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