2006 Mazda MX-5 Road Test

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.