Third time’s a charm

The ‘NB’ second generation Mazda MX-5 was evolutionary rather than revolutionary, modernising the interior and improving the driving experience and practicality mildly, but showing its age by the mid-2000s. Launched in 2005, the ‘NC’ generation was an all-new model; Safety was improved thanks to numerous airbags and driver aids in the form of traction and stability control that could reduce and manage power in the event of lost grip to prevent the uninitiated crashing what may well have been their first rear-driven car.

Despite looking bigger than the ‘NB’ MX-5 thanks to larger wheels, bulbous lights and flared arches, the ‘NC’ remained a lightweight, compact sports car weighing just 45kg more than its predecessor, measuring just two inches longer and 1.6 inches wider. The mildly inflated dimensions aided the interior, which was granted extra space as well as equipment: options included satellite navigation, a semi-automatic paddle-shift gearbox and an electric folding polycarbonate roof which, despite the perceived heaviness, adds just 36kg of weight. The NC introduced