The Mazda MX-5 Miata revived the affordable two-seat sports car roadster when introduced in 1989 and has become one of the world's best-selling two-seat convertibles.
The legitimately brand new (not a screw is shared with previous models) third-generation Miata is the best ever and should continue to be popular -- despite the addition of roadsters it inspired since its debut at the Chicago Auto Show. They've included the popular BMW Z3, Mercedes-Benz SLK, Porsche Boxster and, most recently, the Pontiac Solstice.
The original Miata was conceived mainly for the U.S. market. It was an instant hit, and not just in Chicago. Cute, simple, light, durable and affordable at $13,800, it was a reliable copy of the brilliant-but-reliable, low-volume British Lotus Elan. The Miata took up where dated and discontinued small, mass-volume foreign (mainly British) sports cars left off.
Mazda prefers to call the 2006 third-generation MX-5 Miata just the "MX-5'' in keeping with other Mazdas that have alphanumeric nomenclature, such as the Mazda3, Mazda6, RX-8, etc.
The car has become so iconic that Mazda will keep using the Miata name in advertising in America -- the only country where the MX-5 ever has also carried the "Miata'' name. (Ever hear a Miata owner call his car an "MX-5''?)
But the 2006 Miata only carries MX-5 badging, and Mazda spokesman Jeremy Barnes said the Miata part of the name eventually will be phased out.
Never mind, though -- nobody will mistake a Miata for anything else; it still looks like a Miata, despite new, more muscular styling. The 2006 model is 1.8 inches longer, 1.6 inches wider and nearly an inch taller. Wheelbase length has been increased by 2.5 inches, mainly to give more cockpit space.
Six Miata versions are offered, with list prices ranging from $20,435 to $24,435 for most models: Club Spec, Standard, Touring, Sport and Grand Touring. There will be 750 of the $26,700 Third-Generation Limited model with unique interior and exterior trim, traction control, anti-skid system, sport suspension, limited-slip differential, xenon headlights and satellite radio.
Even the $20,435 Club Spec is fairly well equipped, with such items as a five-speed manual gearbox, AM/FM/CD player, power windows and mirrors, rear defogger and 50-series tires on 16-inch alloy wheels. Move up to the $21,435 Standard model and added are such items as air conditioning, while the $22,435 Touring adds power door locks with remote keyless entry.
The $22,935 Sport adds a six-speed manual gearbox and wider tires on 17-inch wheels, while the $24,435 Grand Touring adds leather upholstery and a Bose sound system.
Options include traction control, anti-skid system and a sport suspension.
Standard safety items include anti-lock brakes and side air bags.
Despite its larger size, the new Miata only weighs 27 pounds more than its predecessor despite its stronger body, thanks to new materials and technologies to trim weight, improve crashworthiness and increase rigidity. Mazda always has been fanatical about keeping the Miata's weight down because excessive weight would cause it to lose its lively performance and nimbleness. It even simplified the design of the rearview mirror to save less than a pound.
The last Miata felt solid, but its successor feels even stronger because, for instance, torsional rigidity is up an astonishing 47 percent.
There's more room for longer torsos, with additional legroom and headroom. Fore-and-aft seat adjustment is increased 2 inches and added is a new tilt steering wheel adjuster offering 1.3 inches of vertical movement.
The four-cylinder engine has been moved 5.3 inches farther back -- a lot for a small car -- toward the cockpit to get 50/50 weight distribution for nimbleness. But the move results in a transmission tunnel that occupies a fair amount of interior room and causes rather tight footwells -- usually not noticed until the car has been continuously driven for an hour or so.
Large outside door handles help allow quick entry, but the low-slung car calls for extra effort to get out. Occupants sit low, with elbows sticking up a bit when arms are draped on door tops. Seats offer good side support, and controls are well-placed. Gauges can be easily read once a driver gets used to the fact that their numbers are rather oddly positioned. Materials are far from the Maserati class, but don't look cheap.
The trunk is small with a high opening, but is nicely shaped and fairly roomy for a small car. Its lid raises well out of the way on hydraulic struts. There are several small, concealed in-cabin storage areas.
The manual top, which has a heated glass rear window, works so well it easily can be lowered by a driver without leaving the car. There's only moderate wind buffeting in the cockpit at 60 mph with the top down. It fits snugly when raised.
The new 2-liter, 170-horsepower four-cylinder aluminum engine replaces a 1.8-liter, 142-horsepower four-cylinder. It works with a five- or six-speed manual transmission with one of the nicest shifters in the industry, although a fair amount of shifting still is needed for the best acceleration.
The dual-overhead-camshaft, 16-valve engine produces 166 horsepower with a newly available $1,100 six-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel shift paddles, which replaces a four-speed automatic.
Estimated fuel economy is 25 mpg in the city and 30 on highways with the five-speed manual and 24 and 30 with the six-speed manual. The figures are 23 and 30 with the automatic.
The Miata hits 60 mph from a standing start in a fairly quick 7 seconds with the six-speed manual transmission. But sheer driving fun -- not acceleration times -- is what the Miata always has been all about.
Improved steering, suspension and brakes make the car more fun to drive than ever -- and the 1989 version still is a kick to drive. The quick power steering is perfect for a sports car, and handling is superb. The advanced, supple suspension also provides a comfortable ride, even over rough roads, and the brake pedal has exactly the right feel.
As always, the Miata shows you can get a car that delivers loads of driving fun without spending a lot for it.
2006 MAZDA MX-5 MIATA
PRICES
$20,435-$26,700
LIKES
Deftly redesigned. More power. Sharp handling. A kick to drive.
DISLIKES
Transmission tunnel intrudes a lot into cockpit. Offbeat gauge number placement. |