THERE are some cars you just have to feel sorry for.

The Cinderellas of the motoring world are forced to look on longingly from the scullery while their glamorous sisters flounce off to the ball.

They've done nothing to deserve such a low-profile, but seem destined to exist below stairs, perpetually overshadowed by siblings with more immediate appeal.

But as with any decent fairytale princess or soap-opera librarian, who removes her specs and hair-band to reveal that she is actually a stunner, these cars do eventually get their moment in the spotlight.

I'm happy to play Prince Charming and proudly introduce the 1.6-litre Mazda MX-5 (pictured).

Almost always ignored in favour of its larger-engined 1.8-litre sister, this too deserves to be belle of the ball. After all, size isn't everything. These cars are more about the driving experience.

Beneath you sits the same wonderful chassis. It's been tweaked and tightened since the car was first launched in 1989, but still relies on the same basic principles of the classic roadster - front engine, rear-wheel-drive and a balanced ride.

"Classic" is a description that fits the interior. While the latest breed of sportscar, such as the Nissan 350Z and Mazda RX-8, attempt to prove their stripped-out racer credentials, by incorporating increasingly complex dials, chrome gearknobs and chunky steering wheels, the MX-5 has maintained minimal instrumentation.

Though white dials are a welcome recent innovation, controls rely on manual, rather than electronic, input and, best of all, the modern mumbo-jumbo of ergonomics is not allowed to intrude.

That applies equally to the roof. While many manufacturers are engaged in an all-out arms race to build the fastest-operating automatic folding roof, it's still possible to comfortably beat their best efforts in an MX-5 using the simple technique of extending your arm instead of just your finger.

True, the 1.6's vital statistics look relatively modest.

Floor the accelerator and it will take 9.7 seconds to reach 62mph.

Peak power is an understated 109bhp, but in such a light car that's enough to allow a certain amount of driving potential, and the small size of the engine means that the driver generally operates in a higher rev range than he or she would normally choose.

Maximum torque arrives at 5,000rpm and maximum power at 6,500rpm. As a result, the 1.6 more frequently sounds more like a proper sportster than the 1.8, which has power to spare.

If you really insist on talking figures, the MX-5 1.6i does have a few it can reel off in its defence.

There's the same useful 144-litre boot, superior combined fuel economy of 36mpg and carbon dioxide emissions of just 188g/km that turn it into an unexpectedly viable company car option.

With the MX-5 nearing the end of its production run, prices are keen, specification levels are high and the car has a reputation as the most reliable roadster you'll find.

And, with the latest of facelifts just completed, even the unobservant can see this car's a looker.