2009 Mazda MX5
A Miata by any Other Name is Still a Miata
I’ve never understood why Mazda dropped the Miata name from their popular MX5 sports car. Miata is the name that people have identified with this car for nearly two decades. Ask any enthusiast what this car is called, and he or she will tell you it’s a Miata. But regardless of what you call it, it’s still a fun ride.
Mazda redesigned the MX5 for 2006 and made it a bit larger. They improved performance and added more features. For 2009, it gets a facelift and more creature comforts.
The most noticeable visual change to the ‘09 is the new open-mouth grille. This is an example of Mazda’s new styling language. It mimics the look of the Mazda RX8. The headlights and taillights have also been redone, and the split-spoke wheels are new. On the inside, the black plastic trim on the dash has been replaced with dark silver, and there are new beige and brown colors for the optional leather. The seats have also been recontoured to provide more support.
Buyers have a choice of a manually operated cloth top, or a power driven retractable hardtop. The soft top, on my test car, released with a pull of a latch on the windshield header, and folded flat behind the seats, so no tonneau cover was needed. The hardtop, once separated from the windshield, powers to the back, and stows vertically in two sections. The hardtop adds $2880 to the price of the MX5, but it provides a greater measure of security, and reduces cabin noise.
Mazda beefed up their 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine this year, giving it stronger pistons and connecting rods. It also gets an additional 500 rpm— moving the redline 7200. However, horsepower is just up one to 167. Six-speed manual and automatic transmissions are available, except for the base model, where the manual has only five gears. Whichever gearbox you use, you’ll get between 20 and 28 mpg.
My test car, with the six-speed manual, provided plenty of zoom-zoom. The engine felt strong, and pulled well from just 2000 rpm. The engine note, which has been enhanced this year, delivers a lusty growl when you hit the gas pedal. The six-speed manual gearbox nicely complements the motor. It’s a close ratio type with short throws from gear to gear. It reminded me of the ones in the old British sports cars, but this one’s better. The automatic with paddle shifters isn’t a bad choice either, especially if you have to drive in heavy traffic.
On the road, the MX5 delivers the oneness between driver and machine that made its predecessor popular. It responds instantly to the driver’s commands. The steering is “right-now” quick; the handling is nimble, and the engine is responsive. Add to that a sporty engine note, and you have a terrific combination. Whether you are hustling down your favorite twisty road, or just making a run to the grocery store, the MX5 is bound to make you grin.
Pricing for the Mazda MX5 starts at $22,420. My top-of-the-line Grand Touring model, with sport suspension and the Premium package, had a bottom line of $29,170.
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