2004 Mazda MX5 Euphonic review from UK and Ireland

Someone dented the rear wing in a carpark. I thought the guy who came to fix the dent was going to cry - "they're all curves!" he moaned. He managed to get it almost right, but you can still see a small crease if you look really hard. It's not a fault as such, but it I imagine that a body shop would have a job getting it perfect again if it was seriously bashed, especially at the back.

If you're a bloke and you really care about image there is the 'hairdresser' factor I suppose. It doesn't bother me. My girlfriend absolutely adores it and so do all her mates.

I really love this car. It's not mind-blowingly fast, but what you lose in a straight line you make up for around corners. I've seen the steering described as 'telepathic' and particularly in fast bends your hands barely seem to move.

It's very well made - the doors shut with a real thunk, the switchgear has a quality feel and the roof is completely watertight. It's very practical too with loads of cabin storage and a big enough boot to get the shopping in. I'm 6' 3" with long legs and I find it very comfortable.

The gearbox is exceptional for a car at this money although I find 1st to 2nd a bit awkward sometimes - possibly because I'm tall and have to 'snuggle down' in the seat. My girlfriend has no problem with it. Generally there's a bit of a fight as to who gets to drive.

It handles just like everyone says it does. Seems to be a combination of very well-balanced chassis, razor-sharp steering, good throttle-response and not too much power. Skinny-ish tyres and no traction control means it can be a bit lively in the wet, but what do you expect?

We've got the Euphonic special edition which has red and black leather seats, leather steering wheel and gear knob and a top-notch Sony stereo with interchanger which is pretty much the perfect extras package as far as I'm concerned. If your buying second-hand it's worth hunting one down.