Head Office:

CAA-Quebec
444 Bouvier Street
Qubec, QC G2J 1E3

2004 MAZDA MIATA MAZDASPEED

Since it debuted a dozen or so years ago, the
Miata has become the best-selling roadster in the
history of the automobile. To fan the flames,
Mazda is introducing a beefed-up version called
the Mazdaspeed. Its main distinguishing features
include a turbo engine, 17-inch wheels, lowered
suspension and red cloth seats. Only 250 units of
the MAZDASPEED will be made available in
Canada, with 85 reserved for Quebec.
Interior and trunk
It takes flexibility to enter and exit a car just
122.8 cm high. It also calls for co-ordination and
precision of movement on the way in to avoid
hitting your head against the top edge of the
sharply raked A-pillar. Once inside, youre seated
in comfortable bucket seats that lose a bit of their
support after an hour or two because of the rather
skimpy padding. Seating is cramped for tall or
heavily built people. The latter will discover that
the seats too narrow, and the former will find that their head is higher than
the windshield.
Drivers enjoy a very good driving position as long as they are not too short
and can live with a non-tilt steering column. However, there is not enough
foot room between the fender well and the clutch pedal for them to stretch
out their left leg. Additionally, because of the window vents, the outside
mirrors are positioned quite far back where they are hard to use, especially
for drivers of average height or less. Finally, tall drivers must cope with the
blind spot on an angle to the right, created by the inside mirror.
Though the previous makeover in 1999 increased trunk capacity, youll still
have to travel light and pack soft-sided luggage to use trunk space
efficiently. Fortunately, the trunk opening is wide.
Convenience and safety
Nobody expects a convertible to be as soundproofed as a luxury sedan, but
the Miata is just a bit too eager to deliver the thrill of a real sports car.
Engine, exhaust, and road noise make itself clearly heard with the top up.

Pictures: www.canadiandriver.com

On the other hand, when the top is down you can carry on a conversation,
even at 100 km-h, without having to shout yourself hoarse.
Thanks to a wonderfully simple system, it takes just a few seconds to raise
or lower the top. The fold-down windblocker with storage pouch proves to be
very effective at reducing air turbulence.
Air conditioning is a dealer-installed option. It
works well, but every time the compressor kicks in
the engine speed decreases significantly and
noticeably. The audio system is excellent.
Safety features include dual airbags and bright
headlights. And, as is usual with convertible
vehicles, three-quarter-rear visibility is horrendous because of the wide
pillars.
Engine and transmission
Thanks to the turbo, the 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine now develops
178 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque. With 36 extra horses and
41 more pound-feet of torque, the Speed accelerates handily but with the
same raucous sound. The best feature of this somewhat rough engine is the
flexibility provided by its nicely staggered torque. Indeed, you can drive
lazily or solicit all the resources of the engine and either way it will respond
with the same docility. Mazda recommends feeding this engine with
premium fuel.
The six-speed manual transmission is more adequately geared than the fivespeed version, but it requires somewhat more concentration to handle it,
especially fifth and sixth. Even with all those gears, the engine is always
running a bit fast at high speed (3,100 rpm in sixth at 100 km-h). Normally,
a sixth speed is supposed to allow the engine to run a lot more slowly to
reduce fuel consumption, wear and tear, and noise levels.
On the road
With 205/40R17 tires and a lowered suspension, the Speed handles firmly
on the road. The overall drive is surprisingly smooth, although the
suspension does transmit road imperfections with a certain degree of
abruptness. As for handling turns and curves, this car does it confidently and
energetically. The vehicle is always stable, predictable, well-balanced and
agile on smooth surfaces. On bumpy pavement, the rear wheels easily hop
out of the desired trajectory.

The quick, accurate steering nicely conveys whats happening between the
tires and the road. The brakes respond with long-lasting power.
An inspection at a CAA-Quebec Technical Inspection Centre revealed that the
Miata is very well assembled with close attention to detail. However, the
impressive front air dam should have a grill to prevent damage to cooling
system parts. As well, the windshield washer tank should be placed on the
right side of the engine compartment, not the left.
Conclusion
The Miata can be summed up in one word: pleasure. The initial pleasurable
sensation is the enjoyable feeling one gets when driving this car. With the
Speed, the lively engine and sharper suspension heighten the enjoyment.
And as in all the Miatas, the fast steering response and the nicely tuned
suspension give the driver the impression of being at one with the vehicle.
After that, we notice that the car conveys a feeling of sturdiness and quality
finish. And along with the pleasure of driving the MAZDASPEED comes the
satisfaction of owning one of only a few available models.
HIGHS: driving pleasure, lively engine, easy-to-handle ragtop, road holding,
quick and precise steering, seats
LOWS: rear visibility, no tilt steering, optional air conditioning, mirrors
positioned too far back, soundproofing, inside-mirror blind spot (for tall
people)
2004 MAZDA MIATA MAZDASPEED
Engine: 16-valve, 1.8-litre 4 cylinder
Horsepower: 178 h.p. @ 6,000 rpm
Torque: 166 lb.-ft. @ 4,500 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Suspension: fully independent
Brakes: 4-wheel disc
Length: 394.5 cm
Width: 167.8 cm
Height: 122.8 cm
Wheelbase: 226.5 cm
Weight: 1,127 kg
Tires: 205/40R17
Towing capacity: not recommended
Air bags: standard

Fuel consumption:
Transport Canada rating: city: 11.5 L/100 km (25 mpg); highway:
9.2 L/100 km (31 mpg)
Test result: 9.5 L/100 (30 mpg)
Fuel tank capacity: 48 litres
Acceleration: 0-100 km/h: 7.8 seconds 60-100 km/h: 4.7 seconds
Competition: Chrysler Sebring, Ford Mustang, Mitsubishi Eclipse and
Volkswagen Golf.
Warranty:
Full basic coverage: 3 years/80,000 km
Powertrain: 5 years/100,000 km
Surface corrosion: 3 years/80,000 km
Perforation damage: 5 years/unlimited mileage
Emissions control system: 3 years/80,000 km (full coverage);
8 years/128,000 km (catalytic converter, electronic control module and
on-board diagnostic device)
Factory replacement parts:
Rear bumper: $657
Brake pads: $90
Front fender: $212

Front brake disk: $80

Muffler: $407

Average insurance premium (Quebec City, replacement cost

endorsement, claim-free insurance record, male or female driver 30 to 40
years old): $1,268 to $2,839.
Price:
$34,395
Main options:
Air conditioning, installed: $2,300
Aerodynamic package: $850 (painted and installed)
Price as tested: $34,395
Freight and preparation: $1,184
Dealers: Qubec: 53 Canada: 159 plus two service centers
CAA-Quebec, May 2004, all rights reserved.