Sometimes being impractical makes all the sense in the world, especially with all of the hassles of being a motorist in the Philippines. It’s not such a difficult concept to grasp. We all have our share of insane Metro Manila gridlock, rising toll-fees, dilapidated roads, and so-called traffic enforcers that are out to make a quick buck.

But even so, there is a car out there that you can quite literally wear to make you impervious to all of those potential headaches. A car that helps you say, “Take that!” to all things that can wear you down and conspire to turn you into a jaded motorist. No matter how crappy your day is on the road, you can hop into this two-seater and smile.

The car you wear is Mazda’s MX-5. It is the current iteration of the famed Miata, a genuine collector’s item thanks to its excellent handling, rear-wheel drive layout, and fun factor. It is a modern-day classic that maintains its value because of its legions of diehard fans.

It only makes sense, then, that the current version keeps that spirit alive, and it does so with added modern conveniences.

There was a time not too long ago when it was uncertain whether the MX-5 was going to be sold locally. Good thing the folks over at Mazda decided to take a chance and actually brought the roadster in. As I rev to a decent 5,500rpm (though the engine urges for more), drop the clutch, and hurtle to the nearest mountain road, I have to give props to Mazda Philippines for making this incredible vehicle available to us.

You ‘wear’ the MX-5 because when you plop yourself into its form-fitting bucket seats you are enveloped by a cockpit that will bring out the boy racer in you. Low to the ground, you peer through a slim windshield. As the road rushes past, the sensation of speed is amplified. Yet, there is no fear.

You are directly connected to this machine and in full control. Your right elbow rests on the massive transmission tunnel, and your right hand will comfortably fall on the short-throw gear lever. Grip the stubby leather-wrapped knob and row through the gears. Shift action is precise and solid. There is no space for dinky arm action, because when you combine the close-ratio, six-speed transmission to the 2.0L MZR DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine with 167 horses on tap (that become fully available at 7,000rpm) the MX-5 will demand that you hammer through all of the gears, banging hard on each one until you run out of road.

The 190Nm of torque is more than enough lay rubber on the asphalt in first gear, and because it is the rear wheels (positioned inches from your bum) that are driven, this orientation enhances the connection between you and the nimble chassis. You feel how the car is adhering to the road through the seat of your pants, each twitch enhanced so that you can react to the car’s behavior immediately.

The sport-tuned suspension adds the icing to the cake. You will want to use all of the revs available to you, all the while watching the oil-pressure gauge climbing as you floor the accelerator.

If that isn’t enough to get the adrenaline pumping, undo the latch above the rearview mirror and at the push of a button, the power retractable hard top will fold and disappear behind you — exposing you to the elements.

Be warned that if driving isn’t your bag, you probably won’t appreciate the firm clutch pedal or jaw-jarring suspension.

But if you know a thing or two about what makes a car exciting, then look no further than the MX-5. Those two things are probably what you want from a vehicle — and more.

Yup, chances are you will be stuck in traffic when you drive this baby during the work week, but at least you know what it is capable of. But no matter how stressful our roads are, this roadster can rejuvenate you.

It will give you a jolt and beg to be thrashed, even when you are weary from all of the gridlock. It is one of those cars that makes you want to just get out there and drive. Not many machines can boast of that.

If it weren’t for cars like this in the market, our streets would be a pretty dull place. And at P2,199,000, the two-seater MX-5 roadster may be deemed impractical by many, but for the few that understand what this car is about — that price is already a steal.

So, when are you going to retract the hard top and drive without a worry in the world?

I bet the prospect of owning an MX-5 sounds tempting right about now. Why not give in for a change?