Mazda's Miata celebrates its eighth birthday this year. In some ways though, it's still caught in a time warp. Styling cues of this dashing, two-seat, convertible haven't changed a whole lot since its early years. When Miata first motored onto the auto scene, it was a huge hit. Sales in its inaugural 1990 model year topped 36,000 units. Subsequent model year sales averaged about 20,000 units. Worldwide, more than 350,000 have been sold since its debut. The rear-drive Miata comes standard with such items as dual air bags, rack-and pinion steering, intermittent windshield wipers, five-speed manual transmission and reclining bucket seats. A DOHC, 1.8 liter, four cylinder engine cranks out 133 horsepower. It's the only powertrain offered. Base price starts at $19,125. With options including air conditioning ($900), carpeted floor mats ($80) and a $1,100 "touring package" (power steering/mirrors/window package), the bottom line totalled a respectable $21,655, including a $450 destination charge. Last year, BMW debuted its own two-seat convertible, the Z3, which bears a striking exterior resemblance to Miata. But the four-cylinder, South Carolina-built Z3's base price is almost $10,000 higher than Miatas. Mercedes-Benz began selling its new, well-equipped SLK two-door roadster (with fully automatic retracting hardtop and glass rear window) in February starting at $39,700. Miata also offers a "popular equipment package", which adds headrest speakers, power antenna and cruise control and a "leather package," featuring tan leather seats and interior trim. Anti lock brakes are available with these two trim packages. Inside, as with most-two-door roadsters, driver and passenger sit low to the ground. An in-line cup holder template situates between the two seats, and is removable for people who enjoy an extra storage tray over sipping beverages. Trunk and fuel release levers are found inside the center storage bin. Leg room is tight even with the seat moved all the way back. The big and tall crowd may find Miata's seating cramps their style. Fan speed controls from a rotary dial while direction and temperature monitors from a series of slide levers. The stereo situates below the rectangular climate control system. The two power window toggle levers are found in front of the center storage bin. Retractable hydraulic headlights monitor from the turn signal stalk. Our manually-operated canvas convertible folded up and down relatively easily. After unzipping the plastic rear window, latches near the sun visors must be disengaged before folding back the top. Miata is also available with a removable hardtop featuring an electronic rear widow defogger. Obviously, with the top down, drivers have clear views when switching lanes, but when the top goes up, drivers must take extra care to be wary of larger than average blind spots. With the top up, interior storage volume increases slightly behind the seats. The back storage shelf comes in handy because the trunk doesn't hold much. It's smaller than most compact sedan trunks. Handling is spirited, but bumps in the road feel bigger than their actual size. This is more notable now since pot hole season is upon us. The engine growl is noticeably loud while wind and road noises are also audible inside the cockpit. Mileage estimates check in at a respectable 23 miles per gallon city and 29 mpg highway. With 4,800 odometer miles, our test drive Miata registered 27 mpg in combined driving. The fuel tank holds 12.7 gallons of unleaded regular fuel. During the past eight years, top-down, two-seat competitors such as Toyota's MR2 and Nissan's 300ZX have left the United States market, leaving Miata sales room to grow. Miata, Mazda's sportiest offering, was not designed as a practical family sedan. It's an open-top roadster priced less than most similarly-styled competitors that's great fun to drive when the weather cooperates. Japanese automaker Mazda, which is one-third owned by Ford Motor Company, plans to introduce at least one new or redesigned model through the year 2000. Total vehicle sales in North America last year was 238,265. Ford is investing much-needed capital into Mazda, which experienced declining sales the last few years. |