Mazda MX-5 has the Power, the JD Power...

The Mazda MX-5 is working hard to shed its possibly slightly unfair "hairdresser's car" image with a solid performance in the 2011 JD Power vehicle ownership survey coming out as the top-ranked sports car ahead of the likes of the Volkswagen Scirocco as well as much pricier competitors such as the Audi TT and Mercedes-Benz CLK and SLK.

Almost 17,000 UK motorists were surveyed about their cars and asked to rate them on driving dynamics, handling, ownership costs, reliability and interior quality. The MX-5 scored a satisfaction rating of 82.4% and this is the second year in a row that it has been the top-rated sports car.

The powers-that-be at Mazda are understandably proud that their affordable roadster has done so well. “Today, the Mazda MX-5 remains unrivalled as a rewarding sportscar that can also be used for everyday motoring all year round,” said Peter Allibon, Mazda UK's sales director.

There are 12 MX-5 models currently on sale in the UK priced from £17,990 to £23,225 (OTR) including two new special edition "Kendo" versions which are on sale from £19,270. The Kendo is exclusive to the UK market and features a soft-top with a 124bhp 1.8i petrol engine and a 158bhp 2.0i petrol roadster coupe with folding metal hardtop.

More than 900,000 MX-5s have been sold worldwide including 100,000 units in the UK.


By Georgia Lewis

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