Ride & Handling
The Miata's low weight delivers ride and handling benefits, however. With less mass to keep in check when cornering, the suspension doesn't have to be as firm to limit body roll. This helps with ride comfort on bumpy roads; for being a sporty car, the Miata doesn't punish its passengers with a jarring ride. Our car had the $500 Suspension Package, which includes a sport suspension and a limited-slip differential, and it soaked up bumps well.
The car's steering feel is another one of those rare-but-desirable qualities, kind of like the six-speed manual's movements. With a perfect amount of power assistance, the Miata exhibits sharp steering response and an overall connectedness to the road that perfectly complements the car's mission. This car wants to be flung around corners, and it rewards the driver with balanced performance. City drivers will especially appreciate the tight 30.8-foot turning circle.
See also:
Theft-Deterrent System
If the theft deterrent system detects an
inappropriate entry into the vehicle, which
could result in the vehicle or its contents
being stolen, the alarm alerts the
surrounding area of an abnormali ...
Zoom-Zoom Handling
The Mazda CX9 body shell has a highly rigid structure in the lower body with
multiple cross members under the floor, a reinforced upper body area at the
C-pillar, a high-tensile steel B-pillar and ...
On the Road
Even with its 20-inch wheels, our Grand Touring rode reasonably comfortably,
but it's a bit firmer than some. With that firmness comes pretty entertaining
handling, with precise steering and a goo ...


