Mazda MX-5

The world’s most perfect and popular two-seater has just got even better. Now equipped with an electrically powered hard-top, the Roadster Coupé offers the same wind-in-the-hair thrills as the standard model, but adds a touch of class and quietness – without sacrificing on-road manners or boot space. Even better news is that the manufacturer has managed to keep the price down, too.

Here's proof that Mazda's roadster revolution is showing no signs of slowing! Say hello to the MX-5 Roadster Coupé, a car that promises to improve on the usual two-seater with a fast-moving folding hard-top.

The model sets a new benchmark for speed and performance, and the electrically powered two-piece system transforms it from hard-top to open-air roadster in 12 seconds. Yet impressive as the roof is, what does it mean for the driving experience? Can the MX-5's character survive such a dramatic change? Auto Express tried one of the first cars off the production line to find out...

On paper, you'd be hard-pressed to notice any significant changes in acceleration times. Powered by the same 158bhp 2.0i engine as the standard MX-5, our Sport model covers 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds, while the top speed is 131mph. In fact, the only major difference we can find is the 36kg increase in weight, which is down to the new roof mechanism and its electric motors.

But although the specifications of the Roadster and Roadster Coupé may seem pretty similar, in the metal the two cars couldn't look more different. The bubble canopy of the newcomer gives the Mazda a mature appearance, particularly when combined with the 17-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, it's a similar story. With the carefully lined roof in place, the cabin offers plenty of space, and visibility is even better than in the standard car. On the move, refinement is vastly improved, and official figures show that the new machine is far quieter than the roadster. In contrast to the soft-top's 77dB noise reading at 70mph, the lightweight fibreglass lid records 72.9dB.

Tall drivers are well accommodated, while there is no loss of practicality, either. Clever engineering means that the two-piece roof requires no more space than the fabric arrangement, so the boot remains the same size. But what about the handling? Has the extra weight got in the way of the roadster's performance? Well, unless you're racing the clock at a track, you really won't notice the difference in raw speed.

Still, anyone stepping from a fabric-topped MX-5 will probably detect the new car's stiffer suspension and thicker front anti-roll bar, which combine to give a slightly firmer, sportier ride.

Unfortunately, we still think that the 2.0-litre engine lacks smoothness, and it's not particularly charismatic, either. It is coarse and dull, and requires more torque. Happily, it performs better at high revs, and keeping the four-cylinder engine on the boil is no problem thanks to the tight, snappy, six-speed gearshift.

As you would expect, this MX-5 feels responsive, and has beautifully accurate steering, a precise chassis and is extremely well balanced. In other words, it's a focused driver's car. The only down-side is the intrusive traction control system. In fact, on a winding road, the new roof's importance begins to dim - this model is such great fun to drive.

However, we welcome the extra refinement and competitive price - and so will many potential buyers. The firm is predicting the Roadster Coupé could account for up to 65 per cent of MX-5 sales. As with the soft-top, Mazda fans look as if they have been converted.