[Rtech]

After reviving the concept of inexpensive open top thrills in the early 90's, the MX5, or the Miata, is back with a new look and stiffer structure for its third generation.

The Miata has consistantly outsold all of its competitors for more than a decade. It's basic principle of a simple rear wheel drive, front engine sports car continues to live on. It was never a powerhouse, and many called it a girlie car because of that. However, show the Miata a set of corners and it was and still is one of the best handling cars you can buy. For any price.

While the new look is a lot more aggressive that the previous generations, it is still mistakenly a Miata. Influences from the BMW Z4 are prevalent in the side profile and those huge front wheel arches seem out of place, but on the whole, the styling seems to work.

2 New engines, a 1.8-litre making 124bhp & 123lb ft and a 2.0-litre putting out 158bhp & 138lb ft, continue to be a tad underpowered when compared to the huge horsepower figures being quoted by other manufacturers.

But, the essence of the Miata was never in the power, it was always with the way it handled. That should be further improved with a stiffer chassis and lenghtened wheelbase.

So would the Miata continue to outsell its rivals? I think so. Here are the first official photographs.

[vinsanity]

Pretty sweet car.. Wonder how much of mullah u gotta have to own one??

[CaliAtenza]

Originally Posted by vinsanity

Pretty sweet car.. Wonder how much of mullah u gotta have to own one??

about $25-27 grand . Miatas are very sweet...

[gamerno1]

would love to get my hands on one. its a sweet machine !

[Eldvapo]

25 grand is slightly pricey considering the 350Z retails for about $30,000..

[Rtech]

How much does the 350Z convertible sell for? That would be a more direct competitor. I'm sure it won't sell for less than $35,000 making it a cool 10 grand more than the Miata. That's a big difference.

[jesal]

ive been drooling over the mx5 for as long as i can remember. i remember goin checking out some citys and eyeing on the miatas. hehe the older ones now retail for 5 laks good condition under 35k done. i love this machine

[aah78]

Originally Posted by Rtech

How much does the 350Z convertible sell for? That would be a more direct competitor. I'm sure it won't sell for less than $35,000 making it a cool 10 grand more than the Miata. That's a big difference.

from the Nissan USA website (www.nissanusa.com) :-
the price of the 2005 350Z (now called "Z") starts from $26,700 (base) and goes upto $36,300 (base) depending on your choice of variants - all of which come with the same engine (3.5l, V6) but a couple of the higher-end models are tuned to 300bhp, the others come with 287bhp.

from the Mazda USA website (www.mazdausa.com) :-
the 2005 Miata starts from $22,658 (base) for the "MX-5 Miata" producing 142bhp and goes upto $26,340 (base) for the "MAZDASPEED MX-5 Miata" producing 178bhp.

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[CaliAtenza]

the new 30th aniversery is going to be preety sick....300 hp and it comes in yellow too

[v1p3r]

they've lost the plot as far as styling goes. the old one was one of the purest designs, with the cobra for company. this is somewhere in the z8's neighbourhood. ouch!

i dont doubt that it will handle like you're holding the front wheels telepathically, though!

[X-Machine]

Looks really nice,just like the earlier generations Mazdas.But it is a tad too overpriced,considering the amount of power it delivers!!
Just love that rear.

X

[nikibusa]

Always liked the Miata coz of its cuteness so no exceptions bout the new one.

[Eldvapo]

dont also forget that so far the miata has always been considered a girly car!
everywhere abroad its a popular choice for hiardressers & stylists!!
i know ppl who wouldbt be caught dead in one!

[PsychoLyn]

thats one hell of a beautiful car.....
cant wait to see her perform on street....

[islero]

I'm not so sure about the front end. In profile its great, though.