Positive Post Of The Day: Miata Gets Some Competition Edition

Edward Niedermeyer
by Edward Niedermeyer

Volkswagen’s BlueSport is still in concept form, but that didn’t stop Autobild from taking it out and comparing it to Mazda’s Miata, the industry standard for affordable fun. “Not bad, truly not bad,” is how the BlueSport’s creator Marco Fabiano describes the Miata, his concept’s intended prey. Which means the BlueSport will have to be “damn good, truly damn good” to break Mazda’s 20-year stranglehold on the entry-roadster market. At least VW is clear on that much going into the project.

Autobild says that the 95 km/h-limited BlueSport feels “similar” to the MX-5, even though it hasn’t got the production go-ahead yet and the diesel engine still sounds like a tractor. But the stomach “kribbelt” around the corners and the shove is said to be admirable, which is what really matters. And since the front suspension is Polo-based, and the mid-engine drivetrain is a shoved-back Golf’s transverse unit, the BlueSport should cost less (in Europe, anyway) than the Miata. They’re saying under €25k.

On the less positive side, wasn’t this basic strategy attempted with Toyota’s MR2 Spyder? Sure, the MR2 never had a diesel option, stop-start technology, or any of VW’s conceptual teases, but otherwise the concept was remarkably similar. And despite benchmarking the Mazda, Toyota’s roadster came up well short in terms of sales. Given that VW is planning Audi, Seat and possibly Porsche versions of the same concept, VW also runs the risk of replicating the MR2’s “success” across several line-blurring brands.

But, hey, since when do enthusiasts care if a car makes money? Any competition for the Miata is enough to warrant a positive post. Because who’s going to blame us when VW decides to not bring it stateside?

Edward Niedermeyer
Edward Niedermeyer

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  • Johnny ro Johnny ro on Sep 01, 2009

    I cant buy another Mazda until they get rid of that goofy huge smiley face front.

  • Imag Imag on Sep 02, 2009

    I'm surprised no one mentioned the Gen 4 Miata, rumored to be lighter, coming in a couple years. That is where the comparison will be. Personally, I'm glad to welcome VDub to one of the best segments in town. The more the merrier, even if they are focused slightly differently. I like the look, and I love the idea of the mid-engine diesel sports car, along with it's possible Porsche offspring. Still, the next Miata or RX-7 might be the ones to grab my cash in the end. Looking forward to all of them...

  • GregLocock That's a bodge, not a solution. Your diff now has bits of broken off metal floating around in it.
  • The Oracle Well, we’re 3-4 years in with the Telluride and right around the time the long term durability issues start to really take hold. This is sad.
  • CoastieLenn No idea why, but nothing about a 4Runner excites me post-2004. To me, they're peak "try-hard", even above the Wrangler and Gladiator.
  • AZFelix A well earned anniversary.Can they also attend to the Mach-E?
  • Jalop1991 The intermediate shaft and right front driveshaft may not be fully engaged due to suspected improper assembly by the supplier. Over time, partial engagement can cause damage to the intermediate shaft splines. Damaged shaft splines may result in unintended vehicle movement while in Park if the parking brake is not engagedGee, my Chrysler van automatically engages the parking brake when we put it in Park. Do you mean to tell me that the idjits at Kia, and the idjit buyers, couldn't figure out wanting this in THEIR MOST EXPENSIVE VEHICLE????
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