Mazda MX-5 is damaged

• Mileage total: 10,500
• Mileage since last report: 700
• MPG overall: 30.3mpg
• Costs: £0 so far
• On fleet since: June 2008

In pictures: life with our Mazda MX-5

Where have we been?

Arghhh. I hate dishonest motorists. So to the person who decided it would be OK to reverse into the side of my MX-5 and drive off, thanks a lot you cowardly, incompetent, knuckle-dragging moron. The whole front wing has been pushed in, and the side door dented.

And the cost for your stupidity and recklessness? £872.05. It's almost on par with someone breaking into my house and nicking my TV and hi-fi. Don't forget, driving off from the scene of a road accident is a crime unless you notify the owner or the police.

Fortunately, Mazda's insurance will cover the repairs, but for most people you'd probably lose your no-claims bonus. And that's even worse than the damage done in the first place because your premiums will go through the roof.

What has impressed?

Thanks to Mazda I wasn't left car-less for long. They promptly arranged for my MX to be fixed and sent a replacement - another 2.0 Sport RC but in black with a black leather interior. I'm a big fan of black, but I do miss my little grey car, particularly the seats which were finished in fetching tan leather. It made it feel more roadster-ish. More special.

Unfortunately, with the other car going back prematurely, I didn't get a chance to treat it to its first service at 12,000 miles. However, curious to find out what it would cost, I rang local dealer Hughes Mazda of Beaconsfield (0845 437 0451), who quoted a very reasonable £155 including parts and VAT.

The major service at 25k costs slightly more at £207, but that's still good value compared to what it would cost you to service some more 'premium' sportscars. Especially true when you consider the MX-5 starts at only £16k for the 1.8i, which is a relatively frugal little machine.

I'm glad I've got the 2.0 though. Its engine has a significant boost in the power department, gets a six-speed manual 'box, traction control and a limited-slip diff on the Sport. A new MX-5 goes on sale in April with improved emissions and economy, a fresh new look and the option of an automatic 'box for the first time on a non-grey-import model.

First drive: Mazda MX-5

What's not so impressive

This new car has just over 3,000 miles on the clock and isn't as well run in as the car I had before; the gearchange isn't as slick, it doesn't respond so well to the throttle and feels softer in comparison. But I've a 1,000-mile round trip to Northern Ireland coming up which will loosen it.

Tom borrowed the car recently and found the interior 'drab and workaday', thought the lack of an aux port 'a disgrace in this day and age' but did enjoy the agile rear-wheel drive handling and the speedy operation of the roof.

Peter Bell from MSN also snaffled the keys to the MX-5 for a few days and, as a Honda S2000 owner, had plenty of feedback after his drive. Peter said: "The first impressions were good, helped by the fact it is in my favourite colour for a car - black.

"Even though it's a Sport, it still sits very upright and I couldn't help feel it could sit several inches lower and let those alloys fill the flared wheel arches. That said getting in and out was easier and speed bumps less of a chore. The folding hardtop is good, and fast too, a little slower than the Honda, but fast enough and quiet.

He goes on. "On the plus side there is very little road or wind noise, and it was a relaxing motorway cruiser. I am particularly envious of the low road noise and very effective and quiet heater, both of which meant I could hear the Bose stereo fitted to this car.

"Honda chose to fit a poor stereo to the S2000, but as the road noise and heater make so much noise perhaps it was a sensible decision on their part. Having worked my way through several over the years the MX-5 doesn't deliver enough excitement for my tastes. Perhaps I'm being unfair comparing a car costing £27,000 with one costing £6,000 less."

What’s next for the Mazda MX-5 RC

Well, there's that trip home at Easter I mentioned, so here's hoping we get some sunshine. I also want to hook up with the owners' club and see what events are coming up that we could take part in. And we were due to film the other MX-5 before it got crunched, so we'll be videoing this black one instead.

Blog: our MX-5 is damaged
Photosynth of our Mazda MX-5
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All our Mazda MX-5 RC reports

February in the MX-5
January in the MX-5
December in the MX-5
A mad month for the MX-5
The sun smiles on our MX-5
Mazda MX-5 arrival
MX-5 v BMW 135i Cab
Is the MX-5 the perfect compromise
Why I chose an MX-5

More long-term reports

New arrival: Skoda Superb
Month two: Honda Accord Tourer
Citroen C5: Vive la Différence!!!
Final fling for Clio Cup
Our BMW 135i M Sport Convertible