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2006 Mazda MX-5 Road Test

Long Live the Miata? Long Live the MX-5!

Its 6:50am and I have set my alarm clock a little earlier than usual - the usual being around 9:30am or so - because of one reason, I am stoked to be testing out a sweet new ride. Well technically, while its been updated from the ground up for 2006 its not new. Its been on the automotive market since 1989 and its iconic roadster status has been, and still is, recognized worldwide not only by the public, its drivers/owners and automotive industry leaders, but even by the Guinness book of world Records, citing it as the best-selling, two-seat roadster to date with over 700,000 units sold. Long live the Miata.

But officially, the "Miata" is no more, making way for its new MX-5 badging due to Mazdas shift towards using alphanumeric nomenclature; a shift that brings the roadsters

The "Miata" is no more, making way for its new MX-5. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

name into harmony with the current product lineup. Some might speculate the name change is an effort to shed its "chick car" persona, however, according to statistics, 64 percent of Miata, or I should now say MX-5 sales, are to men. How about that!

I should also mention that the 2006 MX-5 is all-new. It shares not a single part, piece or screw with the last two generations, and while it is influenced by the RX-8 to a considerable level, they too share no parts. A heavy rotary engine or any of its

Getting behind the wheel of the MX-5, its now even more comfortable than the outgoing Miata. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

plump parts have no place in a lightweight roadster. The weight issue is something Ill tackle in just a moment.

Before I delve into the nitty-gritty technical stuff, I mentioned above the word harmony when referring to the MX-5s name change. But harmony goes beyond the name. Based on the concept of "Jinba Ittai," a Japanese phrase which translates to "harmony of the horse and rider," or in this case, harmony of the car and driver, Mazda has gone to great lengths to create such an atmosphere with the MX-5 and its driver. And it worked. Getting

Wind turbulence throughout the cockpit has also been tampered with, for the better of course. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

behind the wheel of the MX-5 is even more comfortable than ever considering its wheelbase is 2.5 inches longer, the overall length and width grew by about 1.5 inches, interior room has increased from 46 to 50 cu-ft  and the car itself is 0.7 inches higher. In addition, the windshield angle has been positioned an additional 3-degrees in the upright direction by locating the bases 3.5 inches closer to the occupants, which causes an increase in outward visibility, ideal for picking the perfect apex of a corner, an experience enhanced by the cars wider stance. All in all, I never felt uncomfortable in the MX-5 because Im of average

At highway speeds, I was able to carry on a conversation with my driving partner quite comfortably. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

height and can pretty much fit into anything. My driving partner however, is over 6-feet tall and noted that he did have more room to move around in but still wasnt optimally comfortable.

Wind turbulence throughout the cockpit has also been tampered with, for the better of course. The small quarter windows block drafts between the windshield pillars and the door mirrors into the cockpit, while the newly designed aero board, located between the seatback hoops, has increased in height and is perforated to slow down reverse-flow air that rushes into the cockpit. Furthermore, the mesh construction aids in shedding the pounds off of this lightweight wonder.

At highway speeds, I found

Lower level models come with a black vinyl soft-folding convertible top, whereas the Grand Touring features a beige or black cloth top. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

that the relatively calm airflow through the cabin made it surprisingly easy to carry on a conversation with my driving partner - without every few words being "WHAT? CAN YOU SAY THAT AGAIN!"- and cruising along the winding highways to the sound of David Bowie and Abba (an eclectic mix no doubt) with minimal sound distortion. Although cabin wind is significantly reduced, I wouldnt go so far as to say that if I let my long blonde hair dance freely in the wind, I wouldnt come out knot and tangle free! But on a good hair day, I would just keep the top up.

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