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Can the little Mazda Miata still charm and delight amid all those hulking, massive sport-utility vehicles out there? After all, the Miata debuted in 1989, when there were still some patches of road where you could see more than just a big bumper in front of you.

No matter. The Miata’s open-air freedom, amazing nimbleness and all-around winning style can make you feel just a little bit sorry for those sport-ute folks who are seemingly penned up inside, left to hassle their way into small parking spaces and drive sort of look-alike vehicles.

No one would ever say those things about the Miata, the world’s best-selling roadster. It gets its first total redesign for the 1999 model year, and those 1999’s are showing up in showrooms just in time for spring and just in time to get rid of the El Niño blues.

The new Miata has the same scampering ride that the old model had. You know what I mean. This lightweight car just scoots down the road.

And now, it’s a bit quicker. That’s because Miata gets seven more horsepower and five more pounds-feet of torque, even though the engine remains the same 1.8-liter, double overhead came, inline four-cylinder.

Now, those sound like little numbers. So they must be insignificant, right?

Well, just remember that the Miata is a small, very lightweight car. It doesn’t need a huge V8 to make it really move.

Besides, the Miata — which now has 138 horsepower in California and 117 pounds-feet of torque — needs to remain well-balanced, and that balance includes proper weight balance and proper handling.

Anyway, I didn’t have any problem squealing the tires when I wanted in the test car. The short-throw gearshift in the Miata was always fun. In no time, you could ratchet from first to fifth gear so it’s no wonder the five-speed manual has been in 90 percent of the Miatas sold.

It’s still there for the 1999 model.

Only now the shift lever is even shorter in size in the center console, re-contoured to fit your hand better and it takes even less effort to shift. We think it makes for an even more enjoyable experience and it’s so much more ergonomic than some of those other, more stalky things out there.

Handling is a hallmark in the Miata. The car zips around others quickly, no matter what the speed, and it’s so pleasurable, the move is nearly addicting.

All the while, the engine is humming happily — if a bit noisily.

Check out the new steering wheel in the Miata. On most models its a leather-wrapped, three-spoke job with a NARDI logo in the middle — the folks known for classic steering wheels.

Bay Area folks should note that the Miata is at ease in even the smallest parking lot, and it’s immensely satisfying in San Francisco, where so much of the street parking is Miata-size.

You should be able to pick out the new Miata immediately. It doesn’t have the pop-up headlights of its predecessor, and the shiny silver doo r handles are gone, too. The car looks more muscular, with rounded styling along the sides and a more rounded front.

The new Miata has improved bending and torsional rigidity, too. That makes for a better ride with less shudder and shake than you’d expect in a convertible.

Speaking of convertible, this Miata finally gets a glass window in back. The previous plastic window had a tendency to yellow and get brittle with age. And — also for the first time — the Miata offers an optional Bose sound system.

It’s all quite impressive, especially given the Miata’s continued lowprice, which starts around $20,000.

NUTS AND BOLTS

What we drove: 1999 Mazda Miata, a two-door roadster with 1.8-liter, double overhead cam, 16-valve four cylinder and five-speed manual transmission.

Base price: $19,770

Price as tested (includes options and delivery charge): $22,550

Curb weight: 2,299 pounds

Lengt h: 155.3 inches

Turning circle (curb to curb): 30.2 feet

Standard features: Two front air bags, AM/FM stereo with compact disc player, remote trunk and fuel door release, glass rear window, two cup holders.

Options on test vehicle: Popular equipment package includes NARDI steering wheel, alloy wheels, power steering, power windows, power mirrors, cruise control, power door locks, windblocker, Torsen limited-slip differential.

EPA fuel economy: 25 mpg (city) 29 mpg (highway)

Fuel: Unleaded regular