Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Review: 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is still the drive of our childhood dreams]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/02/review-2009-mazda-mx-5-miata-is-still-the-drive-of-our-childhoo/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/02/review-2009-mazda-mx-5-miata-is-still-the-drive-of-our-childhoo/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/02/review-2009-mazda-mx-5-miata-is-still-the-drive-of-our-childhoo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata - Click above for high-res image gallery

Remember back when you were a diapered enthusiast-to-be and you weren't allowed to venture beyond the end of your family's tree lawn? The sum total of your 'driving' experience was probably a Little Tikes Cozy Coupe. If you were like us, your toddler self was all big dreams, bustling feet and arms akimbo, twirling around those front caster wheels, savoring your first taste of automotive freedom.

Mazda created a timeless masterwork upon minting the very first MX-5 Miata back in 1989.
Small wonder, then, that Little Tikes' now 30-year-old bauble of rotation-molded plastic was last year's best-selling car - it's timeless. Combine classic styling, unburstable robustness, an inexpensive sticker price and the fact that it remains just quick enough for its target audience, and you've got a recipe for lasting success. The CC's whimsical, animated face; rounded, friendly styling; unfussed interior; nimble handling and general affordability has meant that despite a decidedly casual model update schedule, the folks at Little Tikes still have the whole fun-to-drive thing knocked. Sound like anyone else we know?

Oh, it may have taken them a decade longer to cotton on to the idea, but Mazda's designers eventually stumbled upon the same secret sauce as those wondrous toymakers from Hudson, Ohio. Perhaps inadvertently, they, too, created a timeless masterwork upon minting the very first MX-5 Miata back in 1989. All these years later, just like the Cozy Coupe, you can't help but smile a little when you see one. Just like the Cozy Coupe, you have to adopt the same mildly vulnerable, elbows-out-the-window driving position because of the cabin's pronounced narrowness. Just like the Cozy Coupe, both cars have more than their fair share of plastic in their interior. Just like the Cozy Coupe, road imperfections are transmitted directly through the modestly sized wheels into the driver's hands and back pocket - and in both cases, it's part of the fun. Most importantly, just like that Cozy Coupe of your youth, Mazda's minimalist masterwork will help you rediscover your inner enthusiast's childlike heart.


Gallery: Review: 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata


Photos copyright (C)2009 Chris Paukert / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is still the drive of our childhood dreams

Review: 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is still the drive of our childhood dreams originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Mazda MX-52010MazdaMx-5FeaturedmazdaMazda MiataMazda MX-5MazdaMiataMazdaMx-5MiataMX-5MX5reviewReviewedreviewsroadstersports carSportsCarFri, 02 Oct 2009 11:55:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19175710/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/10/02/review-2009-mazda-mx-5-miata-is-still-the-drive-of-our-childhoo/19175710/article-detail.xml 19175710 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/2009mx5review_001_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/2009mx5review_001_opt.jpg <![CDATA[Paris 2008: 2009 Mazda MX-5]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/02/paris-2008-2009-mazda-mx-5/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/02/paris-2008-2009-mazda-mx-5/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/02/paris-2008-2009-mazda-mx-5/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Mazda MX-5

We finally had the opportunity to check out the 2009 Mazda MX-5 in person, and despite the tweaks being minor, we like what we see.

This is one of those instances where the press pics don't do it justice. It's difficult to see the RX-8-inspired revisions to the front end, but on closer inspection, the new headlamps, five-point air dam and blistered arches all flow effortlessly into its predecessors lines. Out back, the redesigned taillamps are easy to miss, but we'll be the first to say we prefer the outgoing models red lenses.

More importantly, the 2009 model gets an extra 500 rpm before redline, new 16- and 17-inch aluminum wheels and an upgraded gearbox that has new carbon-coated synchronizers for easier, smoother shifts. Additionally, the front suspension knuckles and roll center have been revised to provide even more steering feel and a more confident ride.

Sales are set to begin in Europe towards the middle of next year, with North American sales beginning shortly thereafter. Hit the jump for the press release.

