Affordable Convertibles Put to the Test

Some highly anticipated new luxury convertibles will hit the market this summer in the Lexus IS and Infiniti G37, but what about droptops for the masses? Isn’t everyone entitled to some wind in their hair?

With the sun shining and the breeze cool, we took three popular, affordable convertibles out for a spin to see how they’d fare as a chariot for a weekend getaway. The cars tested were the 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata, 2010 Ford Mustang and 2009 Volkswagen Beetle convertible. We considered cargo space, comfort and cool factor. Check out the video above to see how they fared in those categories, and read on to see how we felt about these topless wonders as driving machines.

In the end, our five staffers arrived at a split decision, but not before some heavily spirited debate. What follows is the conversation that ensued after a day of driving the three vehicles over a large chunk of northern Illinois:

Cars.com Reviews the 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Do you like fun? Do you enjoy enjoying things? If so, Cars.com reviewer Joe Wiesenfelder has the car for you. The Mazda MX-5 Miata pretty much gives Wiesenfelder a reason to get out of bed in the morning, and he makes no bones about the fact that it’s one of his favorites. Check out his full review to find out why the Miata puts such a smile on his face.

2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata Review

2009|Mazda|Miata MX-5

2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata Video

Cars.com reviewer Joe Wiesenfelder steps into one of his favorites, the Mazda MX-5 Miata. In this case, Wiesenfelder’s gotten his hands on a top-of-the-line model with a retractable hardtop and the company's new smiling grille. Beyond those perks and drawbacks, he explains just why the MX-5 Miata is so fun to drive. Watch the video to see if you too could become a fan.

2009|Mazda|MX-5

Mazda Adds Environmentally Friendly Paint Technique

Mazda is trying to promote a more environmentally friendly image, both with a slogan — “Sustainable Zoom-Zoom,” they call it — and with paint. That’s right, paint.

Mazda has already introduced a water-based paint application technique to its factory in Hiroshima, Japan, and wants to use the method on all its vehicles in the future. The new Aqua-tech Paint System reduces emissions of volatile organic compounds by 57% over the “Three Layer Wet Paint System.”

Mazda says its method is superior to the water-based paint systems used by Ford and Toyota, producing both lower emissions and also a brighter, more durable finish. The Mazda paint also functions as a primer and can resist chipping and light damage.

More important than the technique, though, is what Mazda has done to increase energy efficiency. The Aqua-tech system relies on more efficient air conditioning and water evaporation systems that dry paint quickly, greatly reducing the CO2 emissions involved in the energy-heavy process.

Wet, Green Paint From Mazda (Autopia)

Through Ian's Lens: 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata

As roadsters go, there are very few cars in the current market that make my head spin. I could whittle that list down to two vehicles in particular, and when I get my hands on a 2010 BMW Z4, it will also grace the pages of Through Ian’s Lens. But until then, I will be quite happy with the new 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.

Cat-like headlights, pronounced fenders and Mazda's new smiling grille are the first things that catch my attention on the MX-5. From there, the stamped hood, trunklid curve and new taillights give this traditional-looking MX-5 Miata a modern upgrade. The best thing about this roadster? The designers over at Mazda created a great-looking car even with the top up — a rarity in modern roadsters.

Let me know what you think in the comments section below. As always, feel free to use the full-screen mode on the photo browser.

Recall Alert: 2009 Mazda3

Mazda has issued a recall for 7,100 Mazda3 vehicles from the 2009 model year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The recall is due to a malfunction in the electronic stability system, which fails to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. During difficult driving situations, failure of the stability system could lead to an accident.

Dealers will inspect the system and replace the malfunctioning unit for free. Owners may contact Mazda at 800-222-5500 or the NHTSA hotline at 888-327-4236.

Mazda Reorganizes: Focusing on Electric Vehicles

Amid all the recent turmoil in the automotive industry, Mazda has decided to do some internal housecleaning that may affect what you’ll see at Mazda dealerships in the future.

The organizational changes give certain leaders at Mazda more power than they previously had by combining several roles together. This is intended to speed up the efficiency of decision-making, Mazda says.

Mazda has also added a new position involving the management of future “electric drive” developments. That could mean Mazda is planning new hybrids and/or electric vehicles. Mazda already produces a prototype hydrogen-powered RX-8 (technically an EV) that’s undergoing testing in select countries.

Mazda has no concrete plans to build electric vehicles, as management thought EVs and hybrids clashed with its sporty, “Zoom-Zoom” attitude.

Mazda, which was recently spun off from Ford, has posted a net loss of nearly $728 million since the end of March. The company is applying for Japanese government loans.

In April, Mazda’s CEO said the automaker would introduce a new fuel-efficient powertrain and a completely new vehicle for 2011.

Mazda announces reorganization (DetNews)
Mazda CEO: Automaker to debut new engine, focus on fuel efficiency (DetNews) 
Mazda will seek government loans (DetNews)

2010 Mazda3 Video

When competing against the likes of the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, a car has to have a way of grabbing customers’ attention. Mazda’s angle has always been to sacrifice a few miles per gallon in favor of a superior driving experience. Is the 2009 Mazda3 as fun to drive as Mazda says? Cars.com reviewer David Thomas checks out that claim in this video review.

Recall Alert: 2010 Mazda3

Mazda has issued a recall for 25,400 Mazda3s from the 2010 model year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In some vehicles, the clearance between the engine and the housing of the starter motor may be too narrow.

If the harness covering is damaged by heavy vibration while the car is operating, it could cause a short circuit in certain harness wires. That could result in a malfunction in engine control or degraded shift quality. It could also cause the engine to stall and increase the risk of an accident.

Dealers will inspect the engine harness and add a protector clip if necessary. If the harness is already too damaged, the harness will be repaired free of charge.

The recall covers all 2010 Mazda3s sold to date, and the recently redesigned car has sold briskly so far. Recalls of a first-year model aren’t uncommon, but obviously it’s far from flattering for Mazda.

Owners can contact Mazda at 800-222-5500, or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236.

2010 Mazdaspeed3 Video

While the evaluation of performance cars like the Mazdaspeed3 comes primarily from driving the car, Joe Wiesenfelder walks us through what’s changed on the 2010 ‘Speed3. His verdict on the new styling? Well, he does mention a “big, big mistake” in his wrap-up.