Like its all-new exterior, the Miata's cockpit looks familiar even though almost everything has been subtly altered. The switches, for example, have been relocated, the instrument panel has been redesigned, rotary knobs replace the old climate control sliders, audio systems are now stacked above the climate controls, and a new three-spoke Nardi steering wheel lends a spiffy appearance, as well as a better view of the tachometer and speedometer.
Mazda has also developed a new and more effective wind-blocker, to keep cabin turbulence to a minimum when the top is down. You still get wind in the hair, but without having your hair standing straight up.
And speaking of the top, Mazda has substituted a glass rear window, complete with an electric defogger, for the old plastic panel. This is a big improvement, because plastic windows inevitably yellow with age and also develop optical distortion when they're folded. Plastic windows on previous models would often crease if the owner forgot to unzip them before dropping the top.
There's also a bit more room in the trunk--about a half a cubic foot--created by stowing the spare tire and battery under the floor. It's still tiny, but you can wedge a couple of golf bags back there, or enough luggage for a weekend excursion.
Interior dimensions have not changed. The cockpit still feels a tad snug to folks over six feet tall. And those who sit tall in the saddle are likely to find the top brushing against their hair.
Our solution: drive with the top down whenever possible. It's still the same easy one-hand operation.
The classic British definition of a sports car is "a two-seater, preferably open, that can, in a pinch, be raced." You can almost hear someone with a tweed cap making that pronouncement, can't you? His name is something like Smythe-Upton, and when it comes to sporting cars he's keen.
Since its debut in 1989, the Miata has been the contemporary embodiment of that '50s sports car spirit, minus the irritations that went with cars like Triumphs, Austin-Healeys, and MGs. And the same can be said for the new Miata, except more so.
The steering and suspension revisions make the new car more predictable in quick transitions, braking performance is of the right-now variety (with or without the ABS option), acceleration is brisk, and the new exhaust note conjures up visions of Watkins Glen and roots of American sports car racing.
In fact, Miatas have won a number of Sports Car Club of America national championships. And with its keenly honed reflexes, we expect the new Miata to keep right on winning.
It's hard to think of anything the Miata development team missed.
Like all convertibles, the new car is a little noisy inside, although the retuned exhaust improves its quality.
We hope Mazda rethinks the sixth-gear decision, which would make freeway cruising more pleasant, particularly in the decibel department.
But if extended interstate droning is on the menu, the Miata is the wrong car to begin with. Like its British ancestors, this car is designed for driving fun, as distinct from mere transportation. The destination is unimportant; getting there is everything. Viewed from this perspective, the new Miata is just about perfect.