General Introduction

Car companies tend to continually update their models. A sports car that has not seen an upgrade for at least 12 years deserves the right to be called as a traditional sports car. The Miata is anything and everything a classic sports car is all about, and many things the recently upgraded models never were. The Miata is affordable and simple, it is also absolutely reliable, what’s more is that it is fun to be driving one. These facts were not achieved by today’s powerful sport cars and high performing sedans. The Miata is not really that fast, nor is it particularly exotic. It also does not do a great emulation of the many great vehicles. However, the Miata rejoices the joy of simply moving around, a connection between humans and machines. Since it was introduced on 1989, Mazda has sold about half million Miatas. The car’s success inspired many imitations. The Miata however, stays the benchmark, because of its simplicity and outstanding handling.

Design

The 2002 Miata came in two brand new colors: Titanium Gray Metallic that has saddle brown seats made of leather, and Blazing Yellow Mica that has black seats of leather plus silver stitching and excellent embroidery. Headlights became larger accompanied with projector beams and reflectors that are multi-surface. The taillights were refined to echo the looks of the headlights. But still, despite of all these changes and upgrades, the Miata stays a classic-looking vehicle.

The Mazda MX5 can seat 2 in a cockpit. It is snug for tall passengers. It is ideal for people of standard and/or smaller frame. The bucket seats are very comfortable and are also very supportive. The mirrors were enlarged which in turn became more effective. The Mazda MX5 has a tiny trunk enough for small equipments. The footrest of the driver was improved; also, the door trim had a revised feel, having chrome door handles. Despite the many upgrades, the Miata's cockpit stayed traditional and familiar. The top works easily. Like all convertibles, the Mazda MX5 is a bit noisy in the inside. However, the exhaust sounds are great.

Engine

The Mazda Miata is an embodiment 50s sports car in spirit. This time though, the irritations that came with the MGs are gone. There would not be any oil stains or weekend wrenching. The throttle response is instant. The acceleration is fast, the exhaust is perfect for sports-car racing. The Mazda Miata is run by a small 1.8-liter engine. This does not give a lot of torque though. However, the engine loves to rev. Also there is lots of power to be had. Mazda also boosted the Mazda MX5’s compression rate to 10:1, and also added variable valve timing in order to increase horsepower. The increase is about 142 at 7000 rpm and a torque of 125 ft-lb at 5500. The vehicle’s torque swells throughout the range of the rev which affords better flexibility in driving. The exhaust system brings a feisty tenor growl to go along with the engine's much increased bite. The Mazda engine is not that smooth compared to a Honda's, but its ruggedness is somehow endearing.

Handling And Braking

Handling a Mazda MX5 is excellent. That is because it is excellently balanced. The gusset found at the transmission tunnel’s rear is widened. Behind the cockpit, reinforcements are added. The side sills are strengthened. All of these increase the chassis’ stiffness. These upgrades make the Mazda Miata a lot more secure and solid. The Mazda Miata rides like a traditional sports car. It shudders over bumps like an old MG. When you run over ripples in the pavement, you feel them. But like the noise, it's all part of the experience. Braking performance is also excellent. This is because the Mazda Miata is a light weight. You can get bigger disc brakes, a bigger master cylinder, a bigger brake booster, and high-friction brake pads. Anti-lock brakes are also available. The ABS aids the driver in maintaining steering control if emergency stops occur. The ABS comes with the Electronic Brakeforce Distribution System, also known as EBD. This changes the front to rear bias of brake depending on the load. EBD also reduces distances of stopping and enhances the car’s stability when subjected to hard braking.

What The Critics Say

The Mazda MX5, or the Mazda Miata is what you talk about when you say a classic sports car. Yes, it may not be as powerful and as fast as today’s new models but it is still one endearing vehicle. It provides a comfortable ride and smooth road transmission.