2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata Review (continued)
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Walkaround

The Miata took on a more aggressive look last year, with a new front fascia, and a grille opening that adopted the corporate five-point shape. Headlights were made larger with projector beams and multi-surface reflectors. The taillights were redesigned as well and echoed the appearance of the headlights. In spite of these changes, the Miata remains a classic-looking roadster. Its appearance has not changed for 2002.

Interior Features

The Miata seats two in a cockpit reminiscent of the British roadsters of the 1950s and 1960s. It feels snug to folks over six feet tall, and those who sit tall in the saddle are likely to find the top brushing against their hair. But it's perfect for people of standard or smaller stature. The bucket seats are comfortable and supportive. The mirrors are bigger and more effective than those found in BMW's more expensive Z3. The trunk is tiny, but you can wedge in a couple of golf bags, or enough luggage for a weekend excursion.

Mazda upgraded Miata's interior trim last year, and switched to the white-faced gauges that have been in vogue lately. The driver's footrest was improved, and door trim was revised, with chrome door handles for the LS. High-back bucket seats can be covered in black cloth (base) or tan leather (LS). A center console hides covered cup holders and relocated power window switches.

For 2002, the Titanium Gray SE model comes with a deep saddle brown leather faced interior and door panels. The Blazing Yellow SE has, for the first time in the Miata's 13-year history, a black leather interior. The seats on the black leather SE carry the Miata logo embroidered into the seat back.

In spite of the upgrades, the Miata's cockpit remains traditional and familiar. After years of big, padded four-spoke steering wheels, the new leather-wrapped Nardi is a refreshing reminder of the three-spoke steering wheels of old. Besides lending a spiffy appearance, it affords a good view of the tachometer and speedometer.

The top couldn't work any easier; with just one hand you can drop it into the well behind the seats. A glass rear window complete with an electric defogger is standard, and preferable to the plastic window that would get crinkled when someone forgot to unzip it. A boot covers the folded top for an improved appearance, but isn't necessary. Just make sure you flip the latches down after dropping the top or you'll look like a Miata newcomer. An optional Windblocker is designed to keep cabin turbulence to a minimum when the top is down. You still get wind in your hair, but without having your hair stand straight up.

Like all convertibles, the Miata is a little noisy inside. When the tires pick up sand or small rocks, you hear the debris hit the fender wells. But the exhaust sounds great, and the rest is all part of the traditional sports-car experience. If extended Interstate droning is on the menu, the Miata is far from ideal. Like its British ancestors, the Miata is designed for driving fun, as distinct from mere transportation. The destination is unimportant; getting there is everything. Viewed from this perspective, the Miata is just about perfect.