Mazda has done it again. First, they reinvigorated the sports car market a decade and a half ago with the introduction of the Miata for 1990. Then the company followed that up with a redesigned version that was good enough to make Miata the biggest-selling sports car in history.

Now, for 2006, they've topped that with a third-generation Miata that's as sophisticated as far more expensive sports cars, despite keeping its reasonable low-20-thousand-dollar price tag.

Compared to the two previous versions, the 2006 MX-5 Miata is a little larger in most dimensions, and gains about 50 pounds. It continues with its four-cylinder engine but now it's a 170-hp 2.0-liter instead of a 142-hp 1.8.

Slipping into the interior, it's obvious that Mazda's junior sports car has grown a bit. Instead of the window sills having a sort of elbow-height feeling, you now feel as though you're sitting low in the car, instead of sitting on it. Along with the cabin's extra room comes a more upscale look to the interior. Although still not exactly plush feeling, the new Miata replaces its predecessors' retro spartan style with a somewhat more opulent look. The leather seats are both easy on the eyes and posterior. The convertible top has a cloth surface and a glass rear window, and it folds neatly into a smooth bunch that latches down to form a smooth profile without a separate cover basketball camps new jersey.

Overall, the cabin pleases in both design and execution. There's a subtle, high-quality feel to it that speaks of cars costing far more than our tester's $25,000 sticker price.

Firing the engine up brings forth a sporty purr that's maybe a tad more subdued than Miatas past, but nonetheless satisfying. Once rolling, planting your foot into the gas yields one of the bigger delights of the new Miata. The engine feels somewhat stronger than its power rating might imply, providing gutsy acceleration at low speeds and very nice passing power without downshifting. It never feels high-strung or fussy.

Complementing that pleasure is the shifter. Traditionally a strong suit of Miatas past, the new version continues to be noteworthy. Although not quite as pleasingly mechanical feeling as before, the shifter is precise, with appropriate springing and well-defined gates. Tying it all together are pedals that are well spaced for easy heel-and-toe downshifts.

Once acclimated to the new Miata's basic control personality, it's time to tackle some twisty roads. And you'll quickly find that this aspect of the new car is where the new Miata differs the most from its predecessors.

While the generation-one and -two Miatas were well known for having low handling limits and almost toylike tossability, the new Miata feels heftier, more serious, and obviously more capable. In earlier Miatas the idea of slipping and sliding the rear end was as obvious and basic as putting the top down on a sunny day -- Miata practically begged for such exuberance behind the wheel.

The new Miata responds to such tail-happy shenanigans with all the control and communication of Mazda's earlier little sprites. But now the car just doesn't seem to ask for it with such a strong voice. This version's vastly higher grip and more potent engine instead make it happier with high corner-entry speeds and smooth, even steering-wheel inputs.

Those things said, this Miata is really happy in that environment. Whereas previous Miatas tended to have a wild, freewheeling personality on winding roads, the new version hauls through turns as if locked onto rails, with minimal body lean and very high limits that aren't as easy to upset.

It's still terrific fun. It's just a little different kind of fun.

It's clear that Mazda has once again crafted a true little gem of a sports car. There's not a squeak or rattle to be heard, the engine has a smooth, almost exotic personality, and the driving controls are precise and solid. You find yourself double checking the sticker to see if this is really a $25,000 sports car -- plenty of rivals costing $15k more than Miata don't get these things much (if any) better.

As for how this new Miata design overall compares to its predecessors, picture a guy that was loveable but slightly over-eager in college. Now he's been out in the real world for few years and maybe gotten a graduate degree.

He's not really the same guy anymore, but he commands more respect. And he's still a whole lot of fun to be around.

About the Author: For more articles on vintage and contemporary sports cars, along with drive-tests of today�s hottest performance cars, go to http://www.autiv.com/ David Bellm is a seasoned test driver and automotive writer. His work has been featured in a wide variety of online and print publications.

Indiana is the home to a proud tradition of racing with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Indiana real estate prices are very reasonable, particularly for first time homebuyers.

Indiana

Considered a crossroads state, Indiana is hub of activity for the upper Midwest United States. Good coming from the Great Lakes intersect with agricultural products heading from the heart of the country. Basketball permeates the state at all levels with movies such as �Hoosiers� being based on true stories in the state.

A state of rolling hills, Indiana is undeniable an auto racing state. The Indianapolis 500 is a traditional memorial day event followed around the country on television and drawing a small city worth of people to the track basketball camps new jersey. You�ll also find tracks throughout the state catering to less glamour events on weekends, but ones that are just as fun.

Indianapolis

The dominant city in the state, Indianapolis suffered for years from a reputation as boring place. While potentially true in the past, the city has moved forward with new developments in sports and culture that have made the city anything but boring. Museums litter the city, giving art lovers much to explore and do.

When it comes to sports, Indianapolis has developed a strong presence with two professional teams, and the development of major amateur sports complexes. The United States Olympic Trials are held in the city and residents can be found playing practically every type of sport throughout the year, even during winter. The White River State Park is a great place to walk, jog and generally get off you couch.

South Bend

Home to the University of Notre Dame, South Bend is a college town with a historic feel. College football rules the day with the Fighting Irish, the College Football Hall of Fame and a classic midwestern atmosphere. A strong Catholic influence is present in this beautiful little city sitting on the shores of the St. Joseph River.

Indiana Real Estate

Indiana real estate is very reasonable and a good place to raise a family with traditional values. A single-family home in either Indianapolis or South Bend will set you back roughly $175,000, a typical figure in the state.

With such low prices, one can�t expect Indiana real estate to appreciate much. In 2005, the appreciation rate was a miserly 4.7 percent, beating only Texas for the lowest rate in the nation.

About the Author: Raynor James is with http://www.fsboamerica.org - FSBO homes for sale by owner. Visit our "sell my home" page at http://www.fsboamerica.org/seller.cfm to sell your own home yourself with a free 1 month listing.