Cars Service

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?

Overview

Its the most eagerly awaited new Ford since the Focus - and with sales of large family cars in freefall, its crucial to the firms success. The all-new S-MAX is the blue ovals practical vision of the future, and promises a fun driving experience and a flexible seven-seat cabin, wrapped up in a sporty body. On sale in June, the new MPV will be priced from £16,995. Its more costly than the traditional Mondeo, but is it really as good as it sounds? Auto Express got behind the wheel to find out.

Based on the daring SAV concept - which debuted at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show - the S-MAX features bold lights, a steeply slanting screen and rakish profile. As a result, it is the sportiest-looking MPV yet launched.



The styling also disguises the cars size. Longer than the current Galaxy, its only 50mm shorter than the forthcoming model - which Auto Express drove last week (issue 904). The two cars share suspension and chassis components, which will also be used to underpin an all-new Mondeo.

IN THE CABIN

Behind the wheel

The S-Maxs driving position is lower than many MPVs; its a matter of personal taste whether this suits you or not. Either way, the seats and steering wheel have plenty of adjustment, and the dash is clearly laid out and places everything in easy reach. Visibility – as with most MPVs – is compromised slightly by the four front pillars.

Space & practicality

The S-Maxs ample headroom and legroom mean that five people can sit in comfort. Access to the rear seats is good and kids will be happy there, but the low-slung seating position means adults wont relish long journeys. The five rear seats fold flat rather than lift out, and when used as a five-seater theres a huge, well shaped boot. Even with all seven seats in use, theres still space for a couple of bags.

Equipment

Every S-Max comes stuffed with airbags – there are front and side airbags for the two front seats, while window airbags cover the front two rows. Theres also an airbag next to the steering column to protect the drivers knee. Anti-lock brakes are standard, but stability control is expected to be a cost option on most models. An alarm and deadlocks are fitted to all models.

ON THE ROAD

Performance

The S-Max has two petrol engines (a 143bhp 2.0-litre unit and a 217bhp turbocharged 2.5-litre motor), and two turbodiesels (a 123bhp 1.8-litre and 138bhp 2.0-litre). So far, weve only driven the 2.5-litre petrol, which uses a version of the Focus STs engine. Our experience of the 2.0-litre diesel in the new Galaxy suggests its a good performer.


Ride & handling

Ford reckons the S-Max is an MPV for those that enjoy driving. We agree; informative steering, plenty of grip and good body control make it surprisingly sharp on twisty roads, although 2.0-litre diesel versions have a less involving steering system. When family duties take priority, the suspension is supple enough to provide good comfort.

Refinement

Although the S-Maxs large glass area creates more wind noise than many saloon rivals, it does a great job of shutting out road and suspension noise, so its an impressively quiet cruiser. Weve yet to drive all variants, but we can confirm that the 2.5-litre petrol engine is exceptionally quiet, with just a cultured rumble when extended.

Quality & reliability

The S-Maxs interior design is more conventional than rivals such as the Citroen C8 and Renault Espace, but its stylish, solidly built and there are plenty of appealing, soft-touch materials on the top of the dash and doors. Lower down and further back the plastics arent as attractive, however.

Safety & security

Every S-Max comes stuffed with airbags – there are front and side airbags for the two front seats, while window airbags cover the front two rows. Theres also an airbag next to the steering column to protect the drivers knee. Anti-lock brakes are standard, but stability control is expected to be a cost option on most models. An alarm and deadlocks are fitted to all models.

A rolling stone gathers no moss. Trite, but true, especially when it comes to BMW. Just two years after launching the redesigned BMW 5-Series, Germanys purveyor of ultimate driving machines debuts new inline six-cylinder engines, a new all-wheel-drive system, and a new station wagon variant of the 5-Series for 2005.

BMWs new family of inline six-cylinder engines supplies more power, greater efficiency, and lower mass than ever before. BMW 525i models receive a new 218-horsepower, 2.5-liter inline six that cranks out 184 lb.-ft. of torque between 2,750 and 4,250 rpm. BMW 530i models get a 258-horse motor displacing 3.0 liters and developing 221 lb.-ft. of torque between 2,500 and 4,000 rpm. Thanks to engine blocks constructed of aluminum and magnesium, these new engines are also lighter than before, helping to reduce curb weight. In fact, BMW claims that they are the lightest vehicles in their class.



Patented, Devine Handling, How Do They Do That?

