Mazda’s range of ‘Zoom-Zoom’ vehicles continues to impress automotive experts, with the iconic Mazda MX-5 roadster once again selected for critical acclaim in the 2009 Auto Express New Car Awards, announced in the weekly magazine today (Wednesday).

Presenting the Mazda MX-5 with a class-topping annual award for the fourth successive year, the judges from the UK’s best-selling weekly automotive magazine ranked the iconic two-seater, rear-wheel drive sports car as ‘Best Roadster’ – beating BMW and Porsche rivals for the top ranking.

Praising the Mazda MX-5, Auto Express commented: “The pretty roadster is the default choice for affordable wind-in-the-hair thrills thanks to its simple folding fabric hood, entertaining rear-wheel drive handling and incredibly attractive prices.  The folding hard-top Roadster Coupe variant only serves to boost the car’s appeal, providing improved refinement and security.  Prices start from £16,345, which makes MX-5 something of a bargain.”

Significantly upgraded for 2009, the 10-strong range of new Mazda MX-5 sportscars, available with either traditional soft-top or in Roadster Coupe form featuring a powered retractable hard top, have a fresh design that enhances their dynamic appeal and is harmonised with Mazda’s next-generation Mazda6, Mazda3 and Mazda2 line-up.

Chassis modifications ensure that all models deliver an evolution of Mazda’s unique Jinba Ittai – oneness between car and driver – by enhancing the Mazda MX-5's legendary agility and controllability even further.  Fine-tuning of both the 1.8i and 2.0i engines has achieved significant reductions in CO2 and fuel consumption, as have improvements to the sportscar’s aerodynamics.

"As Britain’s favourite sports car brand, Mazda is proud to have a high profile motoring consumer publication, such as Auto Express, confirm that our products are among the very best on the market,” commented Mark Cameron, Sales & Marketing Director, Mazda Motors UK.  “The latest exterior, interior and technical upgrades to the 2009 Mazda MX-5 range ensure that the soft-top continues to offer the purest, fun-to-drive thrills, while the Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe delivers an even more coupe-like, premium experience together with that same driving excitement.

“Both models carry-over the key features which have made the Mazda MX-5 the world’s best-selling sportscar.  Today, the Mazda MX-5 is unrivalled as a rewarding sportscar that can also be used for everyday motoring all year round, with low running costs and high levels of specification – and the whole sportscar ownership experience is supported by Mazda’s legendary reliability and durability,” concludes Cameron.

The Mazda MX-5 has also won praise from Auto Express as a used car – winning ‘Best Convertible’ awards every year since 2005.