Airbags standard in Miata From page 34 uncomfortable. Curb weight has risen slightly from 1014 kg (2236 Ib.) ro 1032 ke (2275 Ib.), bur that’s still rel- atively light. The standard power steering is rack and pinion with engine-speed- sensitive variable-assist. Dual airbags are now stan- dard on all models and the Passenger airbag has a key- operated cut-off switch (in case there is a child-seat in the passenger seat or a child under 12 years old.) The pre- vious Miata had a standard driver’s airbag and an option- al passenger airbag with no cut-off switch. A new three- spoke driver's stecring wheel is available thar is both more compact and more attractive than the previous wheel. In the centre dash area, the sliding heat and ventila- tion levers have been replaced with rotary dials and moved below the radio. All Miatas now have a standard AM/FM/CD player instead of an AM/FM /cassette play- er. Like European cars, the north shore news AUTO Photo submitted GOLFERS and weekenders will be happy that the new Miata's trunk is now 42% larg- er. At 144 litres (5.1 cubic feet), the new trunk will fit two sets of golf bags. The space-saving was achieved by moving the battery and the spare tire under the floor. Miata’s nvo power window buttons are located on the centre console, and there’s a new lockable centre storage box and avo cupholders. Taller drivers may have trouble finding an acceptable seating position. The seat is not height-adjustable, the steering wheel has no tilt function, and the top of the windshield is relatively low. At times, I found nwself” ducking under the windshie’d to get a better view of the read. In addition, the wind- shield pillars are wider than before, which improves rollover safety, but impedes visibility. A roll-over bar is not available from Mazda, but there are plenty of after- marker versions available, The manually-operated convertible top now has a glass rear window with a defroster instead of a plastic rear window, This makes it a lot easier to see Out the rear window on a frosty or humid morning, and there’s no longer a need to zip and unzip the rear plastic window when putting the top up and down. Mazda claims reduced effort in putting the top up manually, however it still requires some effort to do it with one hand. With the top down, wind buffeting is minimal even at 100 km-h. Surprisingly, there seems to he less wind buffer- ing with the windows down than with them up! | found the optional windsercen behind the seats to make no difference at all in the amount of wind buffeting. Golfers and weckenders will be happy that the truck is now 42% Jarger, though not large by passenger car standards. At 144 litres (5.1 cubic feet), the new trunk will fit two sets of golf bags. The space-saving was achieved by moving the bar- tery and the spare tire under the floor. The trunk also has new front and side wim, nee- dle punch carpet, floor mat, and storage box. The 1999 Nfiata is avail- alle in White, Black, bright Red, dark Blue. dark Green, and new Silver metallic which has returned after being absent for a few years. Base models start ar $26,025, and include 14-inch tires and alloy wheels, cloili upholstery, power stecring, AM/FM/CD player, dual airbags, and nwo cupholders. For $30,725, the uplevel Miata with the Leather Package includes a tan leather interior and a tan-colored top, a Bose AM/FM/CD stereo with four speakers, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power windows, power door locks, power mir- rors, cruise control, wind blocker, 15 alloy wheels and V-rated radials, anti-lock brakes and a limited slip rear differential. New this vear is an optional acro package thar adds a more aggressive front spoiler, side moulding and rear spoiler, Surprisingly, the Miata is still the only affordable rear- wheel-drive sports car on the market. Sports cars recently introduced by BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche are at least 10 thousand dol- lars more than the Miata. Miata’s come with a stan- dard three year/80,000 km warranty and a five year/100,000 km powertrain warranty, Statistically, Miata’s have proven to be very reli- able over the long term. If you're looking for an exciting driving experience and vou don’t need a back seat, there's little to compare with the Miara. 1999 Mazda Miata | Technical Data Base price: $26,025 Price as tested: $30,725 Type: nvo-door, nwo-pas- senger sports car Engine: 1.8-litre tour- evlinder, DOHC, 16 valves Transmission: five-speed manual (four-speed auto- matic) Fuel consumption: City — IEA 1/100 km (29 m.p.g.); Hwy — 7.4 1/100 km (38 m.p.g.} The very best quality work at prices anyone can afford. European cars are Oi Specialty. STEREO CLIFFORD World-Class Auto Security™ Auilmmooilite’ $189 its Be peridng your car inside a safe Complete Sales & Service = We've got the paris & the service you need, EXCELLENT TECHNICIANS ALSO ALL FRAME AND SUSPENSION