Hey this is a BMW dude, who cares about recalls or minor glitches with the iDrive. Fix it and go drive. I dont understand people who complain about reliability when we are talking about THE BMW. Its all about the joy of driving. Feeling that perfectly tuned suspension through your tactile senses in your fingure tips. When I drive this car I can practically sense the tires scrubbing the tarmac and that gives me so much confidence.

I just know that this suspension so finely tuned that I can go fast around corners. Bad driver? No worries mate. Its got stability control, so if you make a misstake the vehicle will automatically throttle back, brake, and even counter steer for you. Howzat? But if you are a good driver like I am, I suggest you get the stability control turned off.

Reason being, the stability control is tuned for bad drivers and so it is very conservative in the speed it will let you attain. And so if you are good, with the stability control off you can truely experience the handling limits of this vehicle. In other words, with stability control on, it will simply not let you go fast. That explains why I see so many other BMW drivers driving so slow. Oh, and make sure you get the 3.0 liter engine. 2.5 is just pathetic. 3.o is still kinda small for its class and heft but, as explained the handing is so good you can make up for that in corner speed. And I mean even in rain or snow.

THE ULTIMATE HANDLING MACHINE

Not sure why, but ever since the rear end got redesigned all the CAR magazines think that my beLUVed Beamer is no longer the "ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE." I cannot understand. Maybe its the active steering, that helps bad drivers counter steer when they dont know how. Kinda scarry to think that a machine could steer for you. How does it know which way to REALLY steer? Maybe its the cost cutting iDrive. Perhaps the styling? Wait, cant be, that has nothing to do with HANDLING nor PERFORMANCE. Well the small outdated engine could be the problem. Anyway, I dont care what anybody says, I LOVE my BMW, it is no question the "Ulitmate Driving Machine." I think. Yeah, even my friends who know nothing about cars know that BMW is the "ULTIMATE HANDLING MACHINE." There you go. The proof.


Precise Steering at High Speeds, Even in Rain

You cannot begin a conversation about a BMW with out mentioning its sharp European handling. No other car can match its cornering ability. A few other German cars come close, but thats about it. It really bothers me to hear people complain about the new styling. The handling is still pure BMW and thats all that matters. And those who whine about the iDrive simply dont get it. This is the ultimate handling machine and nothing else matters. One minor gripe would be that the engine lags technologically. Horse power and torque is kinda low compared to comparable displacement engines. But I digress, this car is not about the engine, it is all about suspension tuning.

Speed around corners, speed in lane changes is what counts. I can change lanes on a crowded highway super fast and the handling is so sharp that I dont need to use the turning signals. No need to bother because by the time you signal the lane change is over. Why bother? The weight balance is precisely 50 percent front and rear so you get extreme grip even in rain at high speeds. I can make lightning fast lane changes, cut and thrust, if you get my drift in crowded wet freeways.

2006 BMW 5-Series Preview

The new all-wheel-drive system that BMW is offering on both the 525xi and 530xi sedans and on the 530xi Touring wagon is an adaptation of the xDrive technology currently installed in the X3 and X5 sport-utes. BMW claims that xDrive is unlike any other all-wheel-drive system on the market because it redistributes engine power before the wheels begin to spin to foster traction, stability and agility. Weve had the chance to try several X3 and X5 models equipped with xDrive, and the system does react quickly.

Wagon variants are sold only as the 530xi Touring, meaning that they come standard with xDrive and the new 258-horsepower engine. Other goodies include Hill Descent Control, which automatically limits vehicle speed when traveling down steep and slippery hills, and adaptive headlights, which swivel with the steering to help illuminate around curves. A panoramic sunroof and a head-up display are also BMW 530xi hallmarks. Wider, longer, and taller than the 5-Series sedan, the new 5-Series Touring wagon adds a significant amount of cargo toting capability, able to schlep up to 56.5 cubic feet of stuff with the rear seat folded down.
Luxury car buyers always want the latest and greatest gadgets. With the new six-cylinder engines, xDrive all-wheel-drive, and Touring model that have been added to the 5-Series lineup for 2006, BMW clearly understands the mindset of the wealthy American consumer.

As the slogan says "The Ultimate Driving Machine"!

The reveiws that I have read DO NOT decribe the same 2006 BMW 5 Series that I am driving! Because this car is just plainly "SHARP"! The engine is small but what size engine are you looking for? This is partly why you get better gas miliage with this car then it previous model years. The inside is very nice and I have driven some top of the line cars. If the car was so bad then you are the fool! Because why would you spend that much money on a crappy car? I say it its a very much satisfying car all the way round!