New Mazda sports car here

Though we've been unable to confirm the new MX-5 roadster coupe's time of the arrival, the local Mazda website has announced the newcomer's prices as starting from R275 390.

Unveiled at the British International Motor Show in July last year, the roadster coupe is fitted with an electrically operated folding metal roof. The latest generation MX-5 is, however, also available with an optional removable hard top.

The MX-5 roadster has always been distinguished by its fun-to-drive personality and folding fabric roof, but it seems peer pressure has finally gotten the better of this sports car stalwart.

Let's hope that the added weight of a retractable roof and all its accompanying paraphernalia will not detract from the superb driving experience that the traditional roadster affords.

The MX-5 roadster coupe is mechanically identical to its soft-topped sibling, retaining its 2.0-litre four cylinder mill and six-speed manual gearbox.

ABS with EBD and EBA, DSC and front and side airbags are among the standard safety features on the hardtop.