AN upgraged MX-5 roadster is spearheading Mazda's latest range of models - complete with hard top to keep the winter chills away.

Priced from £18,495 to £23,595, the seven soft top or roadster MX-5 variants are the latest generation of this iconic two-seater reputed by many industry experts to be the lynchpin of the genre, and by others as the saviour of the whole sports car segment.

I am open minded, but must admit that at one time it did appear to be the sole representative of its kind.

Whatever the truth, the 136mph, 2.0 litre MX-5 is a pedigree act.

It's a true blue sports car with superb handling, and top notch road holding that delivers on balance and driving exhilaration, whilst its acceleration from 0-60mph  in 7.9 seconds is nimble enough to display linear manoeuvrability out of corners.

A new front end incorporates automatic pedestrian detection which is a superb safety factor. In short it ensures that the trailing edge of the bonnet pops up prior to an impact which increases the crumple zone to reduce pedestrian injuries.

Inside the sports cabin has additions to the standard specification that include TomTom navigation, iPod and Bluetooth connectivity.

I drove the  Sport Tech nav trimmed car at £23,295. With an insurance group of 26E, BIK figures of 40 per cent for higher rate tax payers, and a CO2 rating of 181g/km  it is a fair representation of the whole Mazda line up.

If however you want something a tad larger or a little higher off the ground, yet with a performance bite of its own, then the Mazda3 hatchback could be the answer.

The 2013 range has seven models on offer with prices ranging from £15,995 to £23,995.

My favourite was the 1.6 litre diesel at £16,995. It has a CO2 rating of 115g/km and a combined fuel return of 65.7mpg. New standard high-lines include LED rear lights and a heated front screen. 

There is room for four, or five, in a well finished cabin, and if you  want a  extra punch there's the range topping MPS which retains the previous version's exceptional handling as well as its top speed of 155mph.

The mid range 115 mph diesel however is more sedate and more suitable to everyday tastes.

Finally, Mazda has a seven seat MPV aimed at families in the shape of the Mazda5 people carrier.

Its rear sliding doors allow ease of access to the rear seats and its spacious, well equipped cabin is very lounge like.

On the road it is quiet, easy to handle,  simple to park and extremely roomy. It is designed for families with all their luggage or shopping yet it is appealing.

Standing low on the road has a smooth svelte profile that hints of a curvaceous sports hatchback rather than a bulky people carrier. There are two engines on offer, both diesel and either of 1.6 or two-litre capacity.

The 1.6 version tops out at 111mph, has a CO2 return of 138g/km and a combined fuel ecomony of 54.3mpg. Luggage capacity ranges from 112 to 857 litres.

The Mazda5 is now available only in Venture trim and prices range from £19,995 to £21,290.

It is a good touring vehicle with towing abilities up to 1,200kg. It is also a genuine multi activity model with outstanding seating, packaging versatility and economic running costs.

Equipment levels are very good,  with stability, traction, climate and cruise controls and even satellite navigation.

Parking sensors, remote locking and automatic dusk sensing headlights plus rain sensing wipers all add to the overall standard specification.

The only optional extra I could spot was metallic paint.

The current Mazda range kicks of with the Mazda2 hatchback with prices ranging between £10,495 to £13,495 and overall the Japanese brand has a vehicle to suit most tastes and most budgets.