WHAT CAR AWARDS - Mazda takes best Convertible and a best Buy for its Large SUV, CX-5.

• The all-new Mazda MX-5 takes Best Convertible title at 2016 What Car? Awards.
• 2.0-litre SE-L Nav Mazda MX-5 named the Best Convertible Buy for under £25,000.
• Mazda CX-5 2.2 SKYACTIV-D 150 SE-L Nav wins Best Large SUV Buy for under £25,000

The all-new Mazda MX-5 has added to its growing trophy collection by taking the prestigious Best Convertible title at the 2016 What Car? Awards. The latest generation of Mazda’s iconic Roadster was also named as the best Convertible buy for under £25,000 at the annual awards ceremony.

The lightest MX-5 since the iconic original, the all-new Mazda MX-5 is shorter, lower and wider than the Mk3 it replaced. With the smallest overhangs and lowest centre of gravity yet, its dynamic proportions and Mazda’s KODO: Soul of Motion styling reflects its focus on driving pleasure in an unmistakably contemporary and dynamic way.

Featuring Mazda’s award-winning SKYACTIV technology, the all-new MX-5’s ultra-efficient petrol engines and lightweight chassis ensure new levels of performance and economy. 

Agility and driver engagement is taken to a new level, while at the same time the latest MX-5 meets ever-increasing safety requirements and delivers substantially improved refinement.

With perfect 50:50 weight distribution and more technology than ever before, the all-new MX-5 has firmly re-established Mazda’s dominance of the affordable sports car sector. Commenting on its victory, the What Car? Test team said, “In terms of fun per pound, this little roadster has the market cornered. 

Sure, there are faster hot hatches with more power, but they don’t deliver the fresh-air frolics and sweetly balanced rear-wheel-drive handling of the Mazda. Everything about it feels ideally suited to the UK, from grip levels to the high-revving engine and diminutive proportions.”  

Having already been named Japan Car of the Year 2015/16 and 2015 Auto Express Roadster of the Year, the all-new Mazda MX-5 has also been shortlisted for European Car of the Year. Collecting the What Car? Award, Mazda Motors UK Managing Director, Jeremy Thomson said, “We’re delighted with both the customer and media response to the all-new MX-5. This car is our brand icon and it embodies all that is great about our products. Its fun to drive character has strengthened the bond between Mazda and its customers for 25 years, and today it’s the ultimate example of how our SKYACTIV Technology and KODO design philosophy help us deliver stylish, spirited and great to drive cars.”

Adding, “With its lightweight design, sleek cabin and beautifully engineered mechanicals the all-new MX-5 has already cemented its place in the hearts of driving enthusiasts and we’re thrilled that What Car? has honoured our new roadster at their awards.”

Across the range the all-new Mazda MX-5 features alloy wheels, LED headlights, a leather steering wheel, plus a lightweight and sleek fabric hood.  SE-L models add LED daytime running lights, climate control air-conditioning, DAB radio, Bluetooth^®and cruise control, plus Mazda’s MZD-Connect connectivity and infotainment system with 7-inch Colour touch-screen display and Multimedia Commander.

SE-L models with the 2.0-litre 160ps engine are distinguished by 17-inch Gunmetal alloy wheels and piano black door mirrors, and benefit from a strut tower bar and limited slip differential. Step up to Sport trim and both the 1.5 and 2.0-litre cars feature rain sensing wipers, rear parking sensors, smart keyless entry, Premium Bose^®Surround-Sound and heated leather seats. 

With the 1.5-litre engine, Sport trim MX-5’s come with 16-inch Gunmetal alloy wheels and piano black door mirrors. Sport models with the 2.0-litre 160ps engine benefit from a dynamic set-up that includes Sports suspension featuring Bilstein dampers, a limited slip differential and strut tower bar, while visually, they are marked out by their 17-inch Bright alloy wheels and body coloured mirrors.

Versions of the all-new Mazda MX-5 fitted with Mazda’s integrated navigation system come with three-years of free European map updates, while the range topping 2.0-litre Sport Nav is available with the optional £350 Safety Pack, which includes High Beam Control and Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

Having benefitted from a substantial range of updates in 2015, the Mazda CX-5 was also honoured at the What Car? Awards. Taking top honours in the Best Buy for less than £25,000 Large SUV class, What Car? Commented that, “the Mazda CX-5 retains its crown at the cheaper end of the large SUV class, helped in part by the revisions applied last year. Mazda has revised the suspension, refreshed the styling and improved the interior, infotainment and noise suppression.  It remains spacious inside and usefully practical, and the ride is more forgiving. In short, it’s a superb car made better.”