IT has been derided by many as a 'hairdresser's car,' well if that's the case, move over Gervaise, I want to be hairdresser.

Some older things improve with age and there is no better example than the latest version of the Mazda MX-5 two seater which has been around now for nearly 25 years.

It is the best yet, with either with soft or hard top convertible like this particular model, offering a thrilling driving experience. 

It looks sleek and dynamic sitting low to the ground with 17inch alloy wheels. The feisty two seater comes with a choice of two engines, 1.8 and two-litre petrol and both offer good rather than mind-blowing performance. 

The 0-60mph sprint takes just under eights seconds, but it feels much quicker. The low-slung driving position makes you feel like you are in a go-kart, but both seats are comfortable and supportive and surprisingly easy to get in and out of.

Both engines have to be worked hard to get maximum performance, but that is part of the driving experience.

The precise six-speed gearbox mated to the 160ps two-litre tested version is a delight, clicking effortlessly through the cogs to deliver drive the rear wheels and there are few better handling cars.

It stays planted to the road on tight corners and any back end twitch is easily corrected. The ride is firmer, but it's worth it for the fun factor.

The suspension has a double-wishbone front and multi-link rear layout and is also equipped with a limited slip differential that ensures optimum traction under all driving conditions.

It gives genuine wind in the hair experience, but be prepared to be buffeted by the wind thrown up by lorries and buses because of the low to the road position.

The electric-powered steel roof on this roadster folds away in just about 12 seconds after releasing the retaining clip by hands.

The interior is well put together with a logical array and good level of standard equipment. The finish feels durable rather than luxurious with little in the shape of soft touch finish.

All models feature climate control air-conditioning and dark grey dashboard panel and steering wheel inserts as standard.

The Sport Tech/ Sport Tech Nav also feature leather seat trim, integrated Bluetooth, front fog lights, cruise control and auto-dimming rear-view mirror and alloy pedal set. The Sport Tech Nav adds the 5.8-inch TomTom satellite navigation, USB/iPod connectivity radio/ single CD audio system with six speakers.

On the road, the engine needs to be pushed to maximum revs for top performance and this is where is can get loud with road noise from the big tryes also intrusive. But calm things down and the two-seater is a comfortable cruiser and is just as happy pottering around town.

It is also reasonably economical with a claimed 36.2mpg average consumption, but CO2 emissions are on the high side at 181g/km.

Being a Mazda, reliability is all but guaranteed as are residual value - another reason they are so popular.

It is not all about pace either. The car is quite practical for a two seater with decent boot space, 150 litres, enough for two overnight bags or a modest shopping trip, while there is extra space behind the seats for odds and ends as well as various oddment holders.

They are a safe car with rollover bars, stability and traction control and twin front and side airbags. An immobiliser and an alarm are also standard.