MaXimum fun

FOR over 25 years, the Mazda MX-5 has delighted drivers all over the world as an accessible, lightweight roadster that is fun to drive. The latest model is no different except that here in Singapore, it isn't quite as "accessible" because of taxes and COE.

Key to this compact convertible's driving enjoyment is its classic front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. The fourth-generation roadster not only retains this formula but improves it by being smaller and lighter, with sharper styling that features very short overhangs.

Little wonder then that it won Japan's Car of the Year award this week, after beating off a challenge from the Honda S660 mini-roadster.