Highlight: The fourth-generation MX-5 shares a platform with Fiat’s 124 Spider.
Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $32,880 (base model $25,750)
Seating Capacity: 2
Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; daytime running lights; LED headlights; traction control system; and a tire puncture repair kit
Standard Equipment: 16-inch wheels; a rear-wheel drive configuration; a 6-speed manual transmission; a manual operated convertible black cloth top; a glass rear window; air condition; cruise control; two removable cupholders; a leather trim parking brake; a push button ignition system; cloth manually operated seats; and a driver/passenger back panel covered storage
Grand Touring Features: 17-inch wheels; automatic headlights; a Bose 9-speaker audio system; satellite radio; a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen; a navigation system; an automatic controlled a/c system; leather trimmed parking brakes; a remote keyless entry system; heated seats; a leather shift knob; steering wheel with audio and speed controls; a wind blocker; a tire pressure monitoring system; an adaptive front light system; an anti-theft alarm; a blind spot monitoring system; a lane departure warning system; a rear traffic cross alert system; and side impact airbags
Options: a rear lip spoiler; an appearance package (front air dam, side sill extension and rear spoiler skirt); an advanced keyless entry system; satellite radio; and special paint package
Other Trim Level:
Sport
Club
Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 6-speaker audio system AM/FM/CD
Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes
USB Connectivity: Yes
Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles
Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder/155-hp
Recommended Fuel: Regular
Standard Fuel Mileage: 27-city/34-hwy
What’s New: The world’s most popular roadster is all-new for the 2016 model year. It not only wears a new sleeker BMW Z4-like exterior, but a new interior, too!
Why: The
popular roadster, which is powered by one powertrain, continues to offer a lot
of excitement, with either the manual or automatic transmission. Behind the
wheel of the roadster, three adjectives describe this two-seater: light, fun-to-drive
and nimble.
Mazda’s
team of engineers has managed to enhance the spirit of this vehicle during its
26th year by reducing the overall body weight and adding an air condition that’s
roughly 20 percent lighter. The engineering team has also made great strides in
the 2016 model with the fuel economy, too, improving the gas mileage by nearly
a whopping 25 percent.
Moreover,
in the all-new 2016 Miata MX-5, it’s easier to change the appearance of the
vehicle. The easy-to-use, pull-up, cloth top converts this miniature roadster
to one that welcomes the open air or one that can be easily covered to navigate
all-weather conditions. In fact, the top can be operated by one person, using
one hand, while seated inside the vehicle or standing outside. And, whether the
top is up or down, it doesn’t interfere with the small cargo area. In fact, while
the cargo area still begs for more room, the 2016 MX-5 Miata is deeper than
previous models, so it allows one to carry all of the essentials, as well as a
few bags of grocery (or weekend travel bags)
Added
to that, with the double wishbone suspension and the rear suspension system, surprisingly,
we found the ride of the MX-5 Miata to be more compliant than Lexus hybrid
hatchback, the CT200h.
Furthermore,
the little Mazda is available in three trims. We had the opportunity to tool
around in a Grand Touring model. With the higher end trim, one can expect two
additional speakers and a navigation system.
Lastly,
the spunky, driver-oriented roadster also includes the latest safety
enhancements too for 2016. Those features include a blind spot monitoring
system, a rear tr
affic
cross alert system and a lane departure warning system.
Oh
yeah, before we wrap up this segment, we must advise those in the market for a
retractable hardtop, a new model joins the line up in 2017. So, hold on, pricing
for the forthcoming knock out hardtop starts at around $32,300.
But: There’s
no hardtop power convertible top here. Only a soft top is available, as of now.
And, while the tiny roadster is infused with the latest technology, a rear
backup camera somehow managed to escape the option list.
Lastly,
the engineers should add a rear back up camera.
Verdict:
For those looking
for a sporty looking, affordable, fun-to-drive iconic roadster, the MX-5 Miata
should be on the shopping list. The spirited compact, especially when outfitted
with the easy-to-shift, six-speed manual is a great all-year vehicle to drive,
as long as it’s not being pulled-out to tackle heavy rain, snow, ice or sand. With
the additional gas mileage and the easy-to-use cloth top, the occupants will
enjoy soaking up the sun, while listening to the latest tunes. And we must add,
this vehicle took top honors in its segment from JD Power, the quality guru folks.
Competition: Fiat 124 Spider or MINI Cooper Roadster
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