Cars

Mazda MX-5 named as world's best car

We already love the Mazda MX-5 so it's no surprise it has been named as the World Car of the Year
We already love the Mazda MX-5 so it's no surprise it has been named as the World Car of the Year We already love the Mazda MX-5 so it's no surprise it has been named as the World Car of the Year

REGULAR Drive readers will know that we love the Mazda MX-5. But we're not the only ones, says William Scholes.

The Japanese company's brilliant little roadster - automotive proof that less is more - has been named as 'World Car of the Year' by a panel of more than 70 motoring journalists.

"With the launch of its all-new MX-5, Mazda has thrown out the blueprint and gone back to basics," said the jurors.

"Shorter, lower, wider and - most importantly - lighter, the new MX-5 comes with a choice of either 1.5 or 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engines and the promise of unparalleled 'Jinba ittai' - a Japanese term meaning oneness between car and driver.

"And yes, it's still one of the best driver's cars around."

Mazda has a very strong record in the annual world awards, now in its tenth year. The Mazda 2 won in 2008 and the 6 and 3 models were runners up in 2013 and 2014 respectively.

From an initial 23 finalists, the jurors chose three cars for final assessment; the Mazda beat the new Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz GLC.

Previous World Car of the Year winners were the Mercedes-Benz C-Class (2015), the Audi A3 (2014), the Volkswagen Golf (2013), the Volkswagen Up (2012), the Nissan Leaf (2011), the Volkswagen Polo (2010, the Volkswagen Golf (2009), the Mazda 2 (2008), the Lexus LS460 (2007), the BMW 3-Series (2006) and the Audi A6 (2005).