REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

The good old days

The Miata has definitely changed since its introduction in 1989. Seen straight on, the little Japanese model still has the same smiling face, the primary attraction for more than 500,000 consumers worldwide. Its eyelids don’t close anymore, but as compensation, its headlights seem to glow happily, much like the eyes of the owners who enjoy driving it in the heat of heady summer nights.With no additional usable space to offer, the Miata now bills itself as a model capable of accommodating two golf bags (but you’d better not be a PGA player!). To make the trunk roomier, Mazda has positioned the emergency tire and battery a bit deeper.

The tachometer and speedometer have lost their silver housing but have adopted a more modern look that’s easy to admire while gazing through the nice little steering wheel designed by Nardi (in genuine wood, just like gearshift knob and the hand brake). The radio is located in the upper portion of the centre console, relegating the air conditioning system and its new and more practical controls to the middle portion. Immediately in front of the gear shift lever is a lock used to deactivate the passenger-side air bag if you happen to be traveling with someone younger than 12 years old up front.

Since the Miata is available with leather upholstery, it’s too bad that seats aren’t heated – a feature that’s particularly important and highly appreciated for drivers who take to the roads even if it’s winter. In the same vein of thought, the steering wheel doesn’t tilt, seats come with a minimum of adjustment possibilities (and a lack of support), cup holders are positioned very oddly on the centre console and  you have to raise the armrest to use them, and the soft-top housing seems to be quite fragile, besides calling for relatively skilled handling if you have big hands. When the top is up, side supports hinder visibility and force drivers to be extra careful when overtaking other vehicles and the opaque windshield perimeter may provide sturdiness, but it restricts the field of vision on tight corners.The Miata ’ s engine boasts 142 horses and is linked to a 5-speeds transmission ( 6-speed optionnal ). Handling proves to be a bit tricky since it ’ s easy to confuse the third and fifth gears. By reducing engine and consequently noise levels, the efficient 6-speed gear box makes it not only possible for the engine to work at higher rpms, but it also results in better pick-up, although acceleration times remain unchanged. Automatic transmission is available as an option but despite past improvements, Mazda doesn’t expect it to be very popular with customers. In fact, only a half-dozen "automatic" Miatas were sold on the entire Canadian market last year.

In addition to letting you enjoy the sunshine, the Miata is fun to drive – especially on secondary roads, where its driveability is at its very best. Peppy and agile, the Miata has no qualms about behaving like exactly what it is, a toy. The ideal weight allocation (50% toward the front and 50% toward the back) gives it neutral handling and encourages sporty driving styles. The quick, direct and responsive steering system lets you correct rear-end slippage effectively and spells precision on tight corners. In fact, road conditions are the only negative of this otherwise superbe convertible, whose overly firm suspension will make you feel each bump without the slightest filtering.

The braking system, backed by ABS brakes (standard only on the top-of-the-line version) are efficient, but the pedal on the test model we drove lacked firmness. You can’t have everything! Beautiful in its simplicity, fun to drive, capable of exciting performance levels, the Miata is a perfect choice for anyone who wants to enjoy the thrill of riding in the wind without the hassle of begging for a banker’s indulgence.

PROS
Cute appearance
Reliability
Sporty behaviour

CONS
Lack of storage spaces
Cramped interior
Precarious visibility

CRASH TEST (five stars indicate the best protection)
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Passenger: * * *