Mazda has launched a scrappage scheme that offers car owners the opportunity to save up to £5,000 on any new sub 130g/km Mazda.

It runs until the end of the year and it gives consumers the chance to part-exchange their pre-2010 petrol or diesel models for a wide range of sub 130g/km new Mazda vehicles powered by both petrol and diesel engines.

Mazda are good vehicles and this is a pretty good offer from Mazda and the manufacturers. Anyone who wants to change their car should have a look.

Sadly they won’t find the Mazda MX-5 sports car on the list because they have been going like hot cakes since they were launched more than 25 years ago and more than one million have been sold.

It was named Roadster of the Year by Auto Express for the third year in succession when their chief reviewer Sean Carson described it as classy, responsive, versatile, refined and a joy to drive.

He said: “The MX-5 RF has the style to match the thrills on offer from the communicative rear-wheel drive chassis and offers usability and performance at an affordable price.”

The MX-5 was also named most popular convertible at the 2017 Honest John Awards. These awards aren’t given by judges or a panel of journalists, instead they honour the cars which are searched for the most on the HJ website and recognise the cars that create the most interest among readers.

Honest John managing editor, Dan Powell said: “The old MX-5 was regarded by many as the most enjoyable and engaging open top car ever built; however, with the all-new model, Mazda has achieved the improbable by improving it at every level. It’s a sure fire hit with our readers.”

To get to their million mark Mazda has just produced their fourth generation model which is a classic sports car with prices starting at under £19,000 going through to more than £27,000 for the top of the range.

It is the best selling two seat sports car in the world and it is ideal to feel the wind in your hair be you 21 or 81. Everyone loves a Mazda MX-5 especially in the UK where half of the European sales come from.

Like all new cars the MX-5 is lighter and more efficient than its predecessor. Somehow this one is 100 kg than model three.

Due to a platform sharing venture, the Mazda MX-5 now has an Italian sister in the shape of the Fiat 124 Spider which is slightly more expensive. The Fiat has the 1.4-litre turbo petrol while Mazda customers can choose between either the 1.5 or 2.0-litre petrol engine with a six-speed manual gearbox and power goes through the rear wheels.

The 2.0-litre has extra equipment including Bilstein dampers, to help reduce body roll, and a limited-slip differential, which boosts traction out of corners.

There are two body styles available with both based on the two seat roadster. There is a fabric roof which stows manually behind the front seats while there is the coupe look which has an electric folding hard top.

I first drove the new MX-5 at the beginning of the year and after more than six months later found it just as impressive.

It is a delightful mover which gives you around 62mph in seven seconds and a top speed of around 125mph. You will get more than 40 miles to the gallon irrespective of your speed.

There are five trim levels in the UK: SE, SE-L, SE-L Nav, Sport and Sport Nav and there's also a limited edition Icon model with more kit.

SE models have 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, air-con and electric windows, as well as a leather steering wheel and gearknob, heated power door mirrors and remote central locking.

The SE-L adds LED daytime running lights, climate control, body-colour interior trim, cruise control and a seven-inch colour touchscreen with MZD Connect. The Sport spec is a bit tarty but has rear parking sensors and the light-sensitive Adaptive Front Lighting System plus heated leather seats, rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry, a lane departure warning system and a Bose stereo.

Handling is a dream with supple suspension and superb light steering. Going through corners makes driving a breeze.

Comparing the 1.5 and two litre there is a temptation to go for the more powerful beast but actually the 1.5 is just as much fun and only a bit slower.

Driving them it was difficult to see the difference.

The two litre models have a limited-slip differential, which helps improve traction and has bigger brakes.

Benefit-in-Kind tax rates for business users are competitive, ranging from as little as £67 per month for lower-rate taxpayers (on the 1.5i SE) to £208 per month for the 2.0i Sport Nav for those paying tax at the higher rate.

Insurance groups correspond with the two engine sizes on offer and start at group 25 for the SE and SE-L.

There is a standard three-year, 60,000-mile warranty with the MX-5 and can be extended for a variable cost.

Mazda also has a Digital Servicing Record which means all main dealer servicing records are held electronically making it easy when it comes for your service.