2006 Mazda MX-5 GT Road Test

2006 Mazda MX-5 GT (Photo: Kevin ''Crash'' Corrigan)

The MX-5 GT is now powered by a 2.0L in-line four cylinder which produces 170hp. This is then coupled to a traditional short stick manual box, although now, it's a six-speed. Nice! From this, power then goes exactly where it ought to, the rear wheels.

From its birth, this little roadster always seemed fast, even when it actually wasn't. I guess that was because of its size and because it's quite low to the ground. Because of this, it also cornered as if it was on rails and made the vehicle fun without risking your driving license. Well you can forget about that with the 2006 model. It's still small, still low, corners a dream, but you need to keep a close eye on the speedometer or you'll be staring at a fairly hefty speeding ticket.

2006 Mazda MX-5 GT (Photo: Kevin ''Crash'' Corrigan)

It seems like the vehicle has now matured and grown up. The original model was in some ways a weekend fun car. The new one is a proper little sports car that can even play with some of the big boys. For the money, I think that it's a good buy; the only problem that I can foresee is for those of you who are married, as "you will end up buying two"!