Head Office: CAA-Quebec 444 Bouvier Street Québec, QC G2J 1E3 2004 MAZDA MIATA MAZDASPEED Since it debuted a dozen or so years ago, the Miata has become the best-selling roadster in the history of the automobile. To fan the flames, Mazda is introducing a beefed-up version called the Mazdaspeed. Its main distinguishing features include a turbo engine, 17-inch wheels, lowered suspension and red cloth seats. Only 250 units of the MAZDASPEED will be made available in Canada, with 85 reserved for Quebec. Interior and trunk It takes flexibility to enter and exit a car just 122.8 cm high. It also calls for co-ordination and precision of movement on the way in to avoid hitting your head against the top edge of the sharply raked A-pillar. Once inside, you’re seated in comfortable bucket seats that lose a bit of their support after an hour or two because of the rather skimpy padding. Seating is cramped for tall or heavily built people. The latter will discover that the seats too narrow, and the former will find that their head is higher than the windshield. Drivers enjoy a very good driving position as long as they are not too short and can live with a non-tilt steering column. However, there is not enough foot room between the fender well and the clutch pedal for them to stretch out their left leg. Additionally, because of the window vents, the outside mirrors are positioned quite far back where they are hard to use, especially for drivers of average height or less. Finally, tall drivers must cope with the blind spot on an angle to the right, created by the inside mirror. Though the previous makeover in 1999 increased trunk capacity, you’ll still have to travel light and pack soft-sided luggage to use trunk space efficiently. Fortunately, the trunk opening is wide. Convenience and safety Nobody expects a convertible to be as soundproofed as a luxury sedan, but the Miata is just a bit too eager to deliver the thrill of a real sports car. Engine, exhaust, and road noise make itself clearly heard with the top up. Pictures: www.canadiandriver.com On the other hand, when the top is down you can carry on a conversation, even at 100 km-h, without having to shout yourself hoarse. Thanks to a wonderfully simple system, it takes just a few seconds to raise or lower the top. The fold-down windblocker with storage pouch proves to be very effective at reducing air turbulence. Air conditioning is a dealer-installed option. It works well, but every time the compressor kicks in the engine speed decreases significantly and noticeably. The audio system is excellent. Safety features include dual airbags and bright headlights. And, as is usual with convertible vehicles, three-quarter-rear visibility is horrendous because of the wide pillars. Engine and transmission Thanks to the turbo, the 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine now develops 178 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque. With 36 extra horses and 41 more pound-feet of torque, the Speed accelerates handily but with the same raucous sound. The best feature of this somewhat rough engine is the flexibility provided by its nicely staggered torque. Indeed, you can drive lazily or solicit all the resources of the engine and either way it will respond with the same docility. Mazda recommends feeding this engine with premium fuel. The six-speed manual transmission is more adequately geared than the five- speed version, but it requires somewhat more concentration to handle it, especially fifth and sixth. Even with all those gears, the engine is always running a bit fast at high speed (3,100 rpm in sixth at 100 km-h). Normally, a sixth speed is supposed to allow the engine to run a lot more slowly to reduce fuel consumption, wear and tear, and noise levels. On the road With 205/40R17 tires and a lowered suspension, the Speed handles firmly on the road. The overall drive is surprisingly smooth, although the suspension does transmit road imperfections with a certain degree of abruptness. As for handling turns and curves, this car does it confidently and energetically. The vehicle is always stable, predictable, well-balanced and agile on smooth surfaces. On bumpy pavement, the rear wheels easily hop out of the desired trajectory. The quick, accurate steering nicely conveys what’s happening between the tires and the road. The brakes respond with long-lasting power. An inspection at a CAA-Quebec Technical Inspection Centre revealed that the Miata is very well assembled with close attention to detail. However, the impressive front air dam should have a grill to prevent damage to cooling system parts. As well, the windshield washer tank should be placed on the right side of the engine compartment, not the left. Conclusion The Miata can be summed up in one word: pleasure. The initial pleasurable sensation is the enjoyable feeling one gets when driving this car. With the Speed, the lively engine and sharper suspension heighten the enjoyment. And as in all the Miatas, the fast steering response and the nicely tuned suspension give the driver the impression of being at one with the vehicle. After that, we notice that the car conveys a feeling of sturdiness and quality finish. And along with the pleasure of driving the MAZDASPEED comes the satisfaction of owning one of only a few available models. HIGHS: driving pleasure, lively engine, easy-to-handle ragtop, road holding, quick and precise steering, seats LOWS: ¾ rear visibility, no tilt steering, optional air conditioning, mirrors positioned too far back, soundproofing, inside-mirror blind spot (for tall people) 2004 MAZDA MIATA MAZDASPEED Engine: 16-valve, 1.8-litre 4 cylinder Horsepower: 178 h.p. @ 6,000 rpm Torque: 166 lb.-ft. @ 4,500 rpm Transmission: 6-speed manual Suspension: fully independent Brakes: 4-wheel disc Length: 394.5 cm Width: 167.8 cm Height: 122.8 cm Wheelbase: 226.5 cm Weight: 1,127 kg Tires: 205/40R17 Towing capacity: not recommended Air bags: standard Fuel consumption: − Transport Canada rating: city: 11.5 L/100 km (25 mpg); highway: 9.2 L/100 km (31 mpg) − Test result: 9.5 L/100 (30 mpg) Fuel tank capacity: 48 litres Acceleration: 0-100 km/h: 7.8 seconds 60-100 km/h: 4.7 seconds Competition: Chrysler Sebring, Ford Mustang, Mitsubishi Eclipse and Volkswagen Golf. 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 mileage − Emissions control system: 3 years/80,000 km (full coverage); 8 years/128,000 km (catalytic converter, electronic control module and on-board diagnostic device) Factory replacement parts: Rear bumper: $657 Front brake disk: $80 Brake pads: $90 Muffler: $407 Front fender: $212 Average insurance premium (Quebec City, replacement cost endorsement, claim-free insurance record, male or female driver 30 to 40 years old): $1,268 to $2,839. Price: $34,395 Main options: Air conditioning, installed: $2,300 Aerodynamic package: $850 (painted and installed) Price as tested: $34,395 Freight and preparation: $1,184 Dealers: Québec: 53 Canada: 159 plus two service centers CAA-Quebec, May 2004, all rights reserved. .