The Mazda Miata roadster delivers, arguably, the most fun for your automotive buck of any car sold in Canada. Now a two-seat roadster is not the most practical car for Canadian winters, so a used Miata is often a better option.

If you're shopping, take note that Mazda didn't sell an official 1998 version of the Miata, in anticipation of the early introduction of the completely renovated 1999 car. The first complete redesign of the Miata since it was introduced as a 1990 model brought all sorts of changes. The pop-up headlights and one-finger chrome door handles were replaced by a one-piece headlamp/turning signal combination and lift-up door handles. Mazda also gave the car more horsepower (140 from 133) and a lighter convertible top (by 1.3 kg) with a real glass rear window with defroster - not the old plastic rear that was sure to yellow and grow brittle over time.

Personally, when it comes to the Miata I agree with former Mazda chief designer Tom Matano who said, "There aren't many cars in the world that people can't hate... The Miata is a car that even though you don't care about cars, you just cannot hate that car. That's the type of personality that is rare in this world.

"In design terminology we thought the Miata was a very truthful car. What you see is what you get. No funny, funky power bulges or scoops that don't do anything for power at all. No pretensions."

Not only is there nothing to hate, there's plenty to love. And if you are practical minded, be aware that the latest Miata has done exceptionally well in crash tests in large part because of the standard dual airbags (with a cut-off switch for the passenger side). The improved disc brakes of the newer cars are firm and anti-lock has been available.

Still, by today's design standards the Miata is a pretty simple car. The face offers two lights, one mouth and one badge and no add-on adornments. At the rear, it's the same thing. There are combination taillamps, a high-mount stoplight and a licence plate holder. Simple. And affordable.

A late 1990s Miata can be had for $15,000 or $16,000 if you look hard. If you find one you'll find the quality is pretty good (see Buyer's Alerts).

Then there's the driving experience. Mazda gave the 1999 car a stiffer body. That and some nifty engineering significantly reduced vibration under the seats, through the steering wheel, at the windshield pillars and across the dashboard.

In short, the newer Miata's road manners are a step up from the older car. The steering is tight and less twitchy, the stubby, short-throw shifter moves slickly through the gears (friction was reduced), and the overall ride quality is smoother in newer cars. We're not talking sedan-like, though. That would be out of place.

The cockpit? Six-footers can live there, the pedals are perfectly placed and the bucket seats offer plenty of support at the sides and the base of your spine. Mazda changed the instruments for 1999 - not good. The chrome-circled round dials were replaced with a bland, black cluster of gauges and dials.

As for the engine, the 1.8-litre multi-valve four-cylinder revs to 7,000 r.p.m., making a delightful exhaust note all the way there. The added power cut 0-100 km/hour times to under eight seconds.

Buyer's alerts

Recalls

Road Test
Access: C-
Driving position: B
Instruments/Controls: B+
Visibility: A (top down)
Climate Control: C+
Steering: B+
Brakes: B+
Handling: A-
Acceleration: B
Engine: B+
Transmission: B+
Interior space: D
Trunk/Cargo: C-
Noise/Vibration/Harshness: C

Durability/Reliability
Overall: B
Mechanical: B
Hardware/Body/Paint/Trim: B-

Safety
Anti-lock braking: available
Airbags (driver/passenger): yes/yes
Traction control: no
Driver/Passenger Front Crash Protection: ****/***** (out of 5)