2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata Exterior/Interior Details and Specs
DESIGN
The exterior design of the new MX-5 began with the understanding that two previous models had earned a large and enthusiastic following all over the globe in large part to their appearance. With this in mind, the most distinctive styling elements—specifically the curves and proportions evident in the side view—were retained in the new third-generation design that still celebrates the fundamental appeal of a lightweight sports car.
Exterior Design
Simple. Contemporary. Fun. Friendly. These are words that capture the essence of a successful lightweight sports car. But achieving simple, clean elegance in a new design that will appeal to a large number of customers located around the globe is no small feat. The MX-5 design process required over a year of dedicated effort in three studios, an endeavor that was led by Mazda’s chief designer Yasushi Nakamuta. To inspire his team with the theme of the new third-generation car, Nakamuta provided these words of guidance, “The MX-5 has become an icon for the lightweight sports car. As a result, the new MX-5 should convey FUN and MODERN styling while paying homage to the original (first-generation) design. It should exemplify lightweight sports car functionality and athletic solidity. By embodying the simple, approachable design elements in a fresh way, it will be quickly and easily identified.”
After visiting Mazda studios in Irvine , California , Frankfurt , Germany , and Hiroshima , Japan , and studying conceptual sketches produced by the three studios, Nakamuta combined their work in the above design concept summary. Various pertinent details—such as the length of the wheelbase, packaging requirements, potential customer delight features, and new technologies—were then passed down to the global design team. Working with quarter-scale clay models, a total of seven design proposals were crafted.
Three of those models—one from each studio—were then selected for completion as full-scale clay models. US designers were asked to pursue the “newness” direction with an even trendier and more revolutionary design. Europe held true to its evolutionary path. Hiroshima designers focused on the creation of an oval motif stressing compactness.
When those three full-size clay models were examined in the presence of the current MX-5 and three key competitors in a wide-open area at Mazda’s Miyoshi proving grounds, it was clear that the American design looked fresh, new, and attractive but it lacked the feeling of compactness. In contrast, the European and Japanese proposals both embodied the desired compact roadster image. So the selection was narrowed to two proposals for the final selection: the very clean and compact proposal developed by the Hiroshima studio did the best job of capturing the distinctive lightweight sports car spirit of the original MX-5 with new surface expressions and a wealth of updates.
In a sports car, the impression of athletic muscularity comes more from the movement and expression of body contours than from its character lines. With this in mind, designers focused on light reflections and shadows in the body shape to achieve an appearance that varies with viewing angle.
The first- and second-generation MX-5 exterior design is a rounded shape with a wide footprint, large-radius corners, and deep side contours. A key change for the third generation is the elimination of the coke-bottle-shaped center section; instead, the designers employed an entirely new oval shape in which the seating area is now the widest portion of the car. The oval shape makes for a roomier interior, and while assuring the latest in crash-safety, expresses the compact look befitting a lightweight sports car.
Prominently flared fender arches emphasize the width and importance of the wheel tracks while aggressively rounded nose and tail shapes express the MX-5’s leanness, athleticism, and simplicity.
With respect to the second-generation MX-5, the third edition is 40 mm (1.6 in) longer, 40 mm (1.6 in) wider, and 15 mm (0.6 in) taller. The length of the wheelbase is increased by 65 mm (2.6 in). So the resulting basic dimensions for the third-generation MX-5 (North-America specifications) are:
Wheelbase: 2,330 mm (91.7 in)
Overall length: 3,990 mm (157.1 in)
Overall width: 1,720 mm (67.7 in)
Height: 1,245 mm (49.1 in)
Track, f/r: 1,490/1,495 mm (58.7/58.9 in) Major Exterior Design Elements Key MX-5 side-view design details are:
A low, flowing shoulder line with a slight wedge shape conveys a sense of forward motion and speed. Crisp surface treatments on softly rounded side surfaces create reflections and shadows that draw the eye from front to rear areas. Strong fender arch lines wrapping around the wheels are a statement of Mazda design DNA. Door mirrors that continue the elliptical theme established by the original MX-5. Five-spoke 16-inch aluminum wheels that radiate a sense of simplicity and strength. Ten-spoke 17-inch aluminum wheels that suggest one set of five spokes superimposed over a second set of five spokes, lending a high-quality, sporty impression. The more prominent front and rear highlights are:
The inboard position of the head- and taillamps impart a sense of compactness. The rounded grille opening is carried over with modest alteration from the original MX-5 design. A shorter and more aggressively rounded hood opening line facilitates a cleaner and more dynamically contoured front bumper fascia. The headlamp design is a major update from previous MX-5 configurations. The lens cover is shorter in height but steeply slanted to sweep around the corner of the car. The taillamps combine the traditional and immediately recognizable elliptical shape from previous design generations with highly contemporary materials. Seat backrest hoops add an eye-catching detail in the rear view. The soft top is recontoured to provide a sportier, more classic appearance with a flatter upper surface and a longer rear contour that flows smoothly into the deck. The lowered shape blends smoothly with surrounding body contours so well that no separate cover is needed. The new Z-fold design creates a more impressive roof.
