Long Live the Miata? Long Live the MX-5!

The "Miata" is no more, making way for its new MX-5. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)
It's 6:50am and I have set my alarm clock a little earlier than usual - the usual being around 9:30am or so - because of one reason, I am stoked to be testing out a sweet new ride. Well technically, while it's been updated from the ground up for 2006 it's not new. It's been on the automotive market since 1989 and its iconic roadster status has been, and still is, recognized worldwide not only by the public, its drivers/owners and automotive industry leaders, but even by the Guinness book of world Records, citing it as the best-selling, two-seat roadster to date with over 700,000 units sold. Long live the Miata.

But officially, the "Miata" is no more, making way for its new MX-5 badging due to Mazda's shift towards using alphanumeric nomenclature; a shift that brings the roadster's name into harmony with the current product lineup. Some might speculate the name change is an effort to shed its "chick car" persona, however, according to statistics, 64 percent of Miata, or I should now say MX-5 sales, are to men. How about that!

I should also mention that the 2006 MX-5 is all-new. It shares not a single part, piece or screw with the last two generations, and while it is influenced by the RX-8 to a considerable level, they too share no parts. A
Getting behind the wheel of the MX-5, it's now even more comfortable than the outgoing Miata. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)
heavy rotary engine or any of its plump parts have no place in a lightweight roadster. The weight issue is something I'll tackle in just a moment.

Before I delve into the nitty-gritty technical stuff, I mentioned above the word 'harmony' when referring to the MX-5's name change. But 'harmony' goes beyond the name. Based on the concept of "Jinba Ittai," a Japanese phrase which translates to "harmony of the horse and rider," or in this case, harmony of the car and driver, Mazda has gone to great lengths to create such an atmosphere with the MX-5 and its driver. And it worked.

Wind turbulence throughout the cockpit has also been tampered with, for the better of course. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)
Getting behind the wheel of the MX-5 is even more comfortable than ever considering its wheelbase is 2.5 inches longer, the overall length and width grew by about 38 mm (1.5 inches), interior room has increased from 164 to 178 litres (46 to 50 cu-ft ) and the car itself is 18 mm (0.7 inches) higher. In addition, the windshield angle has been positioned an additional 3-degrees in the upright direction by locating the bases 9 cm (3.5 inches) closer to the occupants, which causes an increase in outward visibility, ideal for picking the perfect apex of a corner, an experience enhanced by the car's wider stance. All in all, I never felt uncomfortable in the MX-5 because I'm of average height and can pretty much fit into anything. My driving partner however, is over 6-feet tall and noted that he did have more room to move around in but still wasn't optimally comfortable.

Wind turbulence throughout the cockpit has also been tampered with, for the better of course. The small quarter windows block drafts between the windshield pillars and the door mirrors into the cockpit, while the newly designed aero board, located between the seatback hoops, has increased in height and is perforated to slow down reverse-flow air that
At highway speeds, I was able to carry on a conversation with my driving partner quite comfortably. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)
rushes into the cockpit. Furthermore, the mesh construction aids in shedding the pounds off of this lightweight wonder.

At highway speeds, I found that the relatively calm airflow through the cabin made it surprisingly easy to carry on a conversation with my driving partner - without every few words being "WHAT? CAN YOU SAY THAT AGAIN!"- and cruising along the winding highways to the sound of David Bowie and Abba (an eclectic mix no doubt) with minimal sound distortion. Although cabin wind is significantly reduced, I wouldn't go so far as to say that if I let my long blonde hair dance freely in the wind, I wouldn't come out knot and tangle free! But on a good hair day, I would just keep the top up.

Both the GX and GS trim comes with a black vinyl soft-folding convertible top, whereas the GT trim comes with a beige or black cloth top. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)
Speaking of the top, the MX-5 sports an even easier to use convertible roof. Instead of the traditional two latches, one at each end of the front windshield, there is but one latch located in the middle that allows the driver, with a push and a pull, to quickly drop the top down. And what about the dreaded tonneau cover that no one uses anyway? Well, that's gone too because now the drop top covers what would otherwise be open space when lowered, snapping into place. Sometimes, mind you, it requires an extra push to fully click in. In addition, both the GX and GS trim comes with a black vinyl soft-folding convertible top, whereas the GT trim comes with a beige or black cloth top. And how easy is it to put back up? Even though I've been hitting the gym and working my pipes I am still not able to lift the top up without physically getting out of the car. Oh well, topless it is.

Now that I'm on the topic of taking things off, it's a perfect segue to talk about the oh-so-important weight issue. And of course, weight is the natural predator any sports car. Shedding the pounds where possible was part of Mazda's 'gram strategy,' enabling them to cut not only kilograms, but grams off of various areas. And with the help of better and newer technology, Mazda has developed a system of welding
The MX-5 is only 4.5 kilograms (10 pounds) heavier than the second generation Miata. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)
steel and aluminum, a process that previously was very difficult to do. Mazda engineers now have 20 patents pending for this innovative technology.

A couple of rather ordinary examples of where the weight loss has occurred are in the trunklid--by using aluminum, 2 kilograms (4.8 pounds) were saved, and by using an aluminum block engine, 19.1 kilograms (41.2 pounds) were saved. On a smaller scale, the rearview mirror had its weight reduced by 84 grams (3.0 ounces) just by using an alternative material. Here's the real kicker, even with the longer wheelbase and bigger engine, the MX-5 is only 4.5 kilograms (10 pounds) heavier than the second generation Miata.

