Home » Car Reviews » Mazda » Mazda MX-5 Miata » 2006 Mazda Miata MX-5 Compact Sports Car
2006 Mazda Miata MX-5 Compact Sports Car
…Continued
SAFETY
The MX-5 may be economical, but it doesn’t skimp where it counts, like in the safety department. Mazda’s Advanced Restraint System (MARS) includes a plethora of features that combine for a much safer ride. Dual front airbags are complimented by dual side airbags that provide torso and head coverage in the event of an accident. There’s a passenger deactivation switch for the front airbag, important for those with babies on board or those who often drive alone.
A tire puncture repair kit comes standard, as well.
The Antilock Braking System (ABS) includes four-wheel disc brakes (the front are ventilated; back are solid). It’s also equipped with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), which provides appropriate braking power to the wheels depending on a variety of measurements like wheel rotation, speed and direction. It also helps distribute the total braking power effectively to every wheel. No brake pumping necessary.
The three-point safety belts have pretensioners and force limiters to keep occupants in place for proper airbag deployment. Outside the passenger cabin, side-impact door beams absorb much of a collision’s energy. These lessen the severity of the crash and the likelihood of serious injuries to occupants.
Every MX-5 also comes with an engine immobilizer â€' to literally stop thieves in their tracks â€' although a more extensive anti-theft system can be added as part of a package for the Grand Touring edition. Also optional are run-flat tires with a tire pressure monitoring system, and a trunk light.
Warning lamps abound, letting the driver know if there’s a problem with any of the following: airbags, battery, brakes, engine, low fuel, high-beams, low oil or seat belt.
And if you can manage to get yourself inside the trunk â€' into which Mazda claims one can fit a whole golf bag â€' there’s an emergency release inside. Hey; in today’s world, you never know what could happen.
RIDE/HANDLING
Living up to and surpassing its already stellar reputation as the world’s favorite little sports car, the MX-5 has improved its acceleration and braking capabilities for 2006.
Suspension comes in the form of double-wish bone in the front and multi-link in the rear. Upgrading to the special suspension package â€' which is sport-tuned with Bilstein shocks and limited slip differential â€' on the Grand Touring model will slightly reduce the ride quality. But those who go for this package are most likely not too worried about a cushy ride, anyhow.
Overall, the features, along with the high-quality ride and handling, make this a tough car to beat in its price range. The wider wheels wells and bigger tires are a huge improvement on an already-amazing car.
The ride in the MX-5 (minus that sport suspension system) is smooth, yet with good road feel, driving like it’s painted to the road. It turns easily, and its suspension is stiff enough to handle tight turns but is not so stiff that it shakes the driver’s fillings loose around every curve.
A tremendously powerful little sports car, this is where the buck stops for those who love to tear around winding roads â€' which perhaps explains the huge number of Miatas we’ve seen flying around Malibu’s mountains in the last decade.
The gearbox is smooth and quick, as well, on-par with Honda as one of the best 5- or 6-speed four-cylinder engines around. Acceleration and the exhaust really define the 2006 MX-5 in terms of how much fun it is to drive. The exhaust sounds a bit contrived to some, but for us, it only enhanced the experience â€' it IS a sports car, after all, so why not make it sound like one?
As for wind noise, remember â€' a convertible top makes it seriously hard to maintain a quiet ride. With the top down, however, the rear mesh aero wind-blocker creates a cabin-sized space where conversations can be held at a normal decibel. And while the top comes down smoothly, getting it back up can be a slight problem â€'but nothing a little practice can’t fix.
Our main gripe is that, when full, the two cupholders impede the driver’s ability to shift smoothly. We wouldn’t be surprised to see this changed in the future. But few among us would allow drinks in a new car, anyway.
Where else can you find such a thrilling ride for well under $25,000?
