Ride & Handling
The Miata's low weight delivers ride and handling benefits, however. With less mass to keep in check when cornering, the suspension doesn't have to be as firm to limit body roll. This helps with ride comfort on bumpy roads; for being a sporty car, the Miata doesn't punish its passengers with a jarring ride. Our car had the $500 Suspension Package, which includes a sport suspension and a limited-slip differential, and it soaked up bumps well.
The car's steering feel is another one of those rare-but-desirable qualities, kind of like the six-speed manual's movements. With a perfect amount of power assistance, the Miata exhibits sharp steering response and an overall connectedness to the road that perfectly complements the car's mission. This car wants to be flung around corners, and it rewards the driver with balanced performance. City drivers will especially appreciate the tight 30.8-foot turning circle.
See also:
Power Steering
Power steering is only operable when the
engine is running. If the engine is off or if
the power steering system is inoperable,
you can still steer, but it requires more
physical effort.
If the s ...
The Inside
Here's where the Mazda5's small size catches up with it. When compared to
larger minivans, there's just not a lot of extra space behind the front bucket
seats. The Mazda5 does, however, make effic ...
Cup Holder
WARNING:
Never use a cup holder to hold hot
liquids while the vehicle is moving:
Using a cup holder to hold hot liquids
while the vehicle is moving is
dangerous. If the contents spill, you
could ...