2006 MAZDA MX-5. Interior and trunk

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Sheena Burke
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2006 MAZDA MX-5 For this third-generation, two-person convertible, Mazda decided to drop Miata and keep only MX-5, which has always been part of the name but was never used.

1 2006 MAZDA MX-5 For this third-generation, two-person convertible, Mazda decided to drop Miata and keep only MX-5, which has always been part of the name but was never used. The new MX-5 has been completely revamped and despite the more rigid, reinforced welded unibody (22% more flexurally rigid and 47% more torsionally rigid) for increased safety as well as a larger engine, the MX-5 weighs only 10 kg more than the previous model. The new version is 4 cm longer and wider and 1.5 cm higher than its predecessor, with a 6.5 cm longer wheelbase. Interior and trunk As with most convertibles, access is less than spectacular, particularly for taller persons. The seats are comfortable but not exceptionally so, especially for heavier persons as the cushions are thin. What s more, there is no adjustable lumbar support and the seats are slightly too narrow for persons with a larger build. Foot and legroom is lacking on the passenger side. Each door has a cup holder that may get in the way of the occupant s outside leg. The driving position is very good thanks, finally, to the tilting steering wheel. The vehicle s increased width adds some comfort for persons with a larger build. The increased height also means that a taller person s head doesn t rise above the windshield as much. However, with the top down, the roof crossbar touches their head. Trunk space has increased 4% compared to the last generation thanks to a lower floor made possible by replacing the spare tire with a tire repair kit. Despite the changes, cargo space is limited and the opening is narrow. Photo: Mazda

2 Convenience and safety The finish is excellent and the materials of good quality. With the roof in place, soundproofing is decent for this type of vehicle, and there is good storage space with a receptacle behind each seat. The sun visors are fixed and cannot be moved to the side, which is far from practical. The instruments and controls are well placed, but many are not lit at night, including the mirror and door-lock controls. The turn signals are inaudible. The air conditioner is effective and features a 25 speed fan. There is a ventilation system mode that blows air on the legs is practical for very hot days. Also, the roof is easy to manipulate and locks in place once it is folded. For safety, the MX-5 has dual front air bags, two lateral air bags for the GT, two head restraints that are unfortunately not high enough for taller persons good headlights, and disc brakes with ABS, except in the GX. Of course, with the top up, visibility is very limited to the rear corners. At all times, the interior mirror creates a blind spot diagonally to the right. Engine and transmission The new 4 cylinder 2.0 litre engine puts out 166 horsepower (163 with the automatic transmission) and 140 pounds of torque. It accelerates well and pickup is a bit livelier than before. The relatively generous torque yields a smooth driving experience, as it enables the car to run as low as 1,500 rpm in third gear with no problem. The engine runs smoothly, revs up easily, and is more pleasant than its predecessor. It meets the LEV II (Low Emissions Vehicle) standard and runs on premium gas. The new six-speed manual transmission is easier to manipulate than the previous model, especially the last two gears. The spacing between gears is good, except that sixth gear revs the engine at least 500 rpm too high. With the relatively high torque, the engine could turn at 1,000 rpm less with no problem, which would reduce fuel consumption and noise. If the trouble is taken to provide six speeds, the sixth should be more of an overdrive than it is at present. The clutch is firm to the point of being a bit stiff. On the road The four-wheel independent suspension offers two kinds of shock absorbers: regular and performance. With the performance package including firmer Bilstein shocks it was very bumpy on uneven surfaces, if not jarring. The vehicle also deviated easily from its course, even on the straightaway, thus

3 reducing driving pleasure on bumpy winding roads. So, the ride is smooth only on an even surface. With the regular shocks, bumps are absorbed better, and the vehicle has less trouble staying the course on an uneven surface. Also, the ride is more comfortable. To provide ideal, 50/50 weight distribution, the engineers moved the engine 13.5 cm to the rear and the gas tank and battery forward. By lowering the gas tank and tilting the top of the radiator forward, the designers lowered the centre of gravity. All this makes for excellent, almost neutral handling and less skidding in the rear when driving on an even surface with the performance package. The power steering is well calibrated, stable, precise, and very quick. It gives some road feel, but we would expect more from such a sporty vehicle. The turning radius is tight. The four disc brakes are powerful, tough, and smooth. A once-over at a CAA-Quebec Technical Verification Centre revealed the MX-5 is a well-built car with a solid underbody that is well protected against rust. However, under the front bumper, there is a large opening where objects could enter and damage the condenser and air conditioning system. The paint on our test vehicle was a bit thin. The camshafts are chain-driven. Conclusion The Miata sorry, the MX-5 is still the benchmark for driving pleasure and overall consistency in its category. With its larger interior, mighty powertrain, and well-balanced handling less with the Bilstein shocks this convertible has come of age beautifully. Moreover, the 2007 model comes with a retractable hardtop. PROS: engine; pleasing manual transmission; precise, quick steering; handling; pleasure to drive; roof design. CONS: non-lit controls, small trunk, 6th speed revs the engine too fast (manual transmission), interior mirror creates a blind spot, large opening under front bumper, fixed sun visors.

4 2006 MAZDA MX-5 Engine: 16-valve, 2.0-litre 4-cylinder Horsepower: 166 hp at 6700 rpm (163 with automatic transmission) Torque: 140 lb-ft at 5000 rpm Transmission: 5 or 6-speed manual; 6-speed automatic Suspension: fully independent Brakes: disc/disc Wheelbase: 233 cm Length: 399 cm Width: 172 cm Height: cm Weight: 1,108 to 1,147 kg Tires: 205/50R16; 205/45R17 Maximum towing capacity: forbidden Airbags: dual front. Two side airbags in GT Fuel consumption with 6-speed manual transmission: Transport Canada rating: City 9.7 L/100 km (29 mpg) Highway 7.2 L/100 km (39 mpg) Test result: 8.3 L/100 km (33 mpg) Test temperature: 15 0 C to 28 0 C Fuel tank capacity: 48 litres Fuel requirement: premium grade Acceleration: km/h: 8.4 seconds km/h: 5.1 seconds Competition: Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder, Pontiac Solstice, Saturn Sky Warranty: Full basic coverage: 3 years/80,000 km Powertrain: 5 years/100,000 km Surface corrosion: 3 years/80,000 km Perforation damage: 5 years/unlimited km Emissions control system: 3 years/80,000 km (full coverage); 8 years/128,000 km (catalytic converter, electronic control module, onboard diagnostic system).

5 Factory replacement parts: Rear bumper: $733 Front brake disc: $91 Brake pads: $76 Muffler: $487 Front fender: $174 Average insurance premium (Quebec City, replacement cost endorsement, claim-free insurance record, male or female driver 30 to 40 years old): $1,072 to $2,046 Price according to trim level: GX: $27,995 GS: $30,995 GT: $33,995 Limited Edition: $34,495 Main options: Air conditioning: $1,000 (GX and GS) Automatic transmission: $1,200 ($1,255: GT) Performance package: $1,355 Removable hard roof: $1,815 Price as tested: $35,350 Freight and preparation: $1,225 Dealers: Quebec: 53 Canada: 159 August All rights reserved, CAA-Quebec.

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