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Motor Trend
13 hours ago
- Automotive
- Motor Trend
Roadster Glory: 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2006 Pontiac Solstice
[Editor's Note: This story first appeared in the December 2005 issue of MotorTrend] England invented it. America has attempted it. The Japanese perfected it. "It" being the moderately priced, front-engine roadster. How the tables have turned over the years. In little more than a decade, the Mazda Miata became the world's best-selling sports car. The prides of Britain--Triumph and MG--are long gone. And America has never really been in the game. The 2006 Mazda MX-5 and Pontiac Solstice offer different takes on affordable sports cars. The MX-5 excels with a lighter, more agile drive and a user-friendly design, while the Solstice impresses with its looks and value. Overall, the MX-5 remains the leader in the compact roadster category. This summary was generated by AI using content from this MotorTrend article Read Next The balance changes with the arrival of the Pontiac Solstice, with its fraternal twin, the Saturn Sky, not far behind. By now, you know the new General Motors entries will run headlong into a new-from-scratch Miata--sorry, MX-5. The Miata name has been dumpstered for 2006, tossing away immeasurable brand equity for reasons nobody understands. The Solstice rides on GM's new "Kappa" rear-drive chassis architecture and is powered by a 2.4-liter, 177-horsepower version of the Ecotec I-4 found in everything from Cobalts to Euro-market Opel minivans. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, and an optional five-speed automatic will be phased in as production ramps up. Suspension is via upper/lower control arms front and rear, and four-wheel disc brakes and 18-inch alloy wheels are standard. The styling is like nothing else, the hood opens clamshell style, and the folding cloth top recesses beneath the rear deck. The Solstice is GM product chieftain Bob Lutz's personal baby, and he promised it would base at less than $20 grand. Which it does, by a five-spot. In spite of the dumb name thing, Mazda knew enough not to mess with a winning formula, yet changed every nut, bolt, and grommet to arrive at this third-generation MX-5. It's two inches longer and 1.6 inches wider than the car it replaces, yet overall weight is about the same, depending upon options. The wheelbase has increased by 2.5 inches, opening up the cabin and giving the car a beefier stance. Too many American males branded the Miata a chick car, so a more macho look was important--and achieved. A fresh 2.0-liter four makes 170 horsepower over a wider powerband than the previous car's 1.8. A five-speed manual is standard, a six-speed stick is available, and the optional automatic also has six ratios. The chassis is stiffer, the convertible top design has been simplified, and safety and standard equipment levels have increased. The biggest number to crunch is 402--as in how many pounds heavier the Solstice is than the MX-5, at least based on these two test cars. Mazda's made a lot of noise about how lightness has been "engineered in" to the MX-5, but it's legit. It's this weight differential that sets the tone for this pair's relative performance and driving personas. The objective numbers are close; the subjective differences between them greater. The Solstice is just a tenth slower (6.7 seconds versus 6.6) to 60 mph than the MX-5. A seven-horsepower advantage isn't enough to erase a 400-pound weight differential. But the Solstice has 26 more pound-feet of torque: 166 compared with 140. And the Mazda's close-ratio six-speed requires a shift to third to reach 60, whereas the Pontiac gets there in second. The MX-5's slim lead widens a bit in the quarter-mile times. The MX-5 clears 1320 feet in 15.1 seconds at 91.2 mph, with the Solstice still close at 15.3 seconds at 89.6 mph. Both machines have strong, four-wheel disc brakes, so this area proved a virtual draw, the MX-5 stopping from 60 in 113 feet to the Solstice's 117. The Mazda cleared our slalom course at 66.5 mph, just nipping the Pontiac's 66.1-mph performance. How they got there, however, felt way different. The Pontiac turns in sharply and has good front-end bite, staying neutral until the limit is approached, then it fades to mild understeer. "The chassis works well and is predictable," notes test-driver Chris Walton, "but it feels like it's getting away with more because the tires are so wide." The MX-5 is more knife-edged and precise, staying neutral longer. It's also more easily provoked into oversteer. "It reminds me of a junior version of the Lotus Elise," says Walton. "There's a fair amount of body roll, but it sticks well, with communication, and is so precise that I could make mid-corner adjustments." Even though the MX-5 has less torque, the close-ratio six-speed helps keep the engine on boil. It makes a lusty combination of intake, mechanical, and exhaust noises and always feels ready to go play. The Solstice's Ecotec four isn't the smoothest lump ever born, yet it has a pleasant exhaust note and isn't too thrashy. It's not as eager to rev as the Miata motor and gets the job done with midrange torque instead of top-end power. There's considerable rpm falloff on the 2-3 shift; a