2006 Mazda MX-5 Preview

Melding Kinba Ittai with Zoom Zoom

"Kinba Ittai" (say gin-buy ee-tie) - get used to hearing this Japanese phrase a lot, as it encapsulates the purpose and existence of the Mazda MX-5 (Miata). Since day one, Mazda has taken this philosophy - of horse and rider as one - to heart, instilling it in every element of the vehicles design.

From powerplant to driver seating position to chassis, Kinba Ittai is what has helped the Miata become what it is today - the worlds best selling roadster (according to the Guinness Book of World Records). Sixteen years after the cars debut at the Chicago Motor Show in 1989, the third generation MX-5 has arrived.

Its kind of hard to imagine what the sports car scene would be today without the MX-5. Just after it debuted

Sixteen years after the cars debut at the Chicago Motor Show in 1989, the third generation MX-5 has arrived. (Photo: Mazda Motor of America)

there was an explosion of small, two-seat convertibles, such as the BMW Z3, now the Z4, the Porsche Boxster and Mercedes-Benz SLK. Even Chrysler and Nissan have jumped into the roadster fray, with the Crossfire and 350Z drop-tops. While the new MX-5 doesnt aim to out-gun these machines, at least the more expensive lot, it has its fair share of competition from vehicles such as the entry-level 150-horsepower Audi TT Roadster, MG TF (both unavailable in America),

The more mature MX-5 is prepared to tackle the new crop of opposition, and the road ahead. (Photo: Mazda Motor of America)

the Toyota MR2 Spyder (soon to be discontinued), the Mini Cooper S Convertible, and perhaps its biggest threat, the upcoming Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky, the former priced at with a sticker starting at just under $20,000. But nevertheless, the more mature MX-5 is prepared to tackle the opposition, and the road ahead.

In many respects, the MX-5 is a pillar in Mazdas history. Its significance is so great that the car represents Mazda as a whole, a fun to drive brand that doesnt bend to fads and

The MX-5s significance is so great that the car represents Mazda as a whole, a fun to drive brand that doesnt bend to fads and trends. (Photo: Mazda Motor of America)

trends. Throughout its past generations, the pint-sized sportster has been a constant, a steadfast beacon, even in times of financial despair. With that said, the new car carries its own unique styling cues which are very different from Mazdas other passenger cars, the 3, 5, and 6, all of which were designed to entrench the Mazda brand name with the mainstream car buyers. The new version, penned by British designer Moray Callum, shows the same classic "Coke bottle" shape transformed into a more muscular and modern design.

Its not hard to see that

Its not hard to see that the MX-5s design was inspired by the Ibuki concept which was first shown at the 2003 Tokyo Motor Show. (Photo: Mazda Motor of America)

the MX-5s design was inspired by the Ibuki concept which was first shown at the 2003 Tokyo Motor Show, having donated many of its eye-catching features, particularly evident in the cars front end. The perfectly rounded nose, with its gaping oval grille, aggressively shaped headlamps and near flat hood, give the MX-5 the poise and pose its always deserved, while pumped wheel arches on crease-free fenders add substance to the cars hips.

Twin cannon-style exhaust pipes and new 17-inch alloy wheels with 205/45 sport tires give the impression that the new car is stronger, leaner and faster than ever. Mazda has also revised the soft-top

Aside from its more mature appearance, the little roadster has also grown up physically. (Photo: Mazda Motor of America)

folding roof mechanism to include a glass rear window and a single-clasp latch for one-handed operation. Mind you, these details have all been grafted onto a body which closely follows the original proportions of the MX-5, a two-seat convertible that balances engine, drivetrain and passengers without wasting space.

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