New and improved! Now with more testosterone! |
| (Photo: Philippe Champoux, Auto123.com) |
Automotive journalists have always loved Mazda's MX-5 Miata. A lightweight, rear-wheel drive car was pretty rare in the nineties, and I can't help thinking that all the newer roadsters launched by other manufacturers in the last few years were all inspired by the MX-5's success.
Yet, during the whole week I drove this little roadster, people would invariably answer: "That's a girl car."
I guess some Mazda engineers were hearing the same thing, because the newly-redesigned
2006 MX-5 (don't say Miata anymore) sports some changes that make it more, well, more manly.
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| (Photo: Philippe Champoux, Auto123.com) |
First and foremost, it now has 170 horsepower, thanks to a 2.0-liter engine. That's 28 more ponies than last year's model, which improves acceleration times and overall performance. Handling is improved, and 17-inch wheels are now standard equipment on all models except the GX. And for the ladies, Mazda has thrown in a 6-speed automatic in place of the old 4-speed, which should improve engine response and improve fuel economy.
Although you won't mistake this car for anything else than an MX-5, the new sheetmetal is more masculine than before, with bulging wheel arches, clear-lens taillamps, dual exhaust tips, and oval headlights. It now looks more aggressive than elegant.
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| (Photo: Philippe Champoux, Auto123.com) |
Driving the MX-5 is slightly more fun than--dare I say it?--the [link artid="49729"]RX-8[/link]. Not that Mazda's other sports car isn't worthy (it is), but the MX-5 is lighter and has a more down-to-basics personality.
Fuel economy is much better also, as I averaged 10.5 L/100 km with the pedal to the metal.
The car is powerful, but not too much; you can deactivate the stability control with a switch on the dash and get some extra entertainment by sliding out the rear end in sharp corners. Try that in a BMW M Roadster, and you'll soil your pants (as I almost did when I tried it). Rear-wheel drive is fun in the summer, but less so in the dead of winter, so when there's snow on the ground, you'd better keep the DSC functional. By the way, the DSC is standard on the mid-level GS and Limited models, and
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| (Photo: Philippe Champoux, Auto123.com) |
optional on this GT test car. If you're looking to purchase an MX-5 but are afraid of the snowy season, you should skip the base GX model, as stability control is a worthwhile feature to have.
The GT Performance package includes a limited-slip differential, the aforementioned DSC, and a sport suspension with Bilstein shocks. The handling of the car is mighty impressive, yet the ride wasn't stiff like I expected it to be.
