By 2003, Mazda had succumbed to the trend toward silver plastic, and the 2004 Mazdaspeed Miata has the garish stuff coating the entire center console. The stereo and climate controls are relatively simple, though the temperature, fan and mode dials are located behind the shifter where they’re hard to use. At least the driver has a tachometer, speedo, fuel, temperature, and oil pressure gauges to reference – though that last is little more than an idiot light designed to look like the real deal. Previous-generation Miatas also have shiny hard plastic door grips, but the upper parts of the dashboard and door panels are soft, pliable material.