The sport cloth covered seats hold the occupants in place as though it was a vacuum effect. Lateral support duties are shared with the door panel and the tunnel mounted floor console. The comfort level is good even on long trips although forget about stretching your legs.

As far as the controls for the accessories are concerned, unlike the exterior shape of the Miata, some of them are clearly from another time. The power-mirror adjuster is identical to the one that was found in my 1985 626 LX, which debuted in 1983. The Miata's gauges could not be any simpler and effective. The audio and climate switches are also of great straightforwardness. Fit and finish are very good.

The hand-powered soft top is light and easy to manipulate. Two latches need to be released et voila, the sky is the limit. It is actually possible to have a semi-normal level conversation in the car while cruising with the roof down.

Technical

As mentioned, the base engine is a DOHC 1.8L 4-cylinder that develops 142 hp at 7 000 rpm and 125 lb/ft at 5 000 rpm. The Miata Mazdaspeed, the performance model, features a turbocharged 1.8L I-4 cylinder that puts out 178 hp at 6 000 rpm and 166 lb/ft of torque at 4 500 rpm. Maximum boost is set at a conservative 8.5 psi. I would certainly like to experience what 11 or 12 psi could do... Transmission choices vary between a 5-speed and a 6-speed manual (6-speed standard with Mazdaspeed) and a 4-speed automatic. The Miata is a RWD vehicle, has 4-wheel disc brakes and a fully independent suspension coupled to Bilstein shocks. The engine-speed variable assist steering requires only 2.3 turns from lock to lock. The Mazdaspeed includes a strut tower brace, 17" Racinghart alloy wheels, red-painted stabilizer bars and silver painted callipers. A Bosch rear locking differential and subtle front and rear skirts and deck lid spoiler complete the package.

On the road

The shifter has short tight mechanical feeling throws and the gearing is perfectly spaced for optimal acceleration. The brakes are quite strong and the pedal provides plenty of feedback. Repeated hard stops in a series of chicanes with elevation changes did nothing to the braking performance as fade never occurred.

The IHI turbo builds pressure leisurely up to around 3 500 rpm when the boost kicks in. Its 178 hp are served through a kick in the pants that many will appreciate. First gear is short. If you are taking off hard from a standstill, do not be surprised if you find yourself bouncing off the limiter once the turbo has spooled up. It is possible to upshift well into the powerband every time and manage a mid to high 6 second 0-100 km/h time.

The car's dynamics are tuned for a sporty ride that allows for tons of grip in curves. Over rough surfaces, the Miata will bounce and jerk only a little but it is the price to pay for such a nimble car. From memory, I do not recall that 16" wheel equipped cars had a smoother ride. Traction from the P205/40R17 Toyo Proxes R28 tires is immense. No amount of clutch and throttle manipulation will get the tires to spin more than a second or so. This car is a natural born switchback killer.

Like a sculptor carving their favourite shape, the Miata cuts its path along the road. There is no hesitation, no delay when the steering wheel is moved. Instinctively and instantly, the Mazda's chassis responds and heads in the precise desired direction. The car gives the impression that it has been forged from a single piece of steel as the rear end follows predictably and faithfully to any input from the driver.