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Text by Dubspeed Media Staff, Zerin Dube
Photos by Matt Chow and Zerin Dube

In 1989, Mazda took America by storm with the introduction of the brand-new 1990 MX-5 Miata. The Miata filled a void in America’s car market for a simple, classic, 2-seat roadster that had been empty since the 1980 demise of MGB. Mazda’s formula for the Miata was as simple as the car itself - that less was more. Give the public a true sports car in classic roadster format, and make it affordable. With a 1990 base price of $13,800, the MX-5 Miata became an instant success.

1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata

The 1990 Miata was a very simple car. It was tiny, and things like power steering and air conditioning were optional. It wasn’t fast (The original engine was a 1.6 liter making 116 hp), and it wasn’t practical, but it was almost universally accepted as being an absolute blast to drive. The Miata was basically a DOT and EPA certified Go-kart for the streets. The Miata had only the basics you needed in a sports car, without any of the fluff that added weight and cost. The Miata was a hit with journalists and most importantly the public; so it wasn’t a surprise that Mazda has sold over 350,000 units in North America since its introduction.

2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Over the years, the Miata has seen its share of changes. It has put on a few pounds, but has also gained more horsepower, driver aids, luxuries and other niceties. One thing has always remained the same since the original Miata was introduced though: the Miata has always been simple, and it has always been a blast to drive.

2006 Mazda MX-5

Mazda once again took the world’s automotive enthusiasts’ breath away by unveiling the 3rd generation of the MX-5 at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show. Yes, that’s just MX-5 and nothing more. For some reason that still escapes me, Mazda has thrown away all brand equity established with the Miata moniker, and is calling the new model simply “MX-5.” Try as they may to shed the Miata name - it isn’t working. Everyone that saw our test car still called it the “new Miata”. Yet the name change is probably the least important change about the 2006 MX-5.

Mazda engineers had a challenge when designing the 3rd generation MX-5. They had to build a car from the ground up that still embodied the spirit and soul of the original MX-5 Miata. Nothing has been carried over from the old car except part of the name. When I say from the ground up, I mean literally from the ground up. Mazda invoked the design philosophy of Jinba Ittai, or the oneness and harmony between man and machine. Well, the engineers did a great job using this philosophy because the new MX-5 is easily some of the most fun I’ve EVER had in a street-legal car. The 2006 MX-5 is faster, bigger, better handling, and better looking than its predecessors, yet still retains the classic look and feel of the original.

Design

2006 Mazda MX-5

One of the biggest complaints I had about the old Miata was that the styling was not edgy enough. It looked good, but the MX-5 Miata earned a reputation of being a “chick” car because of how “cute” it was. For 2006, the MX-5 has shed that reputation by adding a much more masculine look to the car.

Gone is the Coke-bottle shaped body, replaced by a new oval shape in which the cockpit is the widest area of the car. The 3rd generation MX-5 is 1.8 inches longer, .7 inches taller, and the wheelbase has been increased by 2.5 inches. That extra 2.5 inches goes a long way on the interior the MX-5, as tall drivers can actually fit comfortably in the seats. For example, one of our staffers is 6’4”, and can’t fit into a Honda S2000, but fits comfortably in the MX-5.

Taking styling cues from the Mazda RX-8, the 3rd generation MX-5 utilizes boldly sculpted fenders in the front and rear to emphasize that it is a true sports car. Unlike the RX-8 however, the front fenders actually look like they flow with the car, and were not an afterthought. These flares, combined with the “power bulge” on the hood make the MX-5 look very aggressive, masculine, and shed any notion of the MX-5 being a “chick” car. Our test car also came with the standard 17” sport alloy wheels, which look great and really compliment the lines of the car.

2006 Mazda MX-5

At the rear of the car, the new taillamps carry over the clear look first seen in the RX-8, but still retain the classic elliptical shape and feel of the original Miata. I’ve never been particularly fond of the clear taillamp trend on any car, and though they look decent, I think a more traditional red-lensed taillamp would make the MX-5 a little less boy-racerish.

The convertible top is an all-new design as well. Our MX-5 “Sport” trim test car came equipped with a vinyl top and standard rear glass window. The new Z-fold manual roof design makes putting the top up and down a breeze. To put the top down, simply press the release button, unfold a single latch, and push the top down. There is no need for a separate tonneau cover, as Mazda engineers have designed the top to blend smoothly with the body when down. To pull the top back up, pop a single release on the rear center console, and pull the top back up. Fasten the single latch to lock it in place, and you are done. Basically, it probably will take you longer to read this paragraph than it did for me to put the top up or down in the MX-5.

Interior

2006 Mazda MX-5

Once in the driver’s seat of the MX-5 with the top down, I felt like I was driving a much larger car than I actually was. The interior is a straightforward T-design with the center console at arms’ level next to you, and the gauge cluster and center stack directly across the front, with a piano black painted belt line. Interior materials have improved, using high-grade soft touch plastics on the dash, and much better looking plastics on the door panels and console.

2006 Mazda MX-5

The gauge cluster is very easy to read and houses the tach, speedometer, water temp, fuel gauge, and oil pressure readings. Numbers are easy to read in any lighting condition, even when the sun is coming down directly behind you. The center stack is simple, and houses the radio and climate control system. The controls for both systems are clearly labeled and easy to use. The steering wheel houses volume and seek controls for the radio, and is very nice to have. Power window controls are located in the center console, along with a pair of cupholders.

