Mazda's little MX5 sportscar has won the hearts and minds of people everywhere who see driving not as a task, but something to be enjoyed.

It has been like that since 1989, when the diminutive two-seater was launched onto an unsuspecting market and, almost overnight, acquired `classic' status. Each minor change along the way only served to reinforce its reputation.

There was a short-lived feeling of concern when the current model lost its pop-up headlights, but that was quickly dispelled by the eagerness with which the new look was embraced by the MX5 faithful, and everything seemed to have settled back into normalcy.

But then, to celebrate the model's tenth birthday, Mazda released a limited edition anniversary model - having finally driven it, I believe this might serve to upset any `true believers' who own an `ordinary' MX5.

So what is there to envy?

The anniversary model has the same barely adequate luggage storage, the same confined cockpit that can make things difficult for those of more than average height (or girth), and exactly the same sweet-revving 1.8 litre engine as its less illustrious siblings.

Apart from its attractive "Innocent Blue Mica" paintwork and highly polished 15 inch alloy wheels, it otherwise looks like any other MX5. But most of the MX5's attraction always lay beneath the skin - and that was never more true than in this case.

Hidden by its shapely flanks are a couple of things we have seen in previous MX5 models, like the Torsen limited slip differential and Bilstein shockers, plus a couple of others that are completely new.

A front suspension tower bar is fitted to increase body stiffness, and the gear knob has an extra position engraved on its top… gasp! MX5's gearbox has sprouted a sixth gear! It will be interesting to see just how long this remains unique to the 10^th LE model of MX5, before we see it in all versions.

The cockpit has the usual high standard of finish expected, with blue/black leather and suede unique to this commemorative model, even the Nardi steering wheel dressed in matching leather.

But as already mentioned, MX5 has never been the most accommodating of cars for those of us who stand a little taller than average, being endowed as it is with barely adequate legroom and seats that never seem to go back quite far enough.

Lowering myself into the driving seat, I found my left knee forced uncomfortably skywards by the footrest. So I actually made a personal modification to the test car - one 10mm socket is all that is required to remove the plastic footrest and stow it in the boot.

The difference was astounding. Suddenly, I actually felt comfortable with my left leg able to stretch out alongside the clutch pedal, which my foot unerringly located whenever necessary, and I was able to begin really enjoying this car.

One fear remained; had the delightful shift action of one of the best gearboxes in the business been compromised by the addition of another cog?

Such fear proved groundless. If there is any change in the action of what is still a very short throw gearshift it must be counted in microns, because swapping gears in the 10^th LE MX5 is just as enjoyable as it has ever been.

All the gear ratios have been juggled about slightly, with fifth running the 1.000:1 that was used by fourth in the five-speed, while sixth gear is 0.834:1 compared to the five-speeder's 0.814. It's all about increased tractability through the gears, and makes the right gear for a corner always available.

Maximum power of 106kW from the 1.8 litre DOHC engine arrives at 6500rpm, but the all-important 165Nm of torque is found at a more conservative 4500revs. The right gear, at the right time, sees the little Mazda squirt itself out of corners with ease.

I was reminded yet again of the most appealing feature of MX5's mix of performance and handling. It can be driven hard and fast if needed, but can be just as enjoyable driven below legal speed limits - it's the difference between driving `fast' and driving `quickly'.

It might also have been the more comfortable spread of gear ratios that saw the MX5 return a very creditable fuel consumption on test of 9.0 L/100km (32mpg).

All sportscar enthusiasts have a `favourite road', one that draws us into the drive as something truly enjoyable - I do. (I'm too selfish to say where it is, or it'll get too crowded!)

Suffice to say that this road favours the MX5's front engine/rear drive layout and some of my favourite corners were negotiated at a pace, and with an ease, that was astonishing. Not quite a religious experience, though I occasionally glanced briefly upwards and thought "Did I really do that ?"

There is a downside to all this, of course, and that is the very limited availability of the 10^th Anniversary Limited Edition model. Of 7500 built in total, Australia received a scant 150, so it may already be difficult to find one.