Better Than Ever
by David Morgan (28 Nov 05)

The new version of Mazda's classic budget roadster is far more refined than the car it replaces, offers better creature comforts and delivers extra power. All good stuff - but has it shed its "everyman" image, gone too far upmarket and lost its way? Don't despair. A mid-winter test drive has proved the latest MX-5 is everything its predecessor was and more. It's a delight, an affordable lightweight sports car dream which is snug enough to keep you warm and draft-free, even in a blizzard.

The 2006 MX-5 is built on the floorpan of the rotary-engined RX-8. That makes it longer, wider and taller than its predecessor. The wheelbase has grown by 65mm and front and rear track are wider by up to 75mm. Extensive use of high-strength steels and aluminium has increased torsional stiffness and crash-survivability and standard equipment levels are better than ever.

It all adds up to 10kg more than the model it replaces, but with extra power from the 124bhp entry-level 1.8 litre and 158bhp from the flagship two-litre test car, there’s no drop-off in performance. Both models are quicker than the old MX-5, but the best news is that the original car's 50/50 weight distribution is intact and the new car handles with the precision and agility of a sophisticated kart.

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