When things come round in millions and it involves motor cars then you know it’s got to be a winner.

Go back more than 50 years when the Morris Minor 1000 was in its heyday. When that reached the million mark they manufactured a special edition called it a Morris 1,000,000 and painted it pink. Pretty daring stuff back then, but it actually was the start of the 60s when Britain became quite a colourful place.

And now after selling the world’s best sports car for the last 25 years Mazda have just gone past the million mark with their stunning MX-5.

This is the sort of car which Britain should be building now after the MGB and the Triumph Spitfire. But no-one has had the gumption or the guts to see it through as the British car industry went the same way as the railways.

To get to their million mark Mazda has just produced their fourth generation model which is a classic sports car with prices starting at just £18,540.

It is the best selling two seat sports car in the world and with summer coming perhaps it’s time to get out in one and 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.

The MX-5 is a nice 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 Mazda main dealer servicing records are held electronically making it easy when it comes for your service.