Miata remains favorite

Nine hundred thousand and counting. That's how many MX-5 Miatas have been purchased by sports-car lovers the world over during the past 20 years.

This season there's even more to love with sharper styling, tweaked engine and suspension, plus added features for this iconic two-seater.

The magical, mystical Miata can still set hearts aflutter and generate second glances from admiring bystanders, many of whom could otherwise afford to own a copy of the planet's most popular roadster. However, due to considerations ranging from braces for the kids, college education savings or necessary home improvement, a Miata has yet to find its way into their lives.

That still leaves plenty of folks who, since 1990, have taken the plunge and likely never had a single regret.

For the 2009 model year, the most obvious change has been made to the MX-5's nose, which now shares a smiley face with the Mazda 3 small car and RX-8 sports car. The wider front grille increases the amount of fresh air entering the engine compartment and reduces drag to help improve fuel economy. As well, the headlights, fog lights, taillamps and rear bumper have all been reshaped.

The few interior adjustments include an external audio input jack for the stereo, improved center-console storage bin and reshaped seat cushions for better backside support. These changes simply enhance what is one of the best-designed sports-car cabins to be had at any price.

The Miata is in top form when negotiating snaky two-lane roads with dartlike precision. Mazda believes that minor alterations to the suspension setup and retuning the shock absorbers improve the overall driving experience. Even the available traction and stability control systems that keep the Miata headed on its intended path have been dialed back to promote increased driver input during spirited driving.

The 167-horsepower (up by one) 2.0-liter four-cylinder powerplant peaks 500 revs higher than before to a maximum of 7,200 rotations per minute. However, owners will only get to enjoy reaching the new limit if they opt for the base five- or optional six-speed manual transmission with newly improved synchronizers for smoother shifting. Selecting the extra-cost six-speed automatic with shift paddles maintains the previous 6,700 rpm limit and lowers the engine's power rating to 158.

Piloting a Miata is a right-brain visceral experience, now heightened on six-speed-manual-transmission models by more prominent engine sounds emanating through the intake manifold. As a result, passengers are promised a greater sense of the roadster's performance without it being obtrusive or annoying.

Left untouched are both available roofs: a manually operated soft top secured by a central latch that can be opened or closed from inside the cockpit; or the optional Power Retractable Hard Top (PRHT). The latter automatically raises or lowers in about 12 seconds and stows in the same space as the soft version without compromising trunk space.

Also carrying over are the Miata's four trim levels. Base SV and Sport models are fairly basic, although the Sport does feature air conditioning. Along with the six-speed gearbox, the Touring adds keyless remote entry, cruise control, auto-dimming rearview mirror and unique 17-inch wheels. The Grand Touring gets climate control, heated leather seats and premium seven-speaker Bose audio.

A Premium Package on the Grand Touring includes push-button start, Bluetooth hands-free cellular communications and satellite radio.

The MX-5 Miata's two-decade history has been marked by almost constant improvement and adjustment. The latest version further proves that, at its core, this sports car is one for the ages.