Words by Tony Whitney
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2013 Mazda MX-5
2013 Porsche Boxster
2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK
Over many years and several generations, the Mazda MX-5 has remained a firm favourite as a true roadster at an affordable price. Another of those “wear it rather than drive it” cars, the MX-5 (once called Miata) is a joy to drive, even though it offers fairly modest four-cylinder power. One unique feature in this class is you can order one with either a fabric soft top or a folding hardtop. Either way, trunk space is surprising given the car’s diminutive size and two people and their luggage can use the Mazda for long road trips. It’s still the best bang-for-thebuck roadster on the market.
Although the Porsche Boxster is far from being among the most expensive roadsters around, there are few that can match its allround capability. It’s a delightful car in every respect, and for 2013 there’s a new model with updated bodywork and a new interior. In true Porsche tradition, there are no dramatic changes and rightly so. If ever an automaker got a car right the first time it would have to be the Boxster. Handling and response are remarkably good and, though fans of the more costly 911 series of Porsches often regard the Boxster as a poor man’s Carrera, it’s probably because they haven’t driven one enough.
When it appeared, the SLK was the first car of the modern era to feature a convertible hardtop, so in many respects it was a pioneer. A few generations down the line, the car looks more spectacular than ever, with the latest version even picking up a cue or two from Mercedes-Benz supercars of the past. There are several versions, from a four cylinder entry-level car to an AMG variant that somehow has a potent V8 squeezed under its graceful hood. Whichever one you choose, it comes with lots of traditional Mercedes values and excellent performance and handling.
Tony’s picks for best 2013 roadsters continues on HLmagazine.com
april/may 2013
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