There are only 3,500 Limited Edition MX-5s distributed worldwide, and I had the chance to drive 0072. (Photo: Alexandra Straub,Canadian Auto Press)
Impressive as the facts and details are about the new MX-5, the driving experience is hands down fantastic. From the moment I dropped the clutch on the 6-speed manual transmission, to the last turn of the driver's route, it was sheer fun. Mazda provided me with two top-of-the-line testers, my first being the 3rd Generation Limited model, which retails at an MSRP of $34,495 and includes such amenities as its exclusive Velocity Red Mica exterior colour, unique 17" alloy wheels, a premium Bose audio system with 7-speakers including 2 tweeters with AudioPilot noise compensation technology, silver-trimmed windshield frame, heated red leather seats and more. There are only 3,500 units distributed worldwide for this edition, and I had the chance to drive 0072, although production model 0001 was on display. What a treat.

Although the 3rd Generation Limited comes with exclusive features, each trim level of MX-5, and there are 3 including GX, GS and GT, comes with the same rip-roaring, highly-responsive front-mounted MZR, 2.0L, 16-valve, DOHC I-4 engine that produces 170 horsepower at 6,700 rpm and 140 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm, and sends the power down to the rear wheels. The shift from a 1.8L to a 2.0L engine boosts output by 28 horsepower and increases torque by 15 lb-ft. The base GX model comes with a 5-speed manual transmission (the other 2 trims offer standard 6-speed manuals,
The shift from a 1.8L to a 2.0L engine boosts output from 142 to 170 horsepower. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)
including the Limited), or an optional 6-speed automatic transmission ($1,200). The GT trim also offers a 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters for an additional $1,255.

As much as I like the option of having and automatic transmission, it's the 6-speed manual all the way for me baby. The clutch pedal is ideally placed allowing for precise and quick heel-and-toe shifting. It also moves in and out fluidly, and isn't so sporty that it's stiff as a board, and the gear ratios are close, again allowing for quick shifts -- the leather-wrapped shift knob is a nice touch too. And along with that is a leather-wrapped 3-spoke steering wheel offered in all trim levels, therefore life in the fast land couldn't be more comfortable.

Handling is a very strong key point of the MX-5 and has been through the Miata generations. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)
Coasting along at highway speeds is smooth as silk due to the fully independent front suspension, with double wishbones and coil springs, plus the nimble rear multi-link setup with coil springs. And getting to highway speeds takes only a matter of seconds, with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h needing 8.0 in the 5-speed manual transmission car and 7.5 seconds with the 6-speed manual, allowing for a top speed of 205 km/h and 206 km/h respectively.

Handling is also a very strong key point of the MX-5, and has been through the Miata generations as well. The rack-and-pinion steering system, with engine rpm sensing variable power assist, allowed me to take tighter turns with great speed and precision. There is also no torque steer when accelerating quickly, another added bonus of its rear-drive layout. A set of 205/45R17 performance radial tires were fitted to both my GT and Limited testers, making the ground-hugging lightweight roadster grip the dry pavement excellently.

Base price of the GX model starts at $27, 995 and the top GT model cashes in at an MSRP of $33, 995. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)
When highway coasting turns into city traffic, the improved 4-wheel disc braking system houses greater linearity, quicker response and better controllability. ABS is standard on the GS and GT trims, but unfortunately not available on the GX. Again, benefiting higher cars, Mazda has added such features like limited slip differential (LSD) and dynamic stability control (DSC) with traction control to the GS trim.

It's hard to see how this award-winning roadster could get any better, but its affordable price makes sure it does. Base sticker on the GX model starts at $27,995, and the top GT model will take $33,995 of your hard earned cash. The very limited 3rd Generation isonly priced at $34,995, which makes this exclusive model quite enticing, although all trim levels offer a competitive price for loads of fun.

It's easy to see why the former Miata has won over so many hearts and paved the path for other great roadsters. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)
After driving a number of previous generation Miatas I never found it difficult to understand why the car won over so many hearts, and in so doing paved the path for other great roadsters such as the BMW Z3 and Mercedes-Benz SLK. The new MX-5, however, is that much better than the Miata. Its nimble handling and smooth riding suspension, combined with a lightweight body structure and drivetrain, not to mention its finely tuned exhaust note, blat out a successful snarl with every blip of the throttle. The new model continues the down the path its cute little predecessor initiated, delivering what might be the most performance any sports car offers in its down to earth price range. Long live the MX-5.

Specifications:

Price (estimated base MSRP): $27,995 - $34,495
Body Type: 2-door convertible
Layout: front engine, RWD
Engine: 170 hp, 140 lb-ft of torque, 2.0L, 16-valve, DOHC I-4
Transmission: 5-spd manual (GX) or 6-spd manual (GS, GT)
Optional Transmission: 6-spd auto
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 8.0 seconds (GX) 7.5 seconds (GS, GT)
Top speed (GX/GS, GT): 205/206 km/h (128 mph)
Dimensions (L/W/H/WB): 3,990 / 1,720 / 1,245 / 2,330 mm (156.8 / 67.7 / 49.0 / 91.7 in)
Curb Weight (min-max): 1,108 - 1,147 kg (2,659-2753 lbs)
Seating Capacity: 2
Major Competitors: Audi TT Roadster, BMW Z4 2.5i, Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible, MINI Cooper S Convertible, Pontiac Solstice, Saturn Sky, Volkswagen New Beetle Cabrio 1.8T
Website:www.mazda.ca