| Mazda has done it again. First, they reinvigorated | | | | pedals that are well spaced for easy heel-and-toe |
| the sports car market a decade and a half ago | | | | downshifts. |
| with the introduction of the Miata for 1990. Then | | | | Once acclimated to the new Miata's basic control |
| the company followed that up with a redesigned | | | | personality, it's time to tackle some twisty roads. |
| version that was good enough to make Miata the | | | | And you'll quickly find that this aspect of the new |
| biggest-selling sports car in history. | | | | car is where the new Miata differs the most from |
| Now, for 2006, they've topped that with a | | | | its predecessors. |
| third-generation Miata that's as sophisticated as | | | | While the generation-one and -two Miatas were |
| far more expensive sports cars, despite keeping | | | | well known for having low handling limits and |
| its reasonable low-20-thousand-dollar price tag. | | | | almost toylike tossability, the new Miata feels |
| Compared to the two previous versions, the | | | | heftier, more serious, and obviously more capable. |
| 2006 MX-5 Miata is a little larger in most | | | | In earlier Miatas the idea of slipping and sliding the |
| dimensions, and gains about 50 pounds. It | | | | rear end was as obvious and basic as putting the |
| continues with its four-cylinder engine but now it's | | | | top down on a sunny day -- Miata practically |
| a 170-hp 2.0-liter instead of a 142-hp 1.8. | | | | begged for such exuberance behind the wheel. |
| Slipping into the interior, it's obvious that Mazda's | | | | The new Miata responds to such tail-happy |
| junior sports car has grown a bit. Instead of the | | | | shenanigans with all the control and communication |
| window sills having a sort of elbow-height feeling, | | | | of Mazda's earlier little sprites. But now the car |
| you now feel as though you're sitting low in the | | | | just doesn't seem to ask for it with such a strong |
| car, instead of sitting on it. Along with the cabin's | | | | voice. This version's vastly higher grip and more |
| extra room comes a more upscale look to the | | | | potent engine instead make it happier with high |
| interior. Although still not exactly plush feeling, the | | | | corner-entry speeds and smooth, even |
| new Miata replaces its predecessors' retro spartan | | | | steering-wheel inputs. |
| style with a somewhat more opulent look. The | | | | Those things said, this Miata is really happy in that |
| leather seats are both easy on the eyes and | | | | environment. Whereas previous Miatas tended to |
| posterior. The convertible top has a cloth surface | | | | have a wild, freewheeling personality on winding |
| and a glass rear window, and it folds neatly into a | | | | roads, the new version hauls through turns as if |
| smooth bunch that latches down to form a | | | | locked onto rails, with minimal body lean and very |
| smooth profile without a separate cover. | | | | high limits that aren't as easy to upset. |
| Overall, the cabin pleases in both design and | | | | It's still terrific fun. It's just a little different kind of |
| execution. There's a subtle, high-quality feel to it | | | | fun. |
| that speaks of cars costing far more than our | | | | It's clear that Mazda has once again crafted a |
| tester's $25,000 sticker price. | | | | true little gem of a sports car. There's not a |
| Firing the engine up brings forth a sporty purr | | | | squeak or rattle to be heard, the engine has a |
| that's maybe a tad more subdued than Miatas | | | | smooth, almost exotic personality, and the driving |
| past, but nonetheless satisfying. Once rolling, | | | | controls are precise and solid. You find yourself |
| planting your foot into the gas yields one of the | | | | double checking the sticker to see if this is really a |
| bigger delights of the new Miata. The engine feels | | | | $25,000 sports car -- plenty of rivals costing $15k |
| somewhat stronger than its power rating might | | | | more than Miata don't get these things much (if |
| imply, providing gutsy acceleration at low speeds | | | | any) better. |
| and very nice passing power without downshifting. | | | | As for how this new Miata design overall |
| It never feels high-strung or fussy. | | | | compares to its predecessors, picture a guy that |
| Complementing that pleasure is the shifter. | | | | was loveable but slightly over-eager in college. |
| Traditionally a strong suit of Miatas past, the new | | | | Now he's been out in the real world for few |
| version continues to be noteworthy. Although not | | | | years and maybe gotten a graduate degree. |
| quite as pleasingly mechanical feeling as before, | | | | He's not really the same guy anymore, but he |
| the shifter is precise, with appropriate springing | | | | commands more respect. And he's still a whole lot |
| and well-defined gates. Tying it all together are | | | | of fun to be around. |