Express & Star

CLASSIC: Mazda MX-5, £15,750

Now in its third incarnation and still the classic budget roadster, offering a low-slung driving position and rear wheel drive thrills for the purist. Mazda has now come up with a clever hard-top version of the car with a roof that can be raised or lowered in just 12 seconds - far quicker than most of the competition.

But the traditional car with a manually-operated fabric roof has the sharper handling because of its lighter weight - and its roof can be raised or lowered in a matter of seconds.

These days, congestion and speed cameras conspire against the pleasures of the open road, so Mazda’s spirited 1.8 petrol engine should be ample for most needs. A 2.0 litre is also available for those needing some extra kick.