Overall rating:

The Mazda MX-5 has always been about how it handles rather than outright performance. We're not alone in thinking Mazda's impressive roadster could do with a bit more poke though, as Brackley based engineering company BBR has added a supercharger to the 2.0-litre 158bhp mk3 MX-5 to liberate an altogether more interesting 235bhp.

Key Facts

Pricing: £4,995 for full installation (+ existing mk3 Mazda MX-5)
Engine: supercharged 2.0-litre petrol
Transmission: manual, rear-wheel drive
Body style: two-door roadster
Rivals: Porsche Boxster, BMW Z3, Honda S2000
Top speed: 150mph (estimated)
0-62mph: 6.0 seconds (estimated)
Power: 235bhp at 7,100rpm
Torque: 190lb.ft at 5,250rpm

In the Metal:

To all intents and purposes the BBR Mazda MX-5 is just another Mazda MX-5. There's a BBR Cosworth badge on the boot lid and another under the side repeaters on the wings, but they're the only clues that there's been some work carried out under the bonnet. It's the same inside, with the standard MX-5 remaining, err, standard. That's no complaint; indeed, we rather like the sleeper, factory feel to BBR's conversion.

Driving it:

As the MX-5 has grown older it's gotten bigger, while the delicate balance between power and grip has swayed more towards grip. BBR's conversion changes that, with a far more potent 235bhp peak power figure - up a healthy 77bhp over the standard car. This not only means that the MX-5 has the muscle to outpace much more exotic rivals, but also can better exploit its famous handling balance.

BBR has been tuning MX-5s since the mk1 arrived and the installation of the supercharger is so neatly integrated that you'd swear it was a factory option. That's not just regarding the actual addition of all the bits under the bonnet, but the drivability. There's none of the peaky, inconsistent performance that many tuned cars deliver, instead the 2.0-litre four-cylinder produces its additional power (and useful 51lb.ft torque increase) as if it was always meant to.

It absolutely transforms the driving experience. Push the accelerator to the floor and instead of little happening the BBR MX-5 takes off with startling ferocity. The intensity doesn't let up right around the rev-counter's entire sweep, either. There's huge mid-range muscle, which means you can be lazy with your gearshifts, overtaking requiring little more than a harder press of the accelerator pedal. BBR has understandably left well alone in the chassis department, as the fine steering and tidy handling are an MX-5's hallmarks - only now it has got the power it deserves to really enjoy it.

What you get for your Money:

For your £5,000 you get an entirely different MX-5 driving experience. It might sound like a lot of money to spend, but the professionalism of the installation and the resultant leap in power are well worth it. You could save around £800 by installing it yourself, but when you see the extensive list of changes required you'll better understand that it's best left to BBR.

Worth Noting

BBR was the company that produced a Mazda sanctioned turbo kit for the mk1 MX-5 so you can rest assured that it has spent plenty of time with Cosworth Engineering to ensure this supercharger installation is reliable. It's not just a case of bolting on the supercharger either, as BBR has added an air-to-water intercooler, a Cosworth inlet manifold housing, high flow fuel injectors, a new airbox and filter, higher grade hoses and a auxiliary engine control unit.

Summary

If ever there was a car crying out for more power then the Mazda MX-5 is it. BBR's supercharger conversion underlines that, adding some serious muscle to the already acclaimed handling. That it's so neatly integrated, both in its physical installation and how it drives, is a credit to BBR's tuning expertise. If you want an MX-5 to frighten Boxsters and more then drop BBR a line.