Mazda’s beloved by driving enthusiasts MX-5 Miata roadster has a front engine with rear-wheel-drive layout, a high fuel efficiency rating, out of this world styling, and down-to-earth pricing.

The huge majority of car buyers, who require more than just driving kicks from their purchases, won’t have use for the Miata. But its value as eye candy is a contribution to the common good, as is knowing there are fellow motorists having fun.

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are newly standard for 2021, and wireless CarPlay is now an option.

Miata is available as a soft-top convertible or a power-folding hard-top model called the RF (for Retractable Fastback). Soft top models come in Sport, Club, and Grand Touring trim levels; RF models are available only in Club and Grand Touring trims.

Every 2021 Miata offers the choice of a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic. Base pricing starts at $27,775 for a soft top Sport with manual transmission and finishes at $35,995 for an RF Grand Touring with automatic transmission. These prices include the destination charge of $945.

Miata’s exuberant and completely fulfilling acceleration is provided by a non-turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 181 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. The car’s light weight makes those seemingly modest numbers plenty enough, and a large part of Miata’s charm is in not having an overbearing monster engine. It also translates into much better fuel economy. The Miata I drove, an RF Club model with manual transmission, is EPA rated at 26 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined.

Working the manual transmission is a ton of fun. Shifting is precise, effortless, and excellently responsive. It’s a manual transmission even people who don’t like manual transmissions can love. Those buyers can always opt for the automatic, of course, but that’s compromising on Miata’s whole point. The car’s tiny interior is snugger than a sports bra, road noise seems unrestrained, cargo and stowage space is minimal, and visibility can be challenging due to Miata’s low stance and body design. I can’t imagine signing up for the not-so-great stuff without the terrific manual transmission that makes up for all of it, and then just driving idly with an automatic.

All is not lost, however, because “shiftless” Miata drivers can still enjoy the little car’s tremendously fun handling ability.

2021 MAZDA MX-5 MIATA CLUB 6MT

Base price, including destination charge: $33,990

Price as driven: $39,255

Mary Lowry is a member of the Motor Press Guild and a member and past president of the Northwest Automotive Press Association. She lives in Snohomish County. Vehicles are provided by automotive manufacturers as a one-week loan for evaluation purposes only. Manufacturers do not control content of the reviews.