2000 Mazda MX5 Jasper Conran Black review from UK and Ireland

No faults - totally reliable.

The Jasper Conran edition is basically a limited (400) run of the 146 bhp 1.8iS model, but with a nicer interior, full leather and special alloys.

The 1.8 Mazda MX-5 was voted best drivers car under £15,000 by Autocar (and Tiff Needell) in 2003. Came out ahead of the Clio Cup, Civic Type-R, Caterham 7 Classic and others. So it might look like a girl's car (I agree on this), but nobody who has driven one would think so.

Screaming 7200 RPM, 146bhp engine gives good performance in such a light car. Doesn't feel any slower than my previous 306 Rallye, although at about 8 seconds to 60, it is a little bit off the pace compared to the current mega hot hatches.

Although it's not slow, the MX-5's performance isn't exactly headline stuff, but the difference between a hot hatch and a purpose built sports car becomes apparent when you start chucking it around. For starters, its rear wheel drive, and near perfectly balanced, so it doesn't succumb to understeer (or electronic intervention). It also demands that YOU drive it, not the electronics.

Secondly it has a fantastic gearbox, fantastic brakes and steering with the kind of uncorrupted feel you can only get on a rear wheel drive car. Traction off the line is superb, and the car communicates as effectively through the seat as it does the wheel.

It's also a beautifully built car with typical Jap reliability. The interior of the MX-5 is a bit bland and sparse, but the brushed aluminium and leather of the JC model lift it a little. It has electric windows, a proper glass heated rear screen, ABS and a cracking stereo. Dealers and servicing costs are superb too.

Economy not great for a small 1.8 litre car - 32 mpg average, 25 worst. Most of this is because of the way the car begs to be driven though.

I have fallen in love with this car. It turns every journey into an event with its direct responses and laugh a minute handling. I love it.