Long-term test: Mazda MX-5 Roadster coupe 2.0i Sport Tech

We’ve averaged more than 1,000 miles per month in our Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupé since it was delivered a year ago.

Almost all of those miles have been without incident, except for a cracked windscreen a few months in to our long-term test and which was swiftly remedied by National Windscreens through our company’s fleet support provider.

We’re very sad to see the MX-5 go. While in the current economic conditions it hasn’t been the most fuel efficient or versatile car AM has tested, it certainly has been the most fun for the money.

The electrically operated folding roof has made sure we’ve had the top down whenever the weather allowed and kept us warm and dry when it hasn’t, and its superb, direct handling and gutsy 2.0-litre petrol engine have guaranteed a reward-ing drive.

Before its departure, and as its odometer passed the 12,500 mile point, we booked it in at Donalds Mazda in Peterborough for an annual service.

We had high hopes for the experience – last year the dealership got it spot on when it serviced our previous Mazda3.

It’s pleasing to report that again Donalds did not disappoint.

After I filled in an online service request on its website, the garage called me back to verify when and what I required for the car, and to tell me the cost.

And this time the dealership even offered to collect and deliver the car – a service I gratefully accepted as it minimises the work time lost in taking it to their city centre workshop myself.

Communication from the dealership was excellent and professional.

At pre-collection, I was called to check the car was ready for pick-up.

While it was away they called to double-check a potential issue I raised about a sticking parking brake.

Finally they rang again to inform me they’d be bringing it back within an hour and to take my credit card details for the £157.17 bill – exactly what they’d quoted me in the first instance.

It’s now the second excellent service I’ve experienced from Donalds Mazda.

Moreover, I know from my wife’s experience with her own Mazda5, which she owned for four years until last November, that the service is consistently good.