7 Reasons Why The ND Mazda MX-5 Makes The Perfect Winter Companion

1. Unfiltered access to crisp winter air

There’s something special about winter air. It’s fresh and crisp, and thanks to the fact it’s been unseasonably mild, I’ve been able to get the roof down for open access to that bracing air. And best of all, because the roof opens and closes in seconds, if the weather does take a turn for the worse, you can flick the roof up without even pausing for thought.

2. Heaters in convertibles are always amazing

Because manufacturers know convertible owners like to get the roof down whenever they can, they ensure the heaters are capable of keeping you toasty even when driving topless in sub-zero temperatures. This means that no matter the weather, you can jump in your Mazda MX-5 and warm up in moments.

3. Perfect level of performance for poor conditions

A small, rear-wheel drive car that has an emphasis on sportiness probably wouldn’t be many people’s definition of a great car for winter hooning, but the MX-5 works brilliant in rubbish conditions. It’s partly down to the fact the 1.5-litre engine’s 129bhp isn’t enough to really get you in trouble, no matter how little grip there is.

4. Lightweight construction and skinny tyres are great in the rain

While other cars are grabbed and tugged from side to side by puddles and odd cambers, the little Mazda just cruises through. I’ve been gobsmacked by how far you can push this thing in the wet, and the way it’s absolutely no hassle to hustle through standing water.

5. Everyone can enjoy your Christmas music

The best thing about Christmas is Christmas music. And when you have a convertible in winter, you can share your amazing tunes with everyone in your vicinity. The Mazda’s entertainment system is a bit fiddly, particularly the satellite navigation, however it was very quick and easy to connect my phone to the car.

6. It's as practical as you want it to be

At Christmas you’ll inevitably find yourself needing a bit of space for gifts. The MX-5 actually has fairly decent boot space, however there was no way we were getting my dad’s new television in there. We ended up shoving it in the passenger seat; if it’d been taller, we could’ve just taken the roof off! Sure, I had to leave my brother in town, but I felt comfortable with that…

A few weeks ago, Alex even managed to fit a Christmas tree in the boot!

7. Two seats mean you don't become a Christmas taxi service

Whenever I go out for the evening in my home town, I tend to be designated driver since public transport is just painful. Therefore I usually end up running my friends around town after a night out to save them the ludicrous expense of a taxi, or sharing a night bus with the homeless.

This year, I only had one spare seat, so I dropped off one friend along the way and was home in no time. Result!