2009 Mazda Miata MX-5

Bose Audio
It's tough to get a good sound system in an affordable convertible, but Bose finally pulled it off. With crisp highs and a thumping bass, the Bose system can easily defeat the most deafening wind noise.

Retractable Hardtop design
The MX-5's hardtop roof adds a mere 77 pounds to the car's weight and can be raised and lowered in just 12 seconds.

The MX-5 Miata's interior is wider than the first two generation Miatas, offering much-needed improvements in hip and shoulder room. The driver's-side foot well has been widened by running the exhaust down the right side of the transmission tunnel. While good news for the driver, the passenger now has to deal with limited foot and knee space. Fit and finish are excellent, with easy-to-read instruments, steering wheel-mounted controls for audio and cruise control and a perfectly situated shift lever. The MX-5's center console could do with some padding, though, as we found our elbows starting to smart a bit during aggressive cornering. Bose has created an optional sound system that adjusts equalization settings depending upon whether the top is up or down. The system even has different settings for leather versus cloth interior.

The 2009 MX-5 Miata receives a mild exterior freshening featuring larger headlamps, a new five-point grille and oversized triangular fog lamp bezels. Despite the changes, the familiar Miata DNA is still evident. Unlike the original Miata, however, differences are present. Where the previous generation Miata's doors bow out, the MX-5's are slab sided. Restrained wheel arches have given way to the same pronounced flair that first appeared on the RX-8. The convertible top is easier to use than ever, capable of being operated from the driver's seat with just one arm, while the clever retractable hardtop permits year-round driving without adding significant weight or cost. 16-inch aluminum wheels are standard on the base car, with 17-inch rims offered on the performance models.

The MX-5's 2.0-liter engine has plenty of pep and a newfound reserve of low-end torque that allows for quick off-the-line sprints. Both the five- and six-speed manuals provide precise shifts that make quick work of gear changes. The six-speed automatic delivers crisp gear changes designed to maximize every bit of the engine's power. When switched to manual mode, the six-speed automatic performs admirably, though we think you lose some of the gas-and-clutch driver interaction that makes the MX-5 so much fun to drive.

2.0-liter in-line 4
167 horsepower @ 7200 rpm (manual), 158 horsepower @ 6700 rpm (automatic)
140 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/27(five-speed manual), 21/28 (six-speed manual), 20/27 (automatic)