the world has moved on, but there's been no reduction in our love for the MX.

And the new MX-5 is truly better than ever.

On the road, it's pure fun. It evokes memories of a bygone age when wind-in-the-hair motoring and an enthusiastic ride marked the two-seater apart from the humdrum family car.

Amazingly, Mazda have kept the raw excitement that defines the MX-5, but introduced a polished performance all-round.

In the city, the sexy little MX is a magnet for admiring glances and envious smiles. Easy to move and with unbelievable tractability, it will hold its own with a baby hatchback for parking and manoeuvrability.

Move on to the motorway and it's equally polished. It's true, you might have to raise the stereo a notch to wipe out the road noise, but this is a canvas-topped convertible after all - and by all previous standards, the noise levels are low.

That's probably quite a lot to do with the build quality. Door seals do what they should do, and the level of "grip" between window and ragtop frame is excellent. Naturally, the MX-5 Roadster Coupe - which has a "proper" folding hardtop - is even less noisy on the move.

What's more, it only takes about 10 seconds from pushing the button to open-top motoring.

Both models share the 1.8i and 2.0i petrol engines. Mated to the Mazda chassis, they deliver an exhilarating drive that leaves you with a huge grin every time you push the Mazda a little harder.

While few drivers will ever test the limits of the MX-5's performance, let's just say it's formidable.

A rear-wheel drive express train that corners like a go-kart on steroids probably doesn't come close enough.

For the majority, however, it's enough that Mazda's X factor is still a winner and still capturing the hearts of drivers all over the world despite hitting the grand old age of 20.