You could never accuse Mazda of resting on their laurels. The Japanese firm is one of the motoring world’s great tinkerers and barely a year goes by when they aren’t offering revised versions of this car or that.

So, for 2019, there’s an upgraded MX-5 available. Both the RF and convertible versions have received cabin refinements and increased safety equipment.

The 2.0-litre SKYACTIV-G engine has more power too. The unit features lighter pistons and con-rod, as well as revisions to the camshafts, exhaust valves, fuel injectors, throttle valve and air intake. The end result is an increase from 160PS to 184 and redline that rises from 6,800 to 7,500rpm. There’s also a small increase in maximum torque of 5Nm.

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The convertible, the subject of this review, is an impressive 0.8 seconds quicker to 62mph but still manages to achieve a lower CO2 figure than the lower-powered engine it replaces.

A new range-topping model - the GT Sport Nav+ - has been added to the line-up. Standard safety equipment has increased with Sport Nav+ cars and above now featuring Front Smart City Brake Support, Lane Departure Warning System, Rear Smart City Brake Support, Traffic Sign Recognition and Driver Attention Alert, while Blind Spot Monitoring System with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Adaptive LED headlights and a reversing camera are standard on GT Sport Nav+ and optional as a safety pack on Sport Nav+.

The only way to identify a 2019-model MX-5 from the outside is by the alloy wheels, with both the 16 and 17inch rims sporting a fresh design.

So, does that substantial power hike make a real difference, aside from the quicker sprint times?

The answer isn’t quite as simple as you might imagine.

That’s because despite that additional power, the engine displays a degree of lethargy lower down the rev range, particularly below 4,500rpm. It would, of course, be preferable not to have to go chasing after peak torque but this is where all the action is and, if you’re ambling around everywhere at 30mph then your money would have been better spent elsewhere.

The thing is, there’s genuine joy to be found at the higher echelons of the engine’s power band. Despite the additional power the MX-5 remains a beautifully balanced car and the rear axle remains resolute and steadfast.

As always, you’ll enjoy the little sportscar the most driving just within its limits, tracing the ebb and flow of the road with delicate adjustments, rather than throwing it into a bend with reckless abandon.

If you’ve driven a pre-update model then you’ll appreciate the increase in power. The new 2.0-litre MX-5 is noticeably quicker than before and the exhaust has a raspier note, so hanging on to that 7,500rpm red line does, most certainly, have its rewards. The manual gear shift is sweet and slick with a delightfully stubby lever that flicks between ratios with impressive precision. You can have an automatic box, if you must, but it’s only available on the 2.0-litre RF but, when swapping cogs manually is this much fun, why would you?

A first glance inside reveals a largely unchanged interior, and there’s little wrong with that. There’s a large central rev counter, manual air con controls – although, c’mon, just drop the roof already – and perfect pedal placement. Also, for the first time, the steering wheel adjusts for reach. Not by much, mind, but something is definitely better than nothing.

Other updates include doors that open a fraction wider, reinforced cup holders and the addition of support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Although that is a £350 option.

It’s a small car and, even though Mazda have done an admirable job liberating a decent amount of space in the cabin, if you’re taller than six feet you should considering taking one for a test drive – with the roof down – before you part with any cash down.

I’m six foot one and, while I was perfectly comfortable once I had squeezed myself behind the wheel, the top of my head was constantly buffeted by the wind as it swept over the windscreen, ruining my delicately styled crew cut.

The MX-5 is the best-selling roadster in the world and, when you drive one, it’s easy to see why. It is brilliant to drive with performance that’s accessible in the real world and rarely threatens to make a fool out of even the most unaccomplished drivers.

The updates that Mazda have bestowed on the little sports car have made it just a little sharper, a little faster and little funner. Just remember, if you’re over six feet, you might want to invest in a thick woolly hat.

Mazda MX-5 GT Sport Nav+

Price: £26, 095otr

Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol

Transmission: 6-speed manual

Max power:184PS

Max torque: 205Nm @4,000rpm

Max speed: 136mph

0-62mph: 6.5sec

Combined: 40.9mpg

Emissions (CO2): 156g/km

For more information visit www.mazda.co.uk