Tuesday, September 3, 2013
2006 Mazda MX 5 review
The 2006 Mazda MX-5 is a 2-door, 2-passenger convertible sports car, available in 6 trims, ranging from the Club Spec to the 3rd Generation Limited.
Upon introduction, the Club Spec is equipped with a standard 2.0-liter, I4, 170-horsepower engine that achieves 25-mpg in the city and 30-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard. The 3rd Generation Limited is equipped with a standard 2.0-liter, I4, 170-horsepower engine that achieves 24-mpg in the city and 30-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard.
The 2006 Mazda MX-5 is redesigned for 2006.
In the Drivers Seat
The new MX-5 interior has been improved nicely, with completely redesigned seats for better comfort and support, bottle holders in the doors, plenty of storage (even in this small a car), and some trick new features worthy of show and tell. First is the improvement in the roof operation. The top is now a Z-fold design, and has only one latch to lock in place. If you remember the old dual-latch design, we spent more time cursing it because it rarely latched correctly the first time. What a huge improvement. Plus, its a one-handed operation to raise and lower.
When you drop the roof, just push down on the top to lock it into place. No boot needed. Slick. The second cool feature is the Advance Key design that, unlike some of the bulkier keyless start systems, is the size and shape of a credit card, and easily fits in a pocket or purse. As long as the key is in proximity of the vehicle, just grab the ignition switch and turn on the MX-5. The shift knob remains compact and fits perfectly in the palm of your hand. This is one of those areas that Mazda designers attribute to their Kansei approach, where its about how the car feels in your hands... its a more emotional than strictly cold engineering level at which this car plays.
On the Road
What we love—and have always loved—about this car is its perfect balance. Another concept followed by the MX-5 Miatas creators is Jinba Ittai, which translates as: the rider and horse as one. Thats exactly how the new MX-5 feels. On the road it becomes an extension of the driver. You feel like a fighter pilot wearing a high-tech helmet that points the jet where you look. Its perfectly set up to take any corner without drama, no matter what the speed, and the shifts on the standard 5-speed manual are smooth, with direct, precise and short throws that never require more than a flick of your wrist to execute.
(Two other transmissions are available: a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters.)
The 2.0-liter engine now makes 170 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque, both up from the second-generation version. These numbers wont peel asphalt, but that was never the intention of the Mazda engineers. Its more about creating that perfect balance of the driver and the car. Frankly, for those of us who are true enthusiasts, this kind of driving is more enjoyable than screaming down the highway in a sedan with obscene performance specs that work great in a straight line but make your hair change color in the turns.
Sport vs Touring
Pros: great blend of comfort, milage and performence! ride not as brutal as sport. paddle shift a blast.
Cons: hard to keep under 90mph. why 4 cup holders???
If youre looking for a roadser that works as a every day car and tears up the twisting roads, this model is the one! the six speed auto/manual paddle shifter will make you forget all about a stick shift. Leave it in auto and let it do the work, (it down shifts too!) or choose manual and tear it up with the paddles, floor shift or combination of both simultainiously.
The great ride lets you explore the side roads all day without punishing your kidneys like the sport I test drove can. bottom line? if you want to stomp everyone at the autocross on the weekend, buy the club or sport model and park it during the week. If youre looking for simular performance in a great touring package you can drive all week, get a touring and get it all! Oh, did I mention the great break on insurance you get with an (automatic) sports car?
