Always a strong point with Miatas, handling is another of the new 2006 MX-5’s talents. This car is a terrific canyon carver that doesn’t beat occupants up with a rough ride. The new model’s suspension also does a better job of keeping the Miata glued to the road, but the body rolls a little more than the old Mazdaspeed-tuned version and weight sometimes transitions more abruptly than expected. The new electrically-assisted steering quivers and tugs over most pavement irregularities, making the car feel darty and nervous, but surface conditions are clearly transmitted through the wheel to the driver’s fingertips. Like the old Miata, the new MX-5 is equipped with excellent brakes, and the 205/45R17 Michelin Pilot Preceda tires on the 2006 MX-5 squeal less in turns than the Mazdaspeed’s 205/40R17 Toyo Proxes treads despite slightly taller sidewalls. The Mazdaspeed wears lightweight Racing Hart five-spoke wheels with a smoked mirror finish, while the new MX-5 gets gorgeous silver-painted multi-spoke rims.