Japanese sports cars are clearly going through a renaissance, as alongside Toyota and Honda’s offerings is this, the Mazda MX-5 Superlight concept.

OK, this one isn’t a stone’s throw away from production, but it could still find its way onto our roads, albeit in small numbers. ‘We hope to make it, and who knows – look at the Renault sport Spider,’ said one engineer we spoke to.

So is it worth having? On first impressions it appears to be the usual stuff of concept car fantasy – no windows, roof or much in the way of everyday concessions. But it’s more conventional than its striking looks suggest: beneath the skin it’s an MX-5 1.8i, still with 124bhp, but with firmer, 30mm-lower suspension.

The lack of luxuries results in a 995kg kerb weight, and the difference can be felt from the off. The Superlight is so much keener than the soft-top, acceleration more willing and turn-in much crisper. Its lither character is no doubt boosted by the lower centre of gravity the windscreen loss brings, while the heightened sensations of driving so exposed play their part too.

Using the 1.8-litre engine (rather than the 2.0) is an inspired choice, as it trumpets the Super light’s key message: lower weight needs less power, making for a cleaner car.

If the Superlight makes production we’d be very happy indeed. But it’s the underlying message that’s equally exciting: an ambition to shed substantial weight from every Mazda to make it as fun to drive as this one.