Mazda’s range of ‘Zoom-Zoom’ vehicles continue to impress automotive experts, with the iconic Mazda MX-5 roadster selected for critical acclaim in the 2008 Auto Express New Car Honours, announced in the weekly magazine today (Wednesday).

Presenting the Mazda MX-5 with a class-topping annual award for the third successive year, the judges from the UK’s best-selling weekly automotive magazine ranked the Roadster Coupe version of the two-seater, rear-wheel drive sports car as ‘Best Convertible’.

In praising the Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe, Auto Express commented: “The world’s top selling roadster just gets better and better!  And is it any surprise?  In the new MX-5 RC, Mazda has created a car with all the appeal of the original, plus the added benefit of a folding hard-top... British convertible fans have never faced summer with such confidence!”

The third generation Mazda MX-5 roadster was an instant ‘hit’ with British drivers when it went on sale here in November 2005.  The Roadster Coupe version, with the world’s fastest powered folding hard top – up or down in just 12 seconds – joined the line-up in September 2006.  Today, Mazda MX-5 offers a choice of seven models, with soft-top prices from £15,750 and Roadster Coupe models priced from £18,600 (on-the-road).

Collecting the ‘Best Convertible’ award at a glittering ceremony in London, Mazda UK's Managing Director Rob Lindley commented: “It is immensely satisfying to have a high profile motoring consumer publication, such as Auto Express, confirm that our products are among the very best on the market.

"As Britain’s favourite sports car brand, Mazda is proud to top the sales charts with the Mazda MX-5 and Mazda RX-8 capturing a 20 per cent market share.  Our designers and engineers aim to embody the heart of a sports car in all our products giving them responsive dynamics for a rewarding drive.  The new Mazda6 is proving immensely popular and our new Mazda2 supermini, with its lighter weight, increased agility and new three-door body style, has already captured the prestigious ‘2008 World Car of the Year’ crown,” added Lindley.