When it comes to car upgrades, it’s crude horsepower and acceleration numbers that are the focus of most of the attention. But this rarely tells the whole story. Nor do we know from specs alone how the car drives. In this respect, the Mazda Miata is a fresh take on performance and driving fun. It’s not brimming with huge engines or spectacular 0-60 times, but get behind the wheel and you can see why it’s outsold almost every sportscar to date. There’s just the right balance of all the ingredients to get you grinning each time you floor the pedal or throw the car around the twisties.
Engine and handling mods aside, there’s more on offer in the burgeoning aftermarket to get a car that’s more in tune with personal tastes. The wide availability of Miata interior parts lets you add a new twist to interior presentation, while also awarding drivers with more comfort and the feel-good factor of customising your ride just the way you like. And a few minor changes won’t leave you out of pocket.
Table of Contents
A New Set of Seats
Aftermarket seats are an absolute necessity if the stock variants have succumbed to damage from leaking soft top roofs and resulting rain. Staining, discolouration and bad smells from mould, as well as more visible damage like tears in the cloth or cracks or fading in leather, are giveaway signs that you’re ready for a new pair. Moreover, sagging, missing padding, non-existent side bolstering, or headrests that just get in the way will also have to rummage through your wallet.
There are quite a few options. The first consideration is choosing the right design. Sports seats have better contouring that hugs the body with improved side support to add more control in high-speed turns and bends. They offer a firmer ride and aren’t the last word in comfort, so more inclined for track use than everyday driving. Conventional bucket seats have better padding for a comfier ride over longer distances. Both should feature some lumbar adjustment so no back pain regardless of how or where you’re driving.
Next up is materials. Only some limited editions of early Miatas had leather as standard, and their condition in older cars will need some attention. You can throw in a decent set of covers to mask any damage, but a new pair of leather seats isn’t prohibitively expensive and will revitalise a tired interior.
There’s a huge choice of grains, from super soft full-grain to treated combinations of genuine and synthetic varieties all differing in finish, durability and whether they can be combined with pigmenting to get the colours that suit the car. If you can’t make the stretch to real leather, consider cheaper alternatives like Alcantara or suede or the wide range of cloth fabrics. Materials should be hard-wearing, have non-slip surfaces, be easy to clean and round out the look you’re after with decent stitching.
Lastly, overlooked seating features like heating and ventilation will decide how comfy you get in changing weather conditions. Seats can be packaged with both, or you can get aftermarket heating kits complete with all the electrics needed to work them.
Steering Wheels
Steering wheels in early NA and NB models were big, unwieldy and not the last word in comfort with no option for adjustability. Mazda offers both airbag and non-airbag options in three or four-spoke leather and synthetic designs, depending on trim. All will have visible signs of wear and spoiling even the best interior.
Replacement Miata wheels come in different sizes, shapes, materials and fitment options. Go for smaller sizes (12 to 14 inches in diameter) for a sportier feel, or full circle with huge 17 or 18-inch variants to replicate the original. Round designs are good all-rounders, but open-top wheels may be a better option for taller drivers, with a much better view of the instrument cluster, and flat-bottom types help with legroom and general comfort.
When it comes to steering wheel materials, leather is the more luxurious choice and matches seats in the same material, while hardwoods like maple and mahogany go for a classic vibe. They are a bit heavier though and not as grippy as leather or steering wheels made of synthetic materials like suede.
And finally, consider how aftermarket wheels fit to the hub. The two common types are the Momo 6-bolt pattern, with a 70mm centre circle and bolts in the 6 and 12 clock orientation. Nardi wheels also have 6 bolts but have 74mm centres and bolts in the 3 and 9-clock orientations. Besides a hub adapter, track cars can use a quick-release clamp.
Dials and Instruments
Early model MX-5s have a traditional 5-dial instrument cluster. Cars sold in the UK have MPH speedos, while the rare Eunos imports from Japan have KPH clusters. Legal requirements state that all dials be calibrated and in working order, so if you find one that’s not operational you can change that out or get complete dials and instruments fitted by a pro. While you’re at it, there’s the choice of different coloured backgrounds (cream and blue are popular) to add a bit of style and have dials clearly legible at any time.
Floor Mats
The original floor mats will have been long overdue for replacement in all but the newer ND cars. If you want to retain the feel of the original, genuine MX-5 floor mats go for a little more than aftermarket variants, but still carry the MX-5 logo. Both though are a custom-fit design sitting neatly in the footwells, and when installed with the provided clips won’t budge no matter how good your footwork is.
There’s a decent choice of materials, from natural and synthetic rubber blends to plastic or soft-touch carpeted mats. They all do a good job of collecting dust and debris and containing spills, oil, water and food. If you want the carpet underlay in top condition, and a car that’s easier to clean, a bespoke pair of floor mats is the way to go. They’re also some of the cheapest Miata interior parts around, and worth every penny.
Interior Trim
Lastly, there’s the huge list of trim elements and panelling. Plastic components like cubby boxes, ashtrays and centre console faceplates can be had from a stripped-down car as used items, bought new or as aftermarket replacement going a bit cheaper. Similar parts are also easy to find and widely available so you don’t have to stick with eyesores that are faded, cracked or beyond repair. These are considered replacement interior parts, but you can also choose to go with the upmarket feel of chrome interior additions.
Most Miata owners swap out the stock black rubber gear knob for a polished chrome replacement and the plastic handbrake sleeve in the same material. Other chromed extras include air vent rings, handbrake buttons, heater and air-conditioning knobs and instrument and switch surrounds.
The Takeaway
If you own a Miata, there’s a huge range of parts that are well-made, built to last and do a great job of bringing some character and style to an otherwise drab and downtrodden interior. Seats up comfort and safety, steering wheels lift the driving experience, and small additions like new dials, trim elements and mats prevent small blemishes from spoiling the overall look you’re after. There’s a range of materials and colours to choose from, and parts offered as new or used, and at decent prices.
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