six-speed would make a serious difference. Both cars ride well considering their handling-biased mission. The Solstice's wider track, longer wheelbase, greater weight, and milder springing give it the advantage here. Mid-corner bumps more easily upset the MX-5, while the Solstice stays planted with no side stepping, for the same reasons noted above. Both have well-weighted, communicative steering, and their structures feel solid and structurally sound. Inside, the Solstice's wraparound IP is all about the driver. It's got more legroom than the MX-5 and feels wider, too. Tops up, the Pontiac has more headroom by several inches. There are, however, several ergonomic flaws. There's no easily reachable center-console storage and no door pockets, although some are at the front of the seats. The cupholders spring out of the rear bulkhead, making them tough to reach. And the window switches are mounted too far aft on the door panels, forcing you to reach back to operate them. These are curious design mistakes on a new platform planned from scratch as a two-seater. The MX5's cabin isn't as swoopy looking, but is easy to live with. The window switches are mounted just behind the shifter. The center cupholders are easy to reach, too, but the pair in the doors will bang your shins. (Why, by the way, are four cupholders required in a two-seater car--how many lattes should one juggle while driving?) The more complete gauge cluster is easy to read. Plastics and other materials are of good quality, a smidge ahead of the Solstice's. The MX-5's longer wheelbase improves cabin room compared with the previous Miata, although it's still snug for over-six-footers. Tie game in terms of seats; both have chairs bolstered well enough to keep you in place when corner carving, yet comfy enough for everyday use and long hauls. A word about pricing and equipment levels. As noted, the Solstice bases at $19,995, including destination charges; our tester had the Power, Convenience, and Premium equipment packages, plus air-conditioning, ABS, and a few other options that brought the total to $23,785. Our MX-5 was a Grand Touring model, which includes a lot of normally optional hardware in its $24,995 base price. If our Solstice were equipped with the top audio combo (Monsoon sound/CD6/MP3) at $890, roughly equaling the MX-5 Grand Touring's premium Bose system, the price difference would be less than a grand in the Pontiac's favor. General Motors can take pride in what it's accomplished. The Solstice is a real sports car and not the topless poseur enthusiasts feared. It'll sell on looks and value alone. But if the Solstice is a solid runner, the MX-5 is a fleet-footed sprinter, delivering a more athletic, lithe drive in most every respect. The MX-5's engine is smoother and happier to rev than the Solstice's. The MX-5 has a more communicative chassis, and it feels every one of those 400 pounds lighter and more responsive than the Pontiac. This Grand Touring model, as equipped with the optional Sport Suspension package (revised anti-roll bars, Bilstein shocks, limited-slip diff), won every performance contest, although the margins were small. The Solstice's top design is fussier than it needs to be; the MX-5's couldn't be simpler. The Mazda's interior is of higher quality and beautifully packaged. While the Solstice's cabin is comfy and racy looking, it suffers from a dearth of storage, a few ergonomic hiccups, and cheapoplasticity. All things considered, Mazda is still the established master of the compact, affordable roadster game. 1st Place Mazda MX-5: The driving enthusiast's winner, and still champion, is the new MX-5. 2nd Place Pontiac Solstice: Credit Pontiac for a legit, value-priced, hot-looking-entry. Top Talk Mazda and Pontiac take decidedly different approaches to going topless. The Solstice's decklid is hinged at the rear and opens via the remote fob. The top unlocks via one latch on the windshield header and folds into the cargo area. It swallows much of the trunk's 3.8-cubic-foot capacity in doing so, but it looks smooth when the rear deck is closed: The top is fully hidden, no tonneau is required, and those bulbous fairings are among the Solstice's most interesting design touches. The MX-5's top and trunk designs are more conventional, but easier to manage. Unlatch the top from the single latch on the header, and you can practically throw it over your shoulder at a stoplight. It clicks into place and was designed to look finished in the folded position without the use of a tonneau cover. It's effective, although there are still small cavities at the sides of the top. The MX-5's 5.3 cubic feet of trunk space is unaffected by the top's position and much easier to access than the Solstice's oddly shaped cargo bay, which also asks that you snap home the folding buttresses each time you close the deck. Both cars have glass rear windows with defrosters. The MX-5 has a flip-down windbocker, while the Solstice has none. Pontiac gives you a cloth top standard, while a vinyl top is standard on base and Sport MX-5s; cloth is reserved for the upmarket Grand Touring level. While the Solstice scores style points for the neat looking rear deck, the MX-5's design is easier to raise and lower and doesn't eat up the trunk in the process. Advantage, Mazda.