2006 Mazda MX-5

Because I’m 5’8”, I had no problems fitting into the MX-5, old or new, but taller persons will appreciate the increase in size of the MX-5. Legroom has been improved by 0.4 inches, and headroom has been increased by 0.3 inches. For the first time in a MX-5, Mazda has also added a tilt steering wheel, which adds 1.3” of vertical movement. Additionally, Mazda has managed to squeeze an extra 2 inches of fore-aft seating adjustment over the previous MX-5 Miata. I had several friends ranging from 6’0” to 6’5” sit in the MX-5, none of which could really sit comfortably in the old generations. All except the tallest said that the seating position was comfortable, and that they had plenty of room to manipulate the pedals without banging their knees against the steering wheel or door covers.

2006 Mazda MX-5

Wind noise is minimal even with the top down at highway speeds. You can listen to the radio at reasonable volumes, and even talk to the person next to you without having to scream. Mazda engineers did a great job of keeping the wind in my hair without messing it up. It’s a good thing too since I drove with the top down even on windy 55-degree days.

Overall, Mazda did a great job with the interior of the MX-5, but I do have a few complaints. First off, I wish that the seats had controls for height adjustment. Shorter folks like myself will find themselves struggling to get a comfortable seating position, while being able to comfortably see out the front window. After a little tweaking and adjusting, I was able to get comfortable, but a simple height adjustment lever would take care of that.

Secondly, the cupholders in the door look like a good idea on paper, but are useless at anything besides holding a cell phone or jabbing you in the leg. I found myself rethinking the way I sat in the MX-5 just so my calves weren’t in harms way. And don’t even think about putting a can of soda more than half full in those cupholders or you will have one sticky mess to clean up after some spirited driving. There are already two cupholders in the center console, why do we need four? The car only seats two people!

Last but not least, the Piano Black finish on the belt line looks GREAT….so long as you can keep from scratching it. With only 2,000 miles on our test car, the piano black trim already had hairline scratch marks all over it. Owners of these cars will need to be extra careful of how they clean this area, so as not to scratch it.

On the Road

2006 Mazda MX-5

Okay, so the MX-5 isn’t about cupholders, fancy trim or power bulges…it’s about the driving experience. As I said earlier, the MX-5 is some of THE most fun I’ve ever had behind the wheel of a car. I found any excuse I could think of to hit the road and drive the MX-5, and each time it put a smile on my face not unlike that of the guy in those Enzyte commercials. Never before has a sub $25,000 car made me enjoy driving this much.

2006 Mazda MX-5

Powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 170hp and 140lb/ft of torque, the MX-5 is a rocket. The MX-5’s curb weight is an anorexic 2,498lbs. Together with the close ratio gearbox and lightweight flywheel, the car screams. Although the engine loves to be revved high and set free, it is happy accelerating from any speed at any RPM. Gear shifts are short and precise with just a hint of being notchy during fast shifts. This car was meant to be driven to its limits but watch out. The engine makes such a nice sound that I found myself driving faster than normal just to hear the wonderful sound of the engine and exhaust. In fact, I was pulled over by a Texas state trooper for the first time in 5 years in this car. You know what though? It was worth it.

In the corners, the MX-5 is just simply brilliant. Though the MX-5 is just 22 pounds heavier than its predecessor, Mazda managed to increase bending rigidity by 22% and torsional rigidity by 47%! Equipped with the optional sport package, our test car came with upgraded Bilstein shock absorbers, a limited-slip differential, and front strut tower bar, the MX-5 was ready for the corners. This sport package is a must-have for all enthusiasts, and is a complete bargain at $500.

2006 Mazda MX-5

Turn-in was sharp, and the MX-5 stuck to the pavement with very little argument thanks to the Michelin Pilot Precedas on all four corners. Handling remained neutral through the curves, but oversteer was very easy to induce by mashing the throttle mid-corner. Even though the MX-5 has quite a bit of body roll, the car never felt out of control as the MX-5 gave quite a bit of feedback, and was easily adjusted even mid-corner. My one complaint about the MX-5’s handling is that it seemed to get upset fairly easily by grooves or bumps in the road. You have to be awake while driving this car.

The Verdict

2006 Mazda MX-5

I love the new MX-5. In fact, with the exception of the four items I noted about the car, I love everything about this car. While the MX-5 isn’t exactly practical as a primary car if you have a family, that isn’t its purpose in life. The MX-5 is meant to be a fun car that knows what it’s built to do, and does it well. It’s simple, its quick, it handles like a baby Lotus Elise for nearly half the price, and it looks great. It is no wonder the MX-5 was named the 2006 Japanese Car of the Year.

If you are a car enthusiast, you NEED to go test drive a MX-5. Even if you can’t buy one, you need to feel what a proper sports car feels like. You need to see that inexpensive no longer means boring. You need to see that peak horsepower isn’t everything. You need to see that less is more. With what I think is a bargain price as-tested of $23,500, you might even find yourself checking to see if you can fit a second car in your garage. It has been a month since I last drove the MX-5, and I still get a grin just thinking about it.