The detachable hard top has a sweeping shape that widens out to the rear windows, expressing a lighter, more modern and aggressive look.
Carefully tuning the MX-5’s exterior shape yielded good aerodynamic performance which enhances the feeling of pace and stability at high speeds. Side skirts, tire-area deflectors, and the front spoiler are designed to control air flow under the body and along its sides, thereby minimizing the creation of drag-increasing vortices.
Eight shades of paint are offered. Out of these there are four newcomers: Galaxy Gray and Copper Red, which are suitable for a modern sports car image, and True Red and Marble White for the more traditional sports car look.
Interior Design
The goal of the interior design effort was to stimulate excitement for the joy of driving an open lightweight sports car unencumbered by complexity. One key change from the second-generation MX-5 is providing more elbow room and seat travel to accommodate a wider range of statures without losing the intimate feeling and handy ergonomics of a lightweight sports car.
Digital design studies using three-dimensional modeling software helped configure the MX-5’s cabin. Where possible, the latest textures, surface treatments, and styling idioms were applied. Furnishings critical to the driving task such as the instruments and controls are located for ease of use. A look of purity and precision is provided. Excellent fit and finish standards enhance the impression of fine craftsmanship.
The interior design theme is balancing the feeling of comfortable snugness below shoulder level with openness above that height to lend the impression that the car’s occupants are riding in open air.
The T-shaped instrument panel is consistent with Mazda DNA while the center console accentuates the backbone of the car. Strong horizontal and vertical theme lines connote rigidity and sports-car capability. The black center stack is as simple and as functional as possible. The arched hood over the instrument cluster and four circular vent registers give the MX-5 interior its identity.
Two large and three small dials are each trimmed with a silver-finished ring. Each stands proud of the cluster’s rear surface and each instrument has its own low-reflection lens. The needles on the speedometer and tachometer have a 6 o’clock starting position, which is perfectly apt for a sports car. Illumination is provided by amber light sources behind the dials. Needles are white for maximum contrast against the black dial faces. They twitch in anticipation of what’s to come when the ignition is switched on.
The small-diameter steering wheel has three thick metal-accented spokes. A very compact doughnut-shaped air bag surrounds the central horn button which is adorned with the Mazda wings brand badge. For the first time audio and cruise-control switches are mounted to the spokes and MX-5’s equipped with the six-speed Activematic automatic transmission are fitted with handy shift paddles (availability differs with the markets).
Two covered cupholders are located on the top surface of the center console behind the short shift lever. Console trim has a ribbed surface finish selected for its contemporary high-quality appearance and durability advantages. A cylindrical receptacle is also provided in the lower, front corner of each door surface.
Three distinct levels of interior trim are offered. The entry-level interior is an attractive monotone package with black fabric seat upholstery and silver-finished accents on the steering wheel, gauge rings, and inner door handles. The black leather interior provides a more elegant high-tech look; prominent stitching with heavy thread enhances the appearance of the soft trim. The third interior alternative is a saddle-tan leather with the feel of expensive footwear, horse saddles, and designer luggage. Areas of the dash and doors are finished with two-tone black and saddle trim. Silver-finished accents are provided for the door handles, door assist grips, and speaker rings.
Extra effort was invested in making the new MX-5 interior far better than its predecessor for storage convenience.
Key features are:
A 5.7-liter (347.8-in3) locking glove box in left-hand drive cars, and a 7.3-liter (445.5-in3) glove box for right-hand drive. A small item recess at the bottom of the center stack. On the driver’s side at the bottom of the instrument panel, a small box for sunglasses or a cell phone is provided. Ticket holders are built into each sun visor. Each door pocket is shaped to hold beverage containers up to half-liter in size. Upper-trim models have a storage net attached to the center tunnel on the passenger’s side. A locking box large enough for 10 CDs is built into the trim covering the center portion of the rear wall of the cockpit. Two more storage compartments are located in the rear wall behind the seats. One seat-back pocket is provided for the left seat on models in all markets. To maximize the space available, the trunk contains a puncture repair kit in place of a spare wheel and tire assembly. Furthermore, the floor of the trunk is lower to permit space for a case that carries 1.5-liter size beverage bottles upright. A capacity of 150 liters (5.3-ft3) represents a four-percent increase over the previous MX-5’s trunk capacity.
Note: Puncture repair kit is not available on models with run-flat tires.
2006 Mazda MX-5 Overview2006 Mazda MX-5 Chassis Details
2006 Mazda MX-5 Exterior/Interior Details
2006 Mazda MX-5 Safety, Security Environmental Details
2006 Mazda MX-5 Special Features
2006 Mazda MX-5 Specifications