The Sun
7 days ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
Iconic compact convertible hinted at return after 20 years away – and could compete with the Mazda MX-5
DROP TOP Introduced back in 2003, it was widely respected for its balanced mid-engined layout - but it's production run ended just two years later AN ICONIC convertible could be returning to the road - some 20 years after it was discontinued. Better yet, the compact roadster might produce some fair competition for the world's most popular little convertible, the Mazda MX-5. 6 6 6 According to Auto Express, Smart has left the door open for the return of the Smart Roadster - with the brand preparing a successor for its famous ForTwo city car. Indeed, back in March, we reported on how the much-loved ForTwo - the quintessential 'park anywhere' city car of the noughties - is being considered for a comeback in the coming years after being pulled from the market last year. That could spell good news for the Roadster model too, a two-door, two-seater convertible that was Smart's sports car offering at the time. Introduced back in 2003, it was widely respected for its balanced mid-engined layout - with iconic F1 designer Gordon Murray a famous fan who used the Roadster as his daily driver. The model was ultimately discontinued in November 2005, with just over 43,000 units produced. In a recent interview, Smart UK CEO Jason Allbutt talked fondly about the Roadster, saying: 'We used to have one of those in the family, and [it was] particularly good fun. 'For a country that has more rain than probably any other European market, we are lovers of coupés and roadsters. 'So yes, I could see a possibility for such a car in the UK.' Allbutt did however reiterate that nothing is concrete and that the brand currently focussed on the launch of its biggest model yet - the all-new Smart #5 SUV - with an electric family hatchback called Smart #6 to follow. ELECTRIC FEEL As the industry continues to transition into electric power, several marques are lining up all-electric sports cars to replace their ICE counterparts. New Nissan Leaf tested - it's bigger, better and goes further An electric version of the universally acclaimed Alpine A110 is already in the pipeline, while Porsche is rumoured to be lining up some kind of Boxster/Cayman EV. Meanwhile, Lotus are waiting for battery tech to catch up - especially in terms of weight - before drawing up an exciting electric sequel to the Elise. Even the aforementioned MX-5 is being earmarked for an electric replacement in the coming years. But according to Auto Express, Allbutt appears to have reservations about whether petrolheads are ready to embrace electric convertibles. Smart Roadster history First introduced in 2002 43,091 produced between August 2002 and November 2005 Produced in Hambach, France Created following Smart's "reduce to the max" philosophy Coupe and Roadster introduced in 2002 were designed to be reminiscent of classic British roadsters like the Triumph Spitfire and MG B Roadster was powered by a 45 or 60kW version of the turbocharged 698cc 3-cylinder Suprex engine in the rear Roadster Coupe had the more powerful 60kW option only Car weighed as little as 790kg - creating the emotion of driving a sports car at an affordable cost Awarded Fun Car Of The Year by Top Gear in 2005 He said: 'I think a lot of people that drive these cars historically have been traditional car enthusiasts. 'Part of the joy of having the roof down, in case you have less hair to be ruffled nowadays, is also to hear the sound of the engine. 'Maybe there's a new audience that would be looking at [an electric roadster] in a different way. I'm not quite sure yet as to who the buyers of that car really are. 'It's too early to tell right now, but we'll see.' 6 6
Motor 1
05-06-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
BMW to Keep Making Z4 Because People Keep Buying Them: Report
The BMW Z4 might be sticking around for longer than expected. The German roadster was rumored to bow out in October 2025, though a report dating back to 2023 suggested production had been extended to March of next year. Now, a new rumor claims Z4 production has been stretched even further, to May 2026—but only for American-market cars. BMW Blog , citing a trusted source at the Bimmerpost forums, says production of the US-specification Z4 M40i—the only trim available with a manual transmission—has been extended another two months. The source doesn't cite a reason for the extension, but we can make a couple of educated guesses. Photo by: BMW USA Sales of the Z4 jumped by 13.1 percent in 2024 after BMW finally made the manual transmission available in the United States. A spokesperson confirmed to Motor1 earlier this year that the stick shift "absolutely" contributed to the Z4's sales growth. "The response has been wonderfully enthusiastic," they said. Upon seeing the increase in sales, BMW likely decided to keep the Z4 around for a bit longer. And with the manual expected to disappear from the company's lineup entirely by 2030, the company potentially predicts sales will continue as buyers snag the very last manual Z4s before they're gone forever. The same Bimmerpost source claims May 2026 is also when production of the Toyota Supra will end. Avid enthusiasts will know the Supra and the Z4 share a platform, and are built on the same assembly line by Magna Steyr in Austria. So that makes sense. But while Toyota has already confirmed a replacement for the outgoing Supra, BMW has made no such promise. With sales of sports cars and convertibles declining every year, we wouldn't be surprised to see the company discontinue the car for good, at least in its current form. Our advice? If you want a manual Z4, grab one while you still can. Because time is running out. More on the Z4 Here's Why The Manual Z4 Is BMW's Best Car Right Now Every Manual Car You Can Still Buy in 2025 Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Auto Express
