Off-Road Miata Magic

The Off-Road Miata

There’s something quite charming about the Mazda MX-5 Miata. It’s a car many folks have seen maneuvering the streets with ease and handling those weekend track days like a champ. But a Miata tackling off-road trails? That’s a whole new ball game. This 1994 Mazda MX-5, affectionately called the Bajayata, is breaking those boundaries with style and grit.

Specs and Features

Originally a stock 1994 M Edition, this Miata has been transformed into an off-road beast. It boasts a Paco Motorsports Offroadster kit, which raises the ground clearance considerably—enough to rival some SUVs—and sits on chunky 31-inch BF Goodrich tires. The suspension has been heightened through custom-valved AFCO Racing coilovers, while the car is fitted with TIG-welded fender flares for that rugged off-road look.

Power Upgrades

While the original 1.8-liter engine pushed out about 128 horsepower, the added weight and off-road requirements called for more muscle. Enter the Flyin’ Miata turbocharger kit. With this update, the Miata packs enough punch to tackle rough terrains. A swap to a six-speed transmission from a 2004 MX-5 ensures that changing gears is as smooth as can be when trailing through rough patches.

Off-Road Ready

Zerek Fabrication has provided essential upgrades such as front and rear bash bars and underfloor skid plates, ensuring the car’s nose, tail, and essential parts remain protected from the jagged rocks and debris. For added security, there’s a spare 15-inch wheel hanging onto the SQIIRL MODS luggage rack ready for emergencies.

Inside the Beast

Despite its rugged exterior, the interior stays true to the Miata’s roots with its original tan leather sports seats, allowing for comfortable cruising even when off-road adventures turn bumpy. This attention to comfort blends the Miata’s sporty DNA with its newfound off-road prowess.

The Drive

Putting this converted Miata to the test off the beaten path, it offers an engaging drive reminiscent of other off-road-oriented vehicles like the Jeep Wrangler. Sure, this Miata may not reach the prowess of full-sized 4x4s, but it brings a sense of nimbleness and spunk to the trails. With the turbocharger installed, it gets refreshing bursts of power, making light work of both climbs and straight-line dirt sprints.

Conclusion

While this version of the MX-5 isn’t for the purists, there’s no denying the fun it promises to inject into an off-road trek, all while being far more affordable than some high-end alternatives like the Porsche 911 Dakar, which can go upwards of $300,000. It’s a Miata on steroids—proof positive that even the humble roadster can go toe-to-toe with the big boys in the dirt game.