Call 2006 the return of the affordable roadster. Mazda is redesigning the venerable Miata, renaming it the MX-5 and boosting both power and performance. With styling cues culled from the RX-8 sports car and a redesigned interior that’s both larger and more upscale, the new MX-5 features a more masculine exterior design and additional power while remaining a lightweight handling champ.

Expect the MX-5 to weigh in at about 2,500 pounds with its new free-revving, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine making about 170 horsepower, plenty to boost performance over the current Miata. A six-speed manual transmission drives the rear wheels, and like the original Miata, the redesigned 2006 version features a double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, this time equipped with anti-dive and anti-squat geometry. The handsome multi-spoke 17-inch wheels are one size larger in diameter, and wear 205/45 performance tires. They front a four-wheel-disc braking system with larger rotors, stiffer calipers, and other modifications designed to produce short pedal travel and linear brake application. Mazda has also retuned the power rack-and-pinion steering, and when combined with the new MX-5’s wider track, larger tires, and stiffer body structure, it should produce quicker response and better handling.

Manually operated like before, the top drops to fit flush and smooth with the 2006 Mazda MX-5’s body, eliminating the need for a snap-on tonneau cover. The top includes a glass rear window with a defogger, and a detachable hardtop is optional for both foul-weather climates and to meet amateur racing regulations. Black is the standard top color, with saddle (tan) available on upper trim levels.

Prices are likely to run between $22,000 and $28,000, depending on equipment. Three interior color schemes, each matched to the piano black trim and silver control accents, complement the eight exterior colors. Base 2006 Mazda MX-5's have black cloth seats, while higher-grade models are equipped with a choice between monotone black leather or a black-and-saddle leather treatment. A Special Edition model – of which 1,500 numbered versions are planned – wears unique Velocity Red paint, chrome exterior accents, special 18-inch alloy wheels, and a red leather interior with silver trim.

We haven’t driven the new 2006 Mazda MX-5, but it’s easy to believe that this latest iteration of the world’s best-selling roadster will inspire a whole new love affair with open-air motoring.