SINCE it premiered in 1989, the Mazda MX-5 has been as synonymous with the concept of a budget roadster as Coke is to cola.

Mazda didn’t re-invent the wheel, but sure gave it a new coat of gloss – and in doing so created the biggest-selling sportscar of all time.

But with the current generation now eight years old, and fellow Japanese brand Toyota soon to launch a topless version of its wonderful 86, we wonder if the Mazda’s recent late-life facelift is enough to keep it top of the pops until a successor arrives in 2014.

Our week behind the wheel reminded us that, even still, few cars have the purity of the MX-5, and few handle a twisting mountain road with such aplomb and dexterity.

But – and there’s a big but – the flagship Coupe Sports version tested here costs more than $50k, meaning the Mazda is no longer the budget bargain it once was.

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