REMEMBER REELING in that first big catch of the season at the lake? OVERDRIVE Or waiting patiently through a long winter so that you could ride your new bike on a fine spring day? Somehow, the painful parts of the nostalgic memories, like the mosquito attacks from the fishing trip and the scrapes and bruises suffered from countless falls from your bike, just don’t linger in your memory. You just remember being exceedingly happy. : In almost the same way, there is something very special, unique, and mystical about driving a con- vertible. . It didn’t matter that your old MG failed to start every morning, or that the canvas top was awkward and annoying when it rained — your only memory of the roadster is that you had a great time with it slipping through the wind. Mazda perhaps understood this indescribable affinity we have to the wind, sun — and the past — better than any other company. _ By bringing out the hot little Miata in the 1990 model year,. Mazda hit all the right sentimental chords. It was not only nostalgic and cute in design, affordable, fue! efficient, and fun co drive, but it was also reliable, dependable, and rust-resistant. It was like a miracle ‘dream machine, providing both wind-in-the-face fun and built- like-a-Toyota quality in one at- tractive package. It brought mem- ories, and more. It was no surprise then that the Miata became an instant hit in 1950, creating havoc aniong the dealerships due to short supply. Customers happily paid anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 above the retail price to get their hands oa the latest trendymobile. It’s been three years since then, and though you no longer have to wait in line or pay a premium for the slick little convertible, this doesn’t mean the Miata has fost its appeal. Despite the fact that the '93 Miata is basically unchanged from the ’90 version, it’s still one of the most influential and attractive cars in the convertible market segment. The MX-S Miata’s high-tech, 16-valve 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine still cranks out the same healthy output as before: 116 ~ horsepower (105 hp with the automatic transmission). The dual-overhead-cam powerplant propels the 1,000-kilgram (2,200 ibs.) roadster smoothly and strongly right to the 7,000 rpm red line without a hint of hesitation. 1 might add that another factor contributing to the overall smoothness is the Miata’s slick five-speed gearshift; it’s tight, light, and precise, and docsn’t have the wimpy feel apparent in some small cars. And unlike the old MGs and Triumphs, the sure-footed Miata takes on corners like a full- fledged sports car. If you thought that its attractive sub-$19,000 price tag and the small four- metre-long (13 ft.) body meant equally small performance capa- bilities, think again. This little guy won’t take a back seat to many sports cars costing twice as much in its ability to get you from Ato Bina stable, contrelled, direct manner. Thankfully, Mazda also decided not to offend all those drivers who want to drive this car to and from work, over bumpy roads and pot- holes. The Miata's ride is surprisingly comfortable and compliant. Don’t get me wrong, the ride is stil] very firm, but it won’t kill your back like other all-out sports cars. The brakes are discs all zround to en- sure fade-free stops every time. , The Miata has gained some Safety features since its debut. The driver’s-side airbag is now stand- ard, and anti-lock brakes are available as an option. The removable hardtop — a welcome option for us West Coast rainbugs.—~ has a glass window and a rear electric defroster to clear away any foggies. The interior of the Miata is kept intentionally siniple to further enhance the classic roadster image. The controls are nevertheless easy to reach and manipulate. The same goes for the canvas top, which can be taken down in 2 snap. If you want a Miata that’s a bit different, take a look at the 25th anniversary edition, complete with ine, debixe bumpers, ahead doctor caisete, rear geo arp secs Bruch more a rear spoiler, BBS alloy wheels, stainless steel scuff plates, viscous limited-slip differential, ABS, and suspension upgrades. The $25,950 price tag also in- cludes luxury features like power windows, power mirrors, soft leather seats, and the new Mazda Sensory Sound System (MSSS), : which boasts door and headrest speakers, tweeters, and bass transducers in the seats. You can have this limited model in any color as long as it’s black on the outside and red inside! E know it’s easy to fall in love with the romantic Miata, but 1 do have to warn you that the Miata isn’t exactly practical: the trunk is almost non-existent, the interior feels cramped with the top up, and you obviously can’t carry more than one passenger (at least legally). 626 Cronos. Its beauty and sculpted styling is meore.than skin deep. The 626 Cronos gces to great lengths to give the driver an unparalleled feeling of confidence, control & security. But then who said convertibles are supposed to be practical in the first place? Besides, nothing else can bring back the memories, stir up the emotions, and tickle your senses « like roadsters. And with the Miata, you can even tell your friends that you bought the car primarily because it’s reliable, trouble-free, and easy on gas. PHONE TODAY! © _ for further details -: Protegé. If you're looking for a compact sedan, this car is rnore than ‘you bargained for. It’s roomy, stylish & sporty, yet practical, economical & reliable. CY (NORTHSHORE) MAZDA 700 Block. Marine Drive. North Vancouver 987-4458 re rd "29 = om fen Sak Includes automatic, airbag, AM/FM cassette, tilt steering & much mora. 5 é , rear 53 si /% S, cruise air, 5 P/W, P/L, P/M, fill, —es% deluxe sound systeni™ & much mare. ~ 33,000 down, $10,600 roid ple rasot, OA . Don' let the price fool you, his family sedan come equipped with oll the stondard factures most families went, including cirbog,