Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $33,050 (Base Model: $26,650)
Seating Capacity: 2
Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; daytime running lights; a rearview camera; and a tire pressure monitoring system
Standard Equipment (Grand Touring Model):17-inch tires; an induction sound enhancer; a trunk lid mounted antenna; piano black seat back bar trim; convertible black top with cloth liner; automatic headlights; automatic dimming mirror; dual power remote mirrors; heated mirrors; center console vinyl leather; heated seats; an automatic ventilation system; automatic dimming rearview mirror; leather manually adjustable seats; a 9-speaker Bose system with SiriusXM; a navigation system; a blind spot monitoring system; a rear cross traffic alert system; an adaptive front lighting system; a high beam automatic light control system; a lane departure warning system; a smart city brake support system; and a traffic sign recognition system
Optional Features On Test Vehicle: special exterior paint color; special color cloth convertible top with liner; Grand Touring Package: limited slip differential and front shock tower brace; Interior Package for Manual Transmission: alloy pedals and red engine oil cap; a sport tuned suspension with Bilstein shock absorbers; and stainless door sill trim plates
Other
Trim Level:
Club
MX-5
Miata RF (removable semi hardtop)
Standard Audio
On Test Vehicle: a 6-speaker AM/FM/HDApple or Android Compatibility: No
Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes
USB Connectivity: Yes
Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles
Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder/181-hp
Recommended Fuel: Premium
Standard Fuel Mileage:
26-city/34-hwy
Why:
The stylish rear wheel drive
roadster marks its 30th year, with just a few significant upgrades.
Mazda’s tiny roadster continues to be loads of fun for both the driver and the
passenger. This year’s MX-5 Miata adds more horsepower to the agile compact
roadster. Highway mileage inches up by 1-mile, according to fuel-economy.gov,
with the standard manual transmission.
However,
for those, who prefer to steer clear of shifting through six gears, an optional
automatic transmission is available. Ironically, with the extra horsepower, the
engineering team managed to bump the total driving range from 345 to 357, with
the automatic transmission, as well as increase the combined mpg from 29 to 30.
While opting
for the manual transmission results in a little less fun behind the wheel due
the driving range, they’ll benefit from the joy of shifting gears, while
cruising around curvy roads, especially, when the easy to operate manual top
has been fold down. Moreover, there is about a $1,000 savings by avoiding the additional cost of swapping out the manual for the automatic. Furthermore, the optional sport tuned suspension with Bilstein shock absorbers is a must have feature, adding to the engagement of the driving experience. All of these elements combined heighten the fun factor.
For
those days, when the weather isn’t quite right to drop the top, heated seats
are available. The cloth headliner also
manages to keep the heat sealed in.
The
vehicle’s interior design includes easy-to-use gauges and a pseudo-like version
of BMW’s rotary dial (iDrive) system, which gives the driver access to the infotainment
system.
But: It’s a
small subcompact. There is limited room for both the legs and cargo. And the
vehicle requires premium fuel. Despite some of the added safety features on the
vehicle, drivers should be extra careful, when on expressway systems, where one
is competing with 18 wheelers.
Verdict: Despite the auto industry shifting
away from cars due to the demand for trucks, crossovers and SUVs, the MX-5
continues to give us reasons why this vehicle has many more years ahead of us.
While the segments noted might be more practical, they’re just not as fun to
drive as this roadster. Furthermore, Mazda has managed to hold down the price,
despite adding more horsepower and a rear camera. In fact, pricing is still the
same as the 2016 model we reviewed.
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