2006 Mazda MX-5 Road Test

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.