By RICHARD WILLIAMSON
Scripps Howard News ServiceIn the process of classifying cars, we really need a special category for models like the Mazda MX-5.
Let's call them "Super-Cute."
The segment would include adorables such as the Smart For2, the Mini Cooper, the Honda S2000 and the Volkswagen New Beetle, all favored for their lovability over their functionality.
The MX-5, also known as the Miata, probably did more to revive this category than any surviving model. Introduced in 1989, the Miata made an absolutely dazzling impression on the automotive market for a number of reasons.
First, the rounded roadster was more fun to drive than just about anything else on a paved surface. The short-throw stick was pure joy. Downshifting and accelerating into a turn was exhilarating. And the 4-cylinder engine went easy on the fuel. You could drop Miata's simple ragtop with one twist of a lever and a one-handed push into the boot without leaving the driver's seat.
It hearkened to the glory days of British roadsters like the MG Midget and Triumph TR3. Unlike those legends, the Miata offered Japanese reliability for more carefree motoring.
And the Miata was very affordable. Mazda could have made this its technology show car and charged near-luxury prices. But they wisely kept the window sticker within reach of the young enthusiasts.
Twenty years after its introduction, the MX-5 Miata remains true to its origins: as adorable, if not more so, than the original. After more than 850,000 sales, the MX-5 holds the title of most popular two-seat convertible sports car in the world, according to the Guiness Book of World Records.
Today, you can buy Miata with a power hard-top, but the simplicity of the ragtop is still hard to resist. You like to think of this car as a pet that is simple and easy to understand.
For the 2010 model, Mazda has made some subtle changes while maintaining the look of the original.
Sold in three trim levels, the MX-5 is priced from $22,810 for the Sport trim with five-speed stick to $27,510 for the Grand Touring version with six-speed automatic transmission. The mid-level Touring version with the six-speed manual transmission is priced at $25,150. The automatic costs just $100 more.
Mazda's guiding theme in crafting the MX-5 remains "oneness of horse and rider," an apt description of how the car performs. The driver feels totally in command and quite comfortable, especially with the top down. The low center of gravity and short wheelbase adds an extra thrill in passing or cornering.
Though the 167-horsepower, 4-cylinder engine might not look that impressive on paper, it is almost perfectly matched to a car weighing just a ton and a quarter. The rear-drive roadster covers 21 city miles and 28 on the highway per gallon for an annual fuel bill of $1,751.
The aluminum-block engine is mounted front mid-ship, for better balance and nimbleness. The engine breathes through 16 valves activated by chain-driven double-overhead camshafts. Variable intake valve timing improves low-end torque and high-end power.
The MX-5's face consists of a five-point grille and sculpted triangular fog lamp bezels that are meant to look "aggressive," as in an "aggressive beagle."
The top remains utterly simple to operate, sans snaps or external latches. The Z-fold design uses a simple, central latch handle.
To keep up with rivals, Mazda introduced its Power Retractable Hard Top model in 2007. The folded roof drops into the same storage well behind the seats where the soft top would be stowed.
At 12 seconds, the opening time for the automated hardtop beats every rival in the industry, according to Mazda.
Designers wisely maintained a simple interior as befits a retro model such as the MX-5. The black center stack is functional and easy to understand. An arched hood over the instrument cluster and four circular vents are similarly intuitive.
To reduce buffeting from the wind, small quarter windows block drafts between the windshield pillars and door mirrors into the cockpit. A perforated aero board between the seat back hoops slows the air flow air through the cockpit.
The cuter the car, the more fun you can have with the paint palette. Check out the Competition Yellow exterior with a black top. You can also have Stormy Blue Mica, Liquid Silver Metallic, Brilliant Black Clearcoat or True Blue. For some reason, Mazda dropped Marble White, which was one of my favorite colors.
WHAT'S NEW: Tweaks for 2010.
PLUSES: Fun to drive, fuel efficient, great styling.
MINUSES: Capacity.
BOTTOM LINE: A legend in its own time.
E-mail Richard Williamson at motorfriend@sbcglobal.net