Gallery: 2009 Mazda MX-5 LIVE


Gallery: 2009 Mazda MX-5

Continue reading Paris 2008: 2009 Mazda MX-5

Paris 2008: 2009 Mazda MX-5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Oct 2008 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20092009 mazda mx-52009MazdaMx-520102010 mazda mx-52010MazdaMx-5mazdamx-5mx5parisparis 2008paris motor showParis2008ParisMotorShowThu, 02 Oct 2008 12:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1330856/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/10/02/paris-2008-2009-mazda-mx-5/1330856/article-detail.xml 1330856 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/01_mx-5_live_450op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/01_mx-5_live_450op.jpg <![CDATA[Mazda MX-5 facelift might not go Nagare]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/04/mazda-mx-5-facelift-might-not-go-nagare/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/04/mazda-mx-5-facelift-might-not-go-nagare/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/04/mazda-mx-5-facelift-might-not-go-nagare/#commentsFiled under: ,



Winding Road sat down with the newest print issue of Autocar and discovered that Mazda dealers are particularly pleased with the soap-bar aesthetic of the current MX-5. More to the point, they're hoping that Mazda designers don't nuke the fridge when the iconic roadster goes under the knife next year.

According to Autocar's sources, the new MX-5 won't benefit from the swooping Nagare theme that's expected to influence all of Mazda's future designs, primarily because dealers are happy with the current car. However, Mazda's designers want to kick up the MX-5's flavor, saying that the car was "never radical enough" for their tastes. Since we've always been split on the styling of the current MX-5, we're hoping both parties can be assuaged with a balance between mild and wild. We'll see, and we're looking forward to the clean sheet makeover the MX-5 gets in 2012.

[Source: Autocar via Winding Road]

Mazda MX-5 facelift might not go Nagare originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20102010 mazda mx-52010 mazda mx52010MazdaMx-52010MazdaMx52012 mazda mx-52012 mazda mx52012MazdaMx-52012MazdaMx5mazdamx-5mx5Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1215475/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/06/04/mazda-mx-5-facelift-might-not-go-nagare/1215475/article-detail.xml 1215475 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/06/img_6308_450-op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/06/img_6308_450-op.jpg <![CDATA[2010 Mazda MX-5 is coming with Mazda6 cues]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/2010-mazda-mx-5-is-coming-with-mazda6-cues/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/2010-mazda-mx-5-is-coming-with-mazda6-cues/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/2010-mazda-mx-5-is-coming-with-mazda6-cues/#commentsFiled under: ,



According to an attendee at a recent Mazda dealer meeting, we'll be seeing a refreshed version of the MX-5 late next year as a 2010 model. After catching a brief glimpse of the new MX-5, a forum member at Miata.net posted that the 2010 model will be sporting headlamps and taillights similar to those found on the redesigned Mazda6, and will benefit from a few other improvements including a slight increase in power. While we can't confirm any of this, we've heard similar rumblings in the not-so-distant past, and with the redesigned Mazda3 right around the corner, Mazda might be trying to lend a bit more stylistic cohesion to its lineup before full revamps take place after the turn of the decade.

However, one piece is missing from the Miata puzzle. What about the Mazdaspeed version of the MX-5? It's been assumed that Mazda would release a boosted version of its iconic roadster before the next model debuts. If the facelifted version is indeed bound for the 2010 model year, that could be an indication that a Mazdaspeed MX-5 is on its way. Here's hoping.

[Source: Miata.net]

2010 Mazda MX-5 is coming with Mazda6 cues originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Apr 2008 06:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20102010 mazda mx-52010 mazda mx52010MazdaMx-52010MazdaMx5mazdamazda mx-5mazda mx5MazdaMx-5MazdaMx5mazdaspeedmazdaspeed mx5MazdaspeedMx5miatamx-5mx5Fri, 25 Apr 2008 06:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1177250/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/04/25/2010-mazda-mx-5-is-coming-with-mazda6-cues/1177250/article-detail.xml 1177250 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/04/img_6308_450-op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/04/img_6308_450-op.jpg -1 2