2016 Mazda Miata MX-5: affordable, fun-to-drive roadster

  • by Larry Lark Herald Special Sections Writer
  • Wednesday, October 7, 2015 11:50am

I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the unofficial end of summer Labor Day weekend than behind the wheel of Mazda’s 2016 Miata MX-5 Club roadster convertible.

The words fun, affordable, reliable, roadster and convertible translate in any language. In the 26 years since the MX-5 was introduced, the sports car has sold almost a million units worldwide. It has become a mainstay as a daily driver, weekend toy and championship-winning race car.

With a base price at less than $30,000, the MX-5 looks like a million bucks – with the cloth top up – or down. It cuts a sleek, curvaceous swath with a Soul Red metallic coat of paint, 17-inch, forged dark alloy wheels with Brembo front brake calipers and rotors, front air dame and rear lip spoiler.

With its extremely low center of gravity and wheels pushed wide at all four corners, MX-5 grips the road like a vice. After a few minutes behind the wheel you find yourself accelerating into corners – not slowing down! To say this Miata is nimble and fun-to-drive does a disservice to the words nimble and fun-to-drive.

The only problem I had with the MX-5 was after I parked. I’ll have to admit, it was a little harder climbing

out of this car than it was a few years ago. I just took it slow and easy: almost like a reverse squat. 🙂 I felt like I should have gotten Fitbit points for my efforts.

Powered by a SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter, DOHC, four-cylinder engine and mated to a SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission, the MX-5 generates a torque-rich ride and the most fun you could ever have with 155 horsepower.

Better still, you can have your fun guilt-free. The new MX-5 delivers 25-percent greater fuel-efficiency than before. My tester received an EPA rating of 34 miles per gallon down the highway and combined city/highway rating of 30.

Part of that magic is explained by the Miata’s loss of 150 pounds when compared to its previous, third-generation model. Wish Japanese engineers would share that little secret with me.

Top down driving never gets old. The MX-5 makes lowering and raising the cloth top so easy, the driver – or passenger – doesn’t even have to leave the comfort of their side-bolstered seats. The function literally takes a couple seconds, then its wind-in-your hair driving.

If the thrill of the road and open air are not enough to keep you smiling – that’s all I needed – Mazda’s goodie bag would make Santa proud. A Bose ninespeaker audio system (that includes headrest speakers) blares AM/FM/XM/CD and iPod music, and Bluetooth provides hands-free phone and audio control.

Storage space is limited, but Mazda found a way to include two cupholders and a couple of cubbyholes that suffice, along with a smallish trunk that I will refrain from complaining about. You’ve got to give a little to get a lot.

Last, but not least, the MX-5 includes a lengthy list of safety features highlighted by dynamic stability control, traction control, side-impact door beams and an anti-theft engine immobilizer.

2016 MAZDA MIATA MX-5

Base Price: $28,600

As Tested: $33,120

Base price includes destination charge. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. Prices may vary at local dealerships.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.