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Complete Report series for Mazda MX-5 Miata: The biggest change for the Miata since its 1989 inception came in mid-2004 with the introduction of the 178-hp, turbocharged Mazdaspeed MX-5. Speed now joins lively handling as part of the Miata’s timeless appeal. The 1.8-liter four- cylinder engine makes peak horsepower at 6000 rpm, and 166 lb-ft of torque at 4500 rpm. That’s 25 percent more horsepower and 33 percent more torque than the naturally aspirated Miata, which remains unchanged for 2005. A five- speed manual transmission is standard on base and LS Miatas, with an automatic available on both. The LS also offers a six-speed manual, but the five-speed performs well enough that you may want to save the cash. As always, the interior is snug, and luggage space limited. The MX-5 gets a full redesign for 2006, but we expect it to remain the midlife-crisis sports car of choice for the value-conscious driver.
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