Like a normal MX-5, only better. And faster. And bett…oh wait.

WHAT IS IT? The racing version of our reigning Car of the Year. Sadly it’s not for Australia – not yet anyway – but Mazda says it could bring it to local race tracks if the planets align.

WHY ARE WE DRIVING IT? Because it promises to be the ultimate version of one of our favourite cars. Plus, Mazda called and said they had a spare car, and an empty race track. As if we’d say no.

Mazda -MX-5-Cup -garage

THE WHEELS VERDICT How, and where, can we buy one? Mazda’s new baby racer is brilliant. Fun, grippy, nuanced and approachable, it promises to be an enjoyable, and potentially affordable, turn-key racer.

PLUS: Affordable (we think); brilliant fun (we know); raspy sound track; balanced chassis; improved driving position MINUS: You can’t buy one, unless Mazda changes its mind

Alex -Inwood -getting -into -Mazda -MX-5-Cup

But as I thread myself into the cabin, which instantly feels more V8 Supercar than affordable two-seat roadster, thanks to its exposed, FIA-approved roll-cage, window netting and digital dashboard – there’s even shift lights! – a nasty voice whispers in my ear: “What if they’ve dialled out the fun? What if adding racing suspension and slick tyres has locked it down and stolen the Mazda MX-5’s magic?”

Alex -Inwood -driving -Mazda -MX-5-Cup

This is one of just two MX-5 Cup cars in the country, but worldwide others just like it have diced in tightly fought one-make championships all year. You can buy one in the US, where they’re made, for around $US55,000, which at today’s exchange rate means this car would land here for roughly $70K.

Mazda -MX-5-Cup -side

It’s not much lighter, either. Sure, there’s no sound deadening or even a passenger seat, but that roll-cage is heavy. As is the upgraded cooling system, tougher brakes and other racing paraphernalia like the fire extinguisher and ballast box. All up, the Cup car’s frame is 25kg lighter, meaning it hits the scales just shy of a tonne, sans driver.

Mazda -MX-5-Cup -interior
Mazda -MX-5-Cup -engine

All this means the Cup car still feels like an MX-5, only better. And faster. And praise doesn’t get much higher than that.

SPECS Model: Mazda MX-5 Cup Engine: 1998cc 4cyl, dohc, 16v Max power: 118kW @ 6000rpm Max torque: 200Nm @ 4600rpm Transmission: 6-speed manual Kerb weight: 995kg 0-100km/h: 7.5sec (est) Fuel economy: n/a Price: $70,000 (est) On sale: Possibly never