Jeremy If you are reading this in London and planning a Bank Holiday escape to the South West this afternoon, you may consider delaying your journey. The A303 ‘run to the sun’ is super busy and it’s cold too!

In fact, cold enough to deter me from dropping the hard-top on the MX-5 for too long just yet. Even with the seat-warmer on full tilt, the cabin of the Mazda is less than snug. The tiny wind-deflector between the headrests helps reduce the draft but a hat should be on the options list.

Getting back behind the wheel of an MX-5 is like meeting up with an old friend. The qualities that made this great little sports car a hit back in the 90s are still present – forgiving handling, lively but not breath-taking performance and great looks.

Although the Mazda boasts modest performance (0-60mph in 7.9 seconds), because you are sat so low in the car, it feels much faster. It can’t compete with a Porsche Boxster or a BMW Z4 in a straight line but the 2.0-litre engine works brilliantly in such a well-balanced car.

It may not be the most butch convertible on the market but if you want value for money thrills and great looks, only a fool would rule out the MX-5.