What Is It?
2006 Mazda MX-5
What's Special About It?
Sixteen years ago the Mazda MX-5 Miata took the small sports car market by storm in an affordable package that was so compelling it required only one major update during the past decade and a half. But with a sales success of over 700,000 cars under its belt, Mazda is looking toward the 1 million mark with the third-generation, 2006 MX-5. For the sake of consistency within its lineup of cars named alphanumerically, Mazda has decided to drop the name Miata.
Although the MX-5 has undergone a substantial overhaul, dimensions have increased only slightly over the current model. The wheelbase is up the most (plus 2.6 inches) followed by the width (plus 1.6 inches), length and height (plus 0.8). Despite the larger size, Mazda claims that the curb weight has been reduced by 22 pounds.
A larger 2.0-liter four-cylinder with nearly 160 horses powers the MX-5, combined with two transmission offerings, a standard six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic with steering wheel-mounted shifting paddles. A stiffer unibody structure serves as the chassis foundation, with a double-wishbone suspension in front and multilink system in the rear. Larger front-brake rotors and 25-percent-stiffer calipers help extract optimal stopping distances from the four-wheel single-piston-caliper disc system.
Inside, drivers will appreciate the new adjustable steering wheel, fresh interior design and three distinctive trim packages. Also new is a set of two-stage side-impact airbags stowed inside each seat backrest.
What's Edmunds' Take?
The 2006 MX-5's numerous mechanical enhancements should add sheer driving delight to the little beauty's timeless charm. — Kelly Toepke
2006 Mazda MX-5
What's Special About It?
Sixteen years ago the Mazda MX-5 Miata took the small sports car market by storm in an affordable package that was so compelling it required only one major update during the past decade and a half. But with a sales success of over 700,000 cars under its belt, Mazda is looking toward the 1 million mark with the third-generation, 2006 MX-5. For the sake of consistency within its lineup of cars named alphanumerically, Mazda has decided to drop the name Miata.
Although the MX-5 has undergone a substantial overhaul, dimensions have increased only slightly over the current model. The wheelbase is up the most (plus 2.6 inches) followed by the width (plus 1.6 inches), length and height (plus 0.8). Despite the larger size, Mazda claims that the curb weight has been reduced by 22 pounds.
A larger 2.0-liter four-cylinder with nearly 160 horses powers the MX-5, combined with two transmission offerings, a standard six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic with steering wheel-mounted shifting paddles. A stiffer unibody structure serves as the chassis foundation, with a double-wishbone suspension in front and multilink system in the rear. Larger front-brake rotors and 25-percent-stiffer calipers help extract optimal stopping distances from the four-wheel single-piston-caliper disc system.
Inside, drivers will appreciate the new adjustable steering wheel, fresh interior design and three distinctive trim packages. Also new is a set of two-stage side-impact airbags stowed inside each seat backrest.
What's Edmunds' Take?
The 2006 MX-5's numerous mechanical enhancements should add sheer driving delight to the little beauty's timeless charm. — Kelly Toepke
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