2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring Roadster

Highlight: The MX-5 Miata is celebrating its 30^th anniversary this year.

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

2014 Mazda Miata MX-5 Grand Touring: Small, Fast And Sporty

Highlight: According to the industry respected latest JD Power 2014 Quality Study, the Mazda Miata MX-5 is the top rated vehicle the compact sporty car segment.

Test vehicle’s MSRP: $30,675 (Base Model starts at $24,515)

Seating Capacity: 2

Standard Safety Features: airbags; side impact beams; a tire pressure monitoring system; ABS; traction control; and a stability control system; and a locking glove box

Standard Equipment (Base): 16-inch wheels; a 5-speed manual transmission; a manually operated vinyl (or cloth) top; a manual a/c; cloth seats; a power remote trunk; a speed sensing automatic volume control audio system; a tilt steering wheel; manual door locks; and a convertible roof wind blocker

2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata: An Affordable Drop Top Roadster

Highlight: The folks at Mazda claim that this has been the biggest market for what has become the world’s best-selling two-seater convertible, since the MX-5 Miata was conceived over 20 years ago.

Test vehicle’s MSRP: $31,300 (Base price starts at $23,905)

Major Standard Features: 5-speed manual; 16-inch wheels; power exterior mirrors; a/c; leather steering wheel; power windows; AM/FM/CD player with 6 speakers; side airbags; dual exhaust pipes

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.0-liter DOHC/167

Standard Fuel Mileage: 21/28 (based on 6-speed manual transmission)

Indirect Competitor: BMW Z4

What’s New: The current generation rear-wheel drive roadster was last reworked in 2009. While the sporty roadster is virtually unchanged for the 2011 model year, pricing has risen by approximately $2,000 on the base model MX-5 Miata since its last major update.

Pros:

Since I was fortunate to get my hands on the top of the line Grand Touring model, my sporty two seater was outfitted with Mazda’s optional easy-to-use power retractable hard top. In fact, opening and closing cycles to the top last less than 12 seconds, making this the fastest power-operated retractable hard top in America which is another claim from the folks at Mazda.

For those pinching pennies, but yearning for an affordable roadster, a soft top is available for about $1,600 less than the hard top. Personally, I prefer the hard top since it improves the overall appearance of the sexy vehicle, giving it a more upscale look, when the top is up.

Another money saving feature in the compact roadster is the standard 5-speed manual or 6-speed manual, depending on the trim package. By opting for the manual, as opposed to an automatic, one can keep a lid on the sticker price, holding the price down by approximately $1,100. Just like with the hardtop, I also preferred the 6-speed manual transmission that was in the well-equipped MX-5 Miata we reviewed.

And if price isn’t a big concern, the tiny roadster can be equipped with heated leather seats, a leather shift knob, 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, steering wheel mounted cruise and audio controls, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, an in-dash 6-disc CD changer, an anti-theft alarm, a keyless entry system, Bluetooth connectivity, Xenon headlights and a Sirius Satellite radio.

Oh yeah, my two-seater was also equipped with four cup holders.