Drivers Log.(News)

2004 MazdaSpeed MX-5 Miata

Date in fleet: June 9-23 As-tested price: $26,720 Powertrain: 1.8-liter turbocharged I4; rwd, six-speed manual Output: 178 hp @ 6000 rpm, 166 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm Curb weight: 2529 pounds MPG (EPA estimated/AW observed): 22.7/25.02

LUU: Finally, the Miata has some power to match its razor-sharp chassis and sublime handling. The turbo comes on song just after 5000 rpm, but unlike the old MazdaSpeed Protege, there is decent power down low, with less turbo lag.

But handling is what this Miata is all about. It was raining during my stint, which made tail-wagging antics a breeze. After a few runs through my favorite turns, hanging the tail out while threading a corner at full revs in second gear, I was mesmerized by how well the car behaved. I kept thinking how much faster I could have pushed it if I was on a closed course with runoff galore.

ROCA: Definitely not a car in which to commute 60 miles. There's a rippled stretch of freeway where my lap literally bounced up and down. Not shake or tremble, but bounced. The only way to alleviate the car's spasms was to go faster. But in traffic-and for maintaining a clean record-sometimes that's not possible. It became so bad I almost pulled over. It also rained, so there was no putting the top down. Between weather and traffic considerations, this car was fun for about 2 percent of my drive time. The Miata simply doesn't work for me.

FLOYD: Here's to MazdaSpeed putting its vaunted "zoom, zoom'' into the Mazda lineup. It's been a long time since I've driven a Miata, and I was immediately struck by how tight and heavy the steering feel is. You're not going to feel the turbo boost until after five grand, but it has enough power lower in the range to have some fun with. Suspension is drum-tight, and it's a blast to buzz around town in.

But when you're over six feet tall, getting in and out can be a bear. The pedals are so closely aligned my shoes constantly knocked them. Otherwise, I like the interior, especially the console treatment. And though I'm still a big fan of the Miata's styling, MazdaSpeed ...