It"s clear there has...

It"s clear there has been no greater challenge in the firm"s recent history. Engineers not only had to improve on one of the most successful convertibles of all-time, but to relaunch the company"s highest-profile model, too. The slightest mistake could prove disastrous.

Now Mazda"s moment of truth has arrived as Auto Express is the first magazine to drive the new MX-5. Can it live up to expectations?

Originally, we were unsure of the appeal of the MX-5"s design when it debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Out on the road, though, the car"s rounded lines appear much more purposeful. The RX-8-inspired wheel-arches make the car look a lot bigger, but in fact the new MX-5 has grown by only 20mm in width when compared with the outgoing model.

The real surprise is the cabin. Design and quality levels have been drastically improved, and the neater cockpit now includes a stylish five-instrument binnacle and softer plastics. Mazda has also made it more spacious by lowering the driver"s seat by 40mm, and fitting a tilt-adjustable steering wheel.

Tall drivers now see the road ahead through the middle of the windscreen - rather than the top - and won"t crack their knees on the wheel every time they press the clutch to change gear.

Sticking with the front-engined, rear-wheel-drive layout, the MX-5"s all-new platform is 47 per cent stiffer and 65mm longer, improving the ride and high-speed stability. There"s a new range of petrol powerplants, too.

The flagship unit - a 158bhp 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine - is mated to a new six-speed manual gearbox. A 1.8-litre will also be offered with a five-speed manual, but wasn"t available for us to try. Radically different from the old 1.8 motor, the 2.0-litre has lots of urge low in the rev range. It makes for much more relaxed progress. But you really have to keep the engine above 5,000rpm to realise its potential. Only when pushed does it fully come to life.

The six-speed manual has a more consistent appeal, with short, positive throws, and the steering is perfectly weighted, requiring minimum input in corners. What"s more, the rear end delivers loads of grip and stability, while the brakes perform better than ever. The MX-5 has never felt so secure.

In trying to inject an extra dose of sportiness, Mazda has pulled out all the stops to find the right formula. The bottom line? The new model is as much fun as the old car - it"s just that you have to push it a little harder for that extra degree of excitement.

See exclusive images in this week"s magazine.