Mazda has come up with a new series of promotional videos for the MX-5 hardtop, which boasts the speed of the car’s retractable roof through some ridiculous challenges. This is the first challenge, in which the MX-5 is pitched against a professional bus chaser called Rob. The Mazda can lower its roof in 12 seconds, but can Rob run 80 meters in that time?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMlK3a6Psm0

We hate to say it, because we love the MX-5 so much, but this effort smells a bit like desperation. The MX-5 is, of course, close to the end of the way, as an all-new model is being developed to replaced it over the next two years. So, guess we should cut it a bit of slack!