|
Walkaround
The current Miata looks just like every other Miata built since 1989, save for subtle changes to the optional alloy wheels and some minor revisions inside. It remains cheeky and chunky, with only a few details--the pop-up headlamps for example, a throwback to the days before flush-fitting lamps were feasible--to date it. But never mind; a simple, direct design carries its age well, and the Miata has lost none of its appeal. It looks like fun even when it's sitting still, and fun is precisely what it delivers.Some convertibles lose a good bit of their attractiveness when the top is up; the Miata doesn't. Nor does appearance suffer with the base steel wheels. The only way to make a Miata unattractive is to dent it or add aftermarket body kits that detract from its uncomplicated lines. One drawback: The truncated tail means minimal trunk space. Miata's driver and a companion had best be prepared to travel light. Miata is a one-model offering that can be personalized with options packages. The Popular Equipment Package brings aluminum wheels, limited-slip differential, power steering, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power windows/mirrors/door locks and antenna, cruise control and headrest-mounted radio speakers on board. The Leather Package, which adorned our test car, does the same, while adding hide-trimmed seats (tan only, with a matching tan top). Mazda also does a special edition Miata each year with special paint and various goodies, but these cross the $25,000 frontier. Serious--as in racing-minded--owners can order the R Package, which consists of limited-slip diff, aluminum wheels, air ducts for the front brakes and Bilstein shock absorbers, plus modest side sill extensions and a small rear spoiler. While the spoiler doesn't really add anything to performance, the rest of this equipment does, something the Miata R demonstrates weekend after summer weekend in Sports Car Club of America amateur racing events. Every Miata we've sampled has displayed better-than-average attention to details. Paint is smooth and consistent, gaps between panels are even and narrow, and materials inside and out are of good quality. The only complaint we've heard in this area has to do with the plastic rear window in the convertible top, which in some cases deteriorates rapidly. Careful handling and regular cleaning will help a lot.
Interior Features
Space for two, and hold the frills. The Miata cockpit is attractive, well-finished, and somewhat on the minimalist side, with simple controls, easy-to-read gauges, and two comfortable seats (which could use a little more side support) dominating. One caveat on the seats: While they're fine for short jaunts, they become a little tiring when trips extend beyond, say, 100 miles or so. Cars like this aren't designed for coast-to-coast blitzes; they invite short blasts on country backroads, punctuated by respites at country inns and antique shops. Even with the top up, the cozy Miata will carry two full-grown adults, depending on just how full-grown they are. Individuals with personal dimensions that run north of 6 ft. are likely to find themselves a little short on leg room. Appearance-wise, the Miata interior is decidedly retro. The instruments--a complete array that includes speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, coolant temp., oil pressure and voltmeter--look as if they'd been removed from a classic British sports car, although they differ in one important respect: They work, consistently and accurately. The cowled pod arching over the instruments softens the yesteryear appearance some, but not too much. And if the steering wheel didn't have an airbag stuffed into its hub, it too would probably continue the classic design theme. Which is all to the good. In base form, the Miata is better-equipped than almost any sports car from the past, sporting a passenger side airbag (in addition to the driver's bag) plus an AM/FM radio. Air conditioning is optional; lowering the top for fresh air is free. The manual top, by the way, is a marvel of well-executed basic design, and far easier to operate than the tops that covered Austin-Healeys and the like. When up, it keeps the interior dry and draft-free; when stowed, it hides under a soft removable cover. Raising and lowering is a matter of two simple latches and a flick of the wrists, a task the driver can perform one-handed. A removable plastic hard top is optional.
|
Add your own review or comments
