2006 Mazda MX-5 Overview

Introduction

The Mazda MX-5 is the third generation of the Miata, the affordable two-door, two-passenger roadster that has become a household name. It provides the thrill of driving into a sports car designed for style, heritage, and performance.

Three transmissions are offered, a five-speed manual, a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic with Activematic, Mazda's semiautomatic clutchless transmission. The engine for the MX-5 roadster is a two-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 170-horsepower for both manual transmission and 166-horsepower for the automatic transmission. Options include run-flat tires with performance-oriented, asymmetrical tread and tire-pressure monitoring, a sport-tuned suspension with Bilstein shocks and limited slip differential, Xenon HID headlights, dynamic stability control with traction control, limited-slip rear differential, Smart Key keyless ignition and anti-theft alarm. Standard safety equipment standard comprises dual, two-stage frontal airbags, seat-mounted, side airbags designed to protect the chest and head, and anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution.

For 2006, the MX-5 is completely redesigned.

The Mazda MX-5 is a convertible sports car that is delightful, fun, supremely capable, well-engineered and will run forever.

The MX-5 comes in one basic configuration, a two-door, two-passenger roadster. Three transmissions are offered, a five-speed manual, a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic with Activematic, Mazda's take on a shift-it-yourself slushbox. The automatic isn't as robust as the two manuals, however, so the only engine available, a 2.0-liter, inline four cylinder, comes in two tuning levels, one rated at 170 horsepower, the other, for the automatic, rated at 166 horsepower.

Safety equipment standard across the line comprises dual, two-stage frontal airbags; seat-mounted, side airbags; and anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution.

The Mazda MX-5, still popularly known as the Miata, is a convertible sports car that is sleek, capable, well-engineered, delightful, and fun.

The MX-5 comes in one basic configuration: a two-door, two-passenger roadster. Three transmissions are offered, a five-speed manual, a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters. The automatic isn't as robust as the two manuals, however, so the only engine available, a 2.0-liter, inline four cylinder, comes in two power levels, one rated at 166 horsepower, the other, for the automatic, rated at 158 horsepower. Safety equipment standard across the line comprises dual front airbags with passenger deactivation switch; side impact airbags; and anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution.

The MX-5 largely carries over from 2007 with the addition of a standard tire pressure monitoring system, a driver's seat height adjuster, changes to the tan leather interior and the introduction of a 750 unit Special Edition with unique interior and exterior trimmings.