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Express
New all-electric Mazda MX-5 previewed in this week's Auto Express
In this week's special issue of Auto Express we have a scoop on the new all-electric Mazda MX-5, with exclusive images previewing how the reinvented roadster could look. We also reveal the best car kit money can buy as we name the winners of our 2025 Product Awards. Plus, we get the lowdown on the latest Skoda Enyaq vRS and have official pictures of the new Volvo XC70. Advertisement - Article continues below In the drives section we get behind the wheel of the stunning Aston Martin Vantage Roadster to see if it's as good to drive as it is to look at, try out the seven-seat Volkswagen Tayron and hit UK roads in the Mercedes-AMG E 53 Estate. If that wasn't enough we have a campervan mega test as the new Citroen Holidays goes up against the Volkswagen California and Mercedes Marco Polo. This week's issue of Auto Express is on sale now and there's a whole range of ways to get your hands on it! Find out more below. The best value available to our readers is an Auto Express subscription. You can try your first 6 issues for just £1, plus all new subscribers will receive a free welcome gift when they join. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below We deliver free, straight to an address of your choosing so you can be sure that you'll never miss an issue. If you wish to continue your subscription after your trial ends you save a massive 45 per cent on the shop price, paying just £32.99 every 3 months. Our money back guarantee means that should you need to cancel at any point we will refund any unmailed issues, you can't beat that value! Click here to visit our secure online shop and subscribe to Auto Express... If you prefer to read Auto Express on your desktop, tablet or phone, you can get the digital edition through our online partner Zinio. Single issues are available from £2.99 or a subscription for an entire year is just £90.99. Click here to download Auto Express digital edition from Zinio... If you don't want to get your next 6 Auto Express issues for £1 by subscribing (RRP £28), then you can still buy single issues in shops or online. This week's issue of Auto Express is on sale now for just £4.99. You can find shops near you that stock the magazine by clicking here. If you can't make it to the shops or are unable to find it somewhere convenient, you can buy individual print issues of Auto Express to be delivered directly to your door. Click here to buy single issues of Auto Express Find a car with the experts Not bothered by MoT advisories? That may be about to change Not bothered by MoT advisories? That may be about to change The number of MoT failures caused by worn tyres is on the rise, and experts are calling for mandatory follow-ups on advisories Mazda MX-5 goes electric: the iconic roadster's radical future Mazda MX-5 goes electric: the iconic roadster's radical future The next Mazda MX-5 roadster is set to be offered as a pure EV, and our exclusive images preview how it could look Confirmed: New VW Golf GTI will be electric – and it's a 'monster' Confirmed: New VW Golf GTI will be electric – and it's a 'monster' VW is taking the iconic hot hatchback brand into the electric era with the new Golf GTI EV already in development…
Digital Trends
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- Digital Trends
Take a look at this gorgeous Italian 60s-inspired carbon roadster, powered by a US V8
Watch out, sports car fans, as there's a new automaker on the block: Italian company Automobili Mignatta has unveiled the Rina, its first car and a gorgeous roadster with 1960s styling and a modern V8 to power it. The Rina chassis is made from a material called carbon monocoque, which a frame created from individual strands of carbon fiber that is most often seen in high-end road bikes, and which makes the car highly rigid while still being lightweight. Recommended Videos With a weight of just 2,205 lbs, the Rina should move at quite a clip, though the exact details of the naturally aspirated 5.0 liter US V8 engine haven't been announced yet. It has rear-wheel drive, and an option for carbon ceramic brakes, with 19 inch wheels at the front and 20 inches at the rear. The monocoque material is formed into a tub shape which integrates the driver and passenger seats, and the company says it has been optimized for both easy access to the passenger compartment and safety in the case of an accident. And the striking exterior recalls the classic Italian sports cars of the 60s, with its elongated headlights and open-top design. The interior has similar classic styling to the exterior, and though it's all very neat you won't find any modern infotainment systems here. Instead, there's a stripped down but elegant analog look, with no digital screens or support for modern conveniences like CarPlay. There are old-fashioned gauges with a speedometer in the center and a tachometer in an elliptical look, with aluminum and carbon materials in abundance. And to continue the interior materials theme, the seats are made of — what else — branded brown leather. As you'd expect from a niche car hand built in Italy, the Rina doesn't come cheap, with just 30 units to be built each year and a reported price starting at $290,000.
