Short Take Road Test
Mazda’s top-down toy hits 2009 with subtle changes to its face, engine, and suspension, all of which adds up to make our perennial 10Bester even more appealing. Most notable, however, are sharper angles up front that mimic the RX-8, which shares much of its platform with the MX-5 Miata, and the new, wide-mouth Mazda 3. Rocker-panel cladding carries the theme to the rear, where you’ll also find new taillights.
A Willing Partner
In an effort to reduce pitching and rolling and sharpen steering responses, Mazda revised the Miata’s shock and spring rates. The stability control system has been reprogrammed to be less meddlesome, and the six-speed manual transmission has upgraded carbon-coated synchronizers for smoother shifting.
Under the hood, the 167-hp (158 with the six-speed automatic transmission), 2.0-liter MZR four-cylinder has a new oil cooler, a new forged steel crank and connecting rods, new pistons with stronger wrist pins, and stouter valve springs. The revised hardware allows Mazda to raise the 2.0’s redline by 500 rpm, to 7200. Changes to the intake ducting return some of the sexier engine sounds of the original Miata.
Always Fun
The little roadster remains one of the most entertaining cars to drive at any price. Light, agile, and always ready for a frolic, the Miata feels much quicker than it looks on paper with its 6.9-second 0-to-60-mph dashes. The higher redline allows you to hold gears longer between corners, and the gearbox now accepts quicker shifts and the suspension tuning supplies even more directional control and less understeer.
Indeed, the chassis changes combined with the optional $500 Sport package (Bilstein shocks, limited-slip differential) diminish understeer and give the MX-5 the lift-throttle rotation it lacked before. The 2009 Miata actually breaks away from the back end now—as is proper for a rear-drive car—and despite its relatively low power, we burned up a set of tires effortlessly drifting the MX-5 around a track. The only noticeable drawback to the package is slightly diminished ride quality on the highway. It’s hard to believe, but Mazda made a near-perfect pleasure machine even better.
Poise Trumps Power
Is it worth trading in your old Miata for the 2009? If you like the new face, definitely. Base prices are up about $1100, to $22,420 for the base SV model. The power-retractable hardtop version remains in the lineup, starting at $26,060. Our well-equipped Grand Touring softtop started at $27,020 and finished at $29,170 with the Sport and $1650 Premium packs. The droptop Pontiac Solstice/Saturn Sky remain its only real competitors. And although we have found much to like about the much heavier and less practical GM cars—especially the power in the turbocharged Solstice GXP/Sky Red Line—we’ve always preferred the Miata and its more rewarding dynamics.
