Posted: Saturday, November 5, 2005.

Mazda MX-5: Still Quick and Nimble

By Ed Kemper
Honolulu, Hawaii
Courtesy of Cutter Mazda Ala Moana

In a rather odd marketing move, the Miata name is placed after the less exciting and unmemorable moniker of MX-5 — but no one is not going to recognize it as anything other than a Miata.

Although nothing is shared from the second-generation version, the styling reeks Miata. Sure the bulges here and there are changed and dimensions moved around, but the flavor is clearly and intentionally still there. The most obvious change is the fender flairs with the flatness around each wheel arch much like the RX-8.

In order to make the interior more user friendly for 6 footers and such, the wheelbase and length grow about 2 inches, width almost an inch and a half, and finally height .7 of an inch. The end result is more head and foot room to make the interior more inviting, particularly when the top is up.

But do not fear that the "Miata" characteristics of lightweight and nimbleness are lost in this redo. Mazda, by measuring every gram, was able to save weight in many areas even with the exterior dimensions growing. In a word, the weight from the 2005 model to the 2006 is within a few pounds of each other.

Adding to the fun factor is a stouter engine. A hopped up 2-liter motor from the Mazda3 churns out 170 hp compared to the previous generation’s 142 from a 1.8 liter 4 cylinder. Transmissions come in the form a standard 5-speed stick, an optional 6-speed stick and a new 6-speed automatic from the RX-8. When equipped with the latter, paddle shifters are found behind the steering wheel.

Great attention regarding this upgrade was paid to handling. The engine was moved back and lowered in the chassis to maintain the 50/50 front to rear ideal weight distribution ratio. Further, the rear suspension received some RX-8 type upgrades.

More Than A Name
To try this third generation sports car icon, a Grand Touring model was the Wheels test unit. The Grand Touring package adds leather seats, among many other features over the standard MX-5. The only option added was a suspension package (cheap at $500), which included sports tuning, a limited slip differential, and Bilstien shocks. The sticker price for Grand Touring model is $24,435. Interestingly, the base MX-5 starts at $20,995, which is about $1,600 less than the 2005 unit.

There is no question that the interior not only feels but also simply looks more spacious inside. Your 6 foot, one inch test driver had no problem fitting into the driver’s seat with the top up and generally feeling comfortable.

Besides the generally roomier feel, the interior appointments, particularly with leather everywhere, are very handsome. Some of the design features from other Mazda's appear in this version, including the red coloring of the gauges and various dials in the center stereo/CD cluster. Also, added this time around is the mandatory plastic/metallic look around the gauges, steering wheel, and door panels.

In keeping with the "small is better" MX-5 theme, the various dials, buttons and controls are not quite miniature but definitely petite. Nevertheless, all are easy to locate and use including the cruise and stereo buttons on the tilt steering wheel.

Since storage is at a premium, Mazda has tried adding beyond a glove compartment. Between the seats and up above the center console is a lockable storage unit.

The center console is made of a hard plastic with power window buttons and a covered puka for cupholders, supplemented by a cupholder in each door.

Autocross Special
In a word, the high back seats are made for holding — they are bolstered in every way possible to keep the occupants in place. The stubby gearshift lever falls right to hand with short precise throws but with a little notchy feeling to it. Clutch feel is very light with good sensitivity.

The somewhat larger engine has more torque at the low end compared to the previous edition. Although not a super quiet powerplant, the four-cylinder unit is reasonably smooth. In the upper rpm range, the motor comes to life and propels the car right along. Expect a 0-60 time in the mid six second range. Even in sixth gear around town the car had some ump to it.

Steering is lightning quick and precise as they come — all you need to do is think turn and the MX-5 is there. Likewise corners can be taken with abandonment particularly with the sports suspension. The trade off though is that the suspension does not leave any road imperfections to the imagination. This does not mean that the ride is forever jarring; it just means rough surfaces are just felt.

With the body reinforced over the 2005 model, there is little cowl or body shake under any circumstances. With the top up, the interior is reasonably quiet for a sports car.

Topless
Top down cruising has been simplified for 2006. In the top, center of the windshield a single large lever is pulled down, and the driver simply pushes the top back and it folds flat and even with the body — thus no need for a cover. Even better, the top locks into place in the down position, and another lever is used to unlock it.

Putting the top up can be managed from a sitting position with a little practice and the right leverage, but the small and weaker will have to exit the vehicle and pull up while standing outside.

With the top down, a small window buffer can be erected between the passengers. With that and the small triangle of the glass after the windshield, the wind swirl inside the cabin is kept to a minimum even at some speed.

Not surprisingly, the trunk, to state it generously, is small. The opening to the trunk is likewise undersized. Do not think about suitcases, just think of hauling items in flexible containers and you get the idea of the size and shape of the trunk. Fortunately, the opening of the lid, at least on this model, can be achieved with the remote, a key, or a button on the dash.

Final Lap
Round three of the "Miata" saga is better than the first two. The interior, besides simply looking better, has grown to handle the large among us. Power is up and the price is down, under a slightly different name. No matter what the name, however, the new Mazda model is still a great example of a true small and nimble sports car.

Q&A
Q: In a moment of panic your driver could not open the fuel filler cap when the MX-5 was almost out of gas. By opening the trunk a fellow passenger was able to push a lever manually and open the fuel cap door. How are you supposed to open it?

A: After some searching we found the lever on the inside of the car that remotely opens the fuel door cap. It was in the lockage compartment between the seats and above center console.

High Beams
• Still maintains the Miata tradition of excellent sports car characteristics.
• Better looking and roomier interior helps for the large driver.
• Top operation even better than before.

Low Beams
• Is the styling change different enough to attractive buyers to a better car?

– Ed Kemper is the auto columnist for the Honolulu Star Bulletin and MidWeek, the Weekend. He also hosts Wheels Hawaii TV on Oceanic Cable-Channel 16 in Hawaii, which is shown on Wednesday at 12:30 PM, Thursday at 1:00 PM and 5 PM, Friday at 10:30 PM and 9:30 PM, and Saturday at 9:30 AM and 4:00 PM.

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