34 - Friday, March 27, 1998 — North Shore News drive HISTORICALLY, sec- ond and third-genera- tion sports cars tend to get bigger, heavier and more expensive than the models they replace. Reinember the Datsun 240Z, Porsche 924, Honda CRX, Toyota MR2 and Supra, and Mazda RX-7? ‘These were all good sports cars that eventually became fs) ight, overpriced, and unavailable. So it is with some relief that I can report the redesigned 1999 Mazda Miata has remained faithful =«~*ro its original concept. It’s still a small, lightweight, nvo- scat con ertible sports that is relatively inexpensive in its class. The base price has risen five percent from $24,695 to $26,025 — a reasonabiec increase considering the added features on the new model. The new Miata is about ¢ same size as the first model. It has the same 2265 mm wheelbase and is about the same lengt. Tst h, width and height. However, the track (the lateral width between the wheels) is wider to improve stability and han- dling. The front track is 5 mm wider and the rear track is 12 mm wider. The most obvious styling change is the new open, oval headla amps with built-in turn signals. These replace the pop-up headlamps and sepa- rate turn signals /daytime running lights that were built MORREY SATURN SAAB ISUZU north shore news & AU TO Photo submitted THE 1993 “Aiata is here early. Noteworthy changes include new open headlights, 2 glass rear window with defroster, standard dual airbags with a passenger-side cutoff switch, and a new AM/FM/CD stereo. Prices start at $26,025. into the bumpers. The Miata’s new bodywork has a lot more curves in it, a la RX- 7, including a curvier hood, indentations in the doors, flared rear rocker panels, sculpted front and rear bumpers, and a noticeable up-turn in the rear edge of the trunklid which houses the high-mounted third brake light. Unfortunately, 2 couple of attractive Miata styling touch- es have been lost. The beauti- ful chrome door handles have been replaced with body-col- ored flip-up handles, and che chrome rings around the speedo and tachometer have disappeared. In addition, the thin slot around the waistline of the car has been discontin- ued. The Miata’s twin cam, 16 valve 1839cc four-cylinder engine has a number of improvements, such as a new evlinder head and a higher compression ratio, which boost horsepower from 133 horsepower @ 6500 rpm to 140 horsepower @ 6500 r.p.m. Torque has increased slightly from 114 ft.-lbs. @ 5500 r.p.m. to 119 ft.-lbs. @ 5000 r.p.m. With the standard five- speed manual transmission, the Miata now does 0 to 100 km-h in 7.9 seconds com- pared to 8.6 seconds for the previous model. Though the engine revs ata rather high 3200 r.p.m. in top gear ata steady 100 km-h, it’s not unduly noisy or strained. In fact, with the top up, the interior is surprisingly quiet. Even though the new Miata has more horsepower, fuel consumption is slightly better, averaging 9.4 (/100 kms (34 m.p.g.). A four- speed automatic transmission is available, but very few Miatas are sold with this option. As before, the Miata is great fun co drive. A slighdy wider stance, a lower roll cen- tre in front and an improved from-to-rear weight distribu- tion, now an ideal 50/50, has improved lateral stabilicy and cornering power from the previous model's already- high levels. The base Miata has the same size tires as betore, 185/60 HR-14 inch, bur the uplevel Miata now has new standard 195/50VR- 15 inch Michelin Pilot tires which improve handling even more. The Miata’s steering is BETWEEN A PATHFINDER AND A 4-RUNNER, DON'T. 1998 ISUZU RODEO UY reo oO, & Il oO FEATURE LEASE FROM $ 3 A Dino 3769 Lougheed Hwy at Willingdon, Burnaby DUAL AIRBAG SHIPTON THES FLY AWD RODEO 3.2L DOT 24 VALVE 294-1831 quick and responsive, the manual shifter has even short- er, notchy throws, and the four wheel disc brakes with are excellent. Unfortunately, anti-lock brakes are not avail- able on the base model — they’re offered only on the uplevel model. The new Miata retains the same four-wheel independent suspension with double wish- bones, coil springs and gas- filled shock absorbers, and front and rear stabilizer bars. Handling is tight, stable, and somewhat stiff, but not See Airbags page 35 PATHFINDER 4-RUNNER 3.4L SOHC V6 205 HEP @ 5, i00RPM 1O8HP @ §,500RPM 21-4 @ S,000RPM 196 @ 2,800RPM SH DOE 21 VALVE U83 1IP @ -{ HOORPM 217 @ 3,G00RPM Go farther. *Based on 36 mo. lease, $2,500 down, TP. $15.064 plus taxes & deposit, O.4.C.