It might seem impossible to bring more style and quality to the already-impressive Mazda MX-5 - but the Sport Recaro edition somehow manages to achieve just that.

Standard versions of the new MX-5, which was launched in the UK last summer, have received widespread praise, including in these pages.

So, understandably, there was great anticipation when the Japanese firm decided to raise the bar even further with this range-topping limited edition of the lightweight roadster.

This ultimate MX-5, of which there are only 600 examples, is based on the 2.0-litre 160PS Sport Nav variety, with the addition of more exclusivity and sporty styling enhancements.

The Sport Recaro costs upwards of £24,000, which is around £6,000 more than 1.5-litre entry level version.

But the extra outlay does come with just about every option you could wish for on a vehicle of this type.

A particular personal favourite was the gorgeous-looking set of 17-inch diamond cut alloy wheels, which provide the finishing touch to a splendid-looking machine.

Inside, it’s hard not to be impressed by the Alcantara trim on the dash and pedals, unique floor mats, plus the figure-hugging heated Recaro seats.

Meanwhile, the red seat piping matches the red stitching found on the dash, handbrake and gear lever.

The car also comes with satnav, cruise control, climate control and a Bose sound system.

In terms of performance, it’s a joy to drive. The punchy and sweet 2.0-litre engine offers sufficient acceleration. In the corners, it remains well-balanced, agile and engaging.

In line with the 2.0-litre Sport Nav, the Sport Recaro benefits from a dynamic set-up that includes sports suspension featuring Bilstein dampers and a limited slip differential.

Under brisk acceleration out of a bend or junction, the feedback from the back end - and the suggestion that it may wish to step out of line - is sufficient to provide extra driving pleasure.

It takes more than seven seconds for the Sport Recaro to perform the sprint from 0-62mph. For a similar price, you’ll find a few hot hatches that can accelerate a fair bit quicker.

But such a basic comparison rather misses the point because this vehicle offers so much more to the discerning sports car fan.

Indeed, Mazda prides itself on the dynamic design concept running through its current range of models - and the KODO: Soul of Motion philosophy is never more in evidence than when you’re behind the wheel of the MX-5.

Throw back the roof, let the wind blow through your hair and fix your eyes on the road ahead as your peer out over the aggressively-chiselled bonnet.

In a city like Bradford, where you want to glance upwards at historic old buildings such as those found in Little Germany, the ability to put down the roof is a great blessing and enhances the driving experience.

My week in the company of the MX-5 started with Spring snow lying on the ground and ended in warm sunshine. I chose the roof-down approach in both of those contrasting weather scenarios, mainly because limited cabin space doesn’t leave much headroom for a 6ft 3in driver.

When it’s cold but dry, you just have to ramp up the heating to make sure you can enjoy the open-air feeling without catching a chill.

What’s more, the ease with which the roof can be pulled down is remarkable - just a simple click of an overhead button to unclip it and you’re in the great outdoors.

The car’s slim and slick-looking headlights, flowing lines through the bodywork and distinctive bonnet create a vehicle that is easy on the eye.

With this special edition, Mazda has maintained the agility and fun that defines the MX-5