Ride is firm, but civilized; excellent weight to steering (crisp turn-in/wheel movement, no numb wheel feeling); with 215/40/17 Goodyear GS-D3s, Tokico HP shocks and Mazda MP3 springs, response is quick and solid, "slot car" in feel.
Minor engine mods brought dyno output to actual 116 WHP from stock 97, adding needed grunt--revs to just under 7000 with an additional 28 lb/ft of torque. Cut 0-60 by 1.2. Five-speed box a joy. A kick to drive with added power and handling mods.
Purchased new. Replaced one wheel bearing, timing belt and one set of brake pads in 119,000 miles. No squeaks, no rattles, no loose body parts or other mechanical problems.
Excellent lines in silver, particularly with garbage shaved off rear hatch, roof rack replaced with black insert strips ala Canadian model, along with blackout Canadian headlights, Mazda MP3 lip (no fog lights) and ADR 17x8" alloy wheels.
