2006 Mazda MX-5 GT Road Test

(Photo: Philippe Champoux, Auto123.com)

Inside, you're greeted by a simple and functional cockpit. The small dimensions of the car ensure that every control is easily within reach, except the one to unlock the fuel door, which is lodged in a compartment between the seats. The shifter and clutch work extremely well together, and the driving position is pretty good for a small car. The sound system is top-notch, which is typical in a Mazda, but it can't read MP3 files unless you shell out over $800 for a CD changer, which is also typical in a Mazda.

The top takes about two seconds to lower; unfasten a latch on the headliner, give the top a good swing backwards, and it locks into place right behind the seats. Putting the top back up requires you to twist your arm back to grasp one of the top's handles, but takes about the same time to raise back up. When it is up, however, taller people will rub their heads on a thin steel bar that's part of the mechanism. I'm about 5'10", and I fit just fine.

You can't really go on weekend getaways in this car, because there's not much storage room in this car. I'm not a golfer, but you can squeeze that all-important golf bag in the trunk, and that's about it. In addition, the engine and wind noise on the highway gets a little annoying.

(Photo: Philippe Champoux, Auto123.com)

Base price for the MX-5 GT is $33,995. Add the GT Performance package ($1,355), and you're looking at a $35,350 car. For that price, you can almost step up to a base RX-8, which is more powerful and more practical. You can also get a 260-hp Pontiac Solstice GXP for about $500 less, and the Saturn Sky Red Line more expensive by about $2,500.

Pricing has not yet been announced, but the 2007 MX-5 will be available with a power retractable hard top, which should please those who prefer having a better-sealing top and better sound isolation. The MX-5 PRHT will cost an additional $2,195 over the ragtop model, but according to Mazda, it will only add about 36 kg (80 lbs) to the weight of the car.

(Photo: Philippe Champoux, Auto123.com)

The 2006 Mazda MX-5 is an entertaining little roadster that sacrifices practicality for driving pleasure. It's a little expensive for Sunday-morning blasts through the countryside, and the recent arrival of similarly-priced competition will give Mazda a small headache. And, although the MX-5 is more masculine than before, guys will still have to put up with their buddies saying they're driving a girl's car. Those fools don't know what they're missing.

What I like:
Fun to drive
More powerful engine
Muscular new looks

What I don't like:
Practicality next to nonexistent
Noisy on the highway
Price climbs rapidly with options