WHAT CAR AWARDS - Mazda does the double with the MX-5 and CX-5 SUV.

• The Mazda MX-5 takes the Best Convertible title at 2017 What Car? Awards.
• 2.0-litre SE-L Nav Mazda MX-5 named 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 Mazda MX-5 has started 2017 in winning form by taking the Best Convertible title at the annual What Car? Awards. In a year that will see the launch of the all-new Mazda MX-5 RF, the MX-5 convertible has won this prestigious accolade from Britain’s leading monthly car review magazine for the second year in succession.

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. 

Commenting on its victory, What Car? Editor Steve Huntingford said,” despite facing new competition from the mechanically similar Fiat 124 Spider, the Mazda MX-5 has triumphed again. 

We love its rev-happy and punchy 2.0-litre engine, its simple mechanical roof and its temptingly low price. Even better, the MX-5’s ride and handling proves beyond any shadow of a doubt that less is more. Its lightweight chassis construction makes for a driving experience that’s guaranteed to brighten your day, and with surprisingly good fuel economy, this is a fun car that’s both cheap to buy and run.”   

The lightest MX-5 since the iconic original, the 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 MX-5’s ultra-efficient petrol engines and lightweight chassis ensure that agility and driver engagement is taken to a new level. With perfect 50:50 weight distribution and more technology than ever before, the MX-5 convertible has firmly re-established Mazda’s dominance of the affordable sports car sector.

Collecting the What Car? Award, Mazda Motors UK Managing Director, Jeremy Thomson said, “We’re delighted that What Car? has once again recognised the MX-5 convertible. 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 that have the love of driving at the heart of their appeal.”

Adding, “The latest MX-5 has already cemented its place in the hearts of driving enthusiasts and with the launch in March of the all-new Mazda MX-5 RF we are about to add another chapter to the success story of this amazing car.”

Ahead of the debut of the all-new Mazda CX-5 later this year, the current Mazda CX-5 has once again demonstrated its enduring appeal with both buyers and the media by taking top honours in What Car’s Best Buy for less than £25,000 Large SUV category. 

What Car? Editor Steve Huntingford commented that, “the Mazda CX-5 retains its crown because what you get here for your hard-earned cash is impressive.  We’re not just talking about the generous standard equipment though, there’s space and practicality, too. With a decent-sized boot and useful 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats, the CX-5 can deal with all that family life can throw at it. The Mazda CX-5 is also one of the best handling large SUVs, while its lively engine impresses with enough performance to haul you along fully loaded. Finally, relatively cheap finance deals and competitive running costs keep it affordable.”

With 2017 What Car? awards for two of Mazda’s most successful vehicles to start the year, 2017 promises to be an exciting one for both these models as we await the launch of both the all-new Mazda MX-5 RF and the all-new Mazda CX-5.