http://www.daytonamazda.com/new-Dayt...NDAC73G0107725
Took a test drive in this exact car on Monday. First Miata I've been in since a friend (Gilles27, for those who remember) had an '01 15 years ago.
This new car is absolutely wonderful.
Being a bit on the heavy side, I wanted to see if I felt cramped in such a small cockpit. I didn't. Everything is laid out beautifully and falls perfectly to hand. The only thing I noticed was that the A-pillar and windscreen top were more in the field of view than I am accustomed to. I'm only 5'7"... seems like it would be even worse the taller a person is. The center mounted infotainment screen was very hard to read in the intense Florida sun on a perfect Monday afternoon. But visually, the interior is pleasing. I am forced to admit the materials are of a higher quality than my '07 Saab Aero. Only time will reveal how well they hold up, but I don't recall hearing Miata owners complain that their interiors are falling apart, so that's a good sign. (GM-based interiors seem to get rattle-y, and bits and pieces go rogue.)
The clutch and gearbox are, as reviewers have stated, perfect. No other way to describe it. Steering is perfect. Florida roads are flat, straight, and smooth, but I love the way the car handles and feels. It is NOT slow with its "lowly" 155hp. It suits the car. However, if a turbo model was available.... damn. Just, DAMN.
I told the sales guy right off the bat that I wasn't there to buy. I wanted to see if I fit in the car, and wanted to see if they had any solid info on when the RF will start arriving. He was cool about it... a young guy of 22 years.... said it was a slow Monday afternoon, and picked out a nice manual Club with the Brembo/BBS upgrade, just how I would want one. I said, "I know your 'official' test-drive route, and it's fine with me." He said, "Dude, I'm just glad to get out of the building. What do you want to do? Get lunch? Go to the beach? Cruise for Brazilian bikini babes?" lol While all of those sounded better than the grocery shopping I needed to do after the test drive, I declined them all.
I know I said this last summer, but I'm pretty sure I'm gonna get one. I'm going to wait till the RF drops, and compare the soft top with it side-by-side and see which one turns me on more. It's a great automobile.