FEW motoring experiences are as enjoyable as getting a sports car’s roof down when the weather is favourable.

It’s what the Mazda MX-5 is all about.

Unveiled to the world at the 1989 Chicago Motor Show, the MX-5 is now in its fourth generation and around 1.2 million have been sold.

It can be had as a traditional soft-top known as the Roadster or as pictured in RF (Retractable Fastback) guise.

While the manual opening and closing of the Roadster’s fabric roof is a simple operation, it’s done electrically with the RF’s metal roof. Opening or closing the MX-5 roof takes only seconds regardless of the version.

Prices start at £25,825 for the 1.5 soft-top and from £27,725 for the 1.5 RF.

The RF shown is a six-speed manual example of the topline RF Homura 2.0 which costs from £34,510 plus £570 for its new Zircon Sand colour. The cheapest 2.0 RF is priced at £32,310.

With power delivered to its rear wheels, the MX-5 is simply delightful to drive, with responsive steering and a super-slick manual gear change – automatic transmission is available on 2.0 RF models.

I believe the 130bhp 1.5, while less eager, is every bit as enjoyable as the 2.0 which produces 181bhp. For me, the MX-5’s appeal is how sweetly it handles on country roads and not outright performance.

Those desiring a punchier offering will not be disappointed with the 2.0.

The manual 2.0 RF test car shown is claimed to deliver 0-62mph in 6.8 seconds before running up to a maximum of 137mph.

It was not greedy on petrol. I returned an indicated 39.5mpg overall.

Practicality is not a term associated with the MX-5. The RF has a boot capacity of just 127 litres – the Roadster has only three litres more.

However, choosing the right type of bag means the RF can accommodate the requirements for two people on a weekend away. Cabin stowage barely exists.

In the UK the Mazda MX-5 Roadster accounts for 55 per cent of sales and 53 per cent of MX-5 buyers choose the 2.0 engine.