Teresa’s View
The car that single-handedly kick-started the roadster revival is back — this time with a new name. Formerly known as Miata, the popular roadster is now called the MX-5, which is a bit like Prince changing his name to an unpronounceable symbol, but who asked me?
When it was introduced in 1989, the rear-wheel drive, two-seat convertible offered something other roadsters did not – reliability. But these are different times. New roadsters, like the Pontiac Solstice, are crowding the market and the Japanese-built sports car received a needed remake to stay current.
Mazda says that every part on the MX-5 is new for 2006. Although it still bears a strong resemblance to the previous model, the re-engineered MX-5 is larger and more powerful. Remarkably, it weights just 22 pounds more than the old Miata.
Equally remarkable, I had an unusually high number of errands to run during my week with the MX-5 — go figure.
I found the sporty little thing a pleasant daily driver and enthusiastic playmate. Power, delivered by a 2.0-liter inline-four cylinder engine, is instantly available for exhilarating starts off the line. The standard five-speed manual transmission sports precise, smooth shifts that are guaranteed to put a smile on your face. A new six-speed automatic with manual shift mode is a $1,000 option on the upper-level trims.
Inside the sophisticated cabin, the red glow of the aluminum gauges glints off the silver trim, illuminating the optional leather seats.
Bonus: Expect fuel economy of 25 mpg city and 30 highway for the manual version.
The convertible top still must be manually lowered and raised, but it’s an easy maneuver. When lowered, the top thoughtfully forms its own boot. My biggest peeve is that there is virtually no storage space inside the tiny cabin. With no room behind the seats and only a couple of mini storage cubbies, my passenger held my purse.
Finally, a word of caution, the MX-5 is still a small car designed for small people. Although the 2006 model is larger, 6-footers will feel cramped.
What Is It?: The MX-5 is a two-door, two-passenger roadster with a new look and a new name. Six trim levels are offered, including the Club Spec, Standard, Touring, Sport and Grand Touring. Prices start at $20K.
Gadget Rating: 7.7 out of 10. The base MX-5 includes air conditioning, glass rear window with defroster and power mirrors and windows. This year, the MX-5 gets a keyless start.
Favorite Feature: Audiophiles will love this — the Bose system equalizes the sound based on whether the top is up or down. The system even includes different settings depending on whether the MX-5’s interior includes leather or cloth seats.
Grocery Sack Test: It’s larger than the previous iteration, however the cargo area is still severely limited. Pack light if you’re taking her on a road trip.