Overview:
This is the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring Manual Transmission two seater sport car. Yes – an automatic transmission is an option. Over the years that I have driven the Miata it has matured but so has the cost. In early years it was rather ‘tiny’ sounding but even though it is still a ‘light weight’ small two seater, it has many of the safety features once only found on much more expensive sport cars.
And beyond the technology built in and it has matured from that standpoint, it is still a small car that simply can’t and shouldn’t be able to provide bigger car space and features. Some of the competition that is in the same price range – The Subaru BRZ and the Scion FR-S both seat 4 -and thus have more room generally.
General Information: It is assembled in Hiroshima, Japan; Parts – US/Canadian 0%, Japan 95% Engine and transmission – Japan; Classification is Two Seater. Cars from Mazda: CX 3, CX 5, CX 9, Mazda 2, Mazda 3, Mazda 5, Mazda 6, MX-5 Miata.
Styling:
Classic Miata that has been updated to meet or go head to head with higher priced cars in this segment.
Fit and Finish:
No complaints.
Cost:
Very competitive among all of those listed here. But when considering alternatives like the Audi and the Nissan they are far more sophisticated and substantial albeit similar in size.
Conveniences and comfort:
For a small two seater sport car it has an impressive number of features that make your drive more comfortable. On the other hand, there is very limited space but I’m sure if you’re in the market for a sport car, you don’t expect larger car space conveniences.
Sport car enthusiasts will also appreciate a manual transmission. But for the ladies there is an option for a 6-speed automatic transmission. Typically female drivers, in my experience, don’t like man-ual transmissions. In fact, both men and women under 40 may never have driven a car so equipped. As I recall the DMV driving test required applicants to take the test in a manually shifted car.
Finally, I’m guessing most older drivers (men or women) aren’t terribly interested in the inconvenience of getting in and out of cars this low to the ground.
Consumer Recommendations:
If you are young, or simply young at heart, no matter the age, and you have a yearning to drive a sport car you will enjoy the ride.
Some of the most memorable times of my life include my wife and I traveling to Lake Tahoe in a Miata for the week. I rather like traveling light. Really light – by necessity in this case. The trunk is very small and there IS no back seat. One way around the space problem is a rack on the trunk lid to put extra luggage.
Recognized Competition:
Mazda MX-5 Miata $30,000, Audi TT Roadster $47,000, MINI Roadster $27,000, Nissan 370Z Roadster $46,000, BMW Z-4 $51,000, Subaru BRZ $28,000, Scion FR-S $26,000.
Good News:
Good fuel economy, very good handling, fun , fun, fun to drive.
Bad News:
Limited use, low profile discomfort.
Standard Equipment:
2.4 liter 165 hp 4-cylinder engine, Skyactive MT 6-speed manual transmission, 4-wheel ABS power assist disc brake system, rear wheel drive, 17” alloy wheels, manual folding black cloth convertible top with liner, auto LED headlights, 2-passenger seating, power windows and locks, keyless entry and push button start, leather wrapped steering wheel with audio/ cruise/ Bluetooth controls, leather shift knob and brake handle, 5 year 60,000 mile warranty, 24-hour roadside assistance, anti-theft alarm, blind sport and rear cross traffic alert and lane departure warning system, tire pressure monitor, electric power assist steering, power heated side mirrors, rain sensing wipers, glass rear window with defogger, Bose am/FM/cd 9-speader HD audio, Sirius XM satellite radio, Navigation system, 7” color touch screen, Bluetooth hands free phone/audio, cruise control, trip computer, tire pressure monitor, climate control, heated leather seats, stability control, traction control, hill launch assist, front, front side air bags.
Gas Stats:
$2.65/ Gal avg. October 22, 2016
for more information.
27 City and 34 Highway MPG
Combined MPG
Mazda MX-5 Miata – 30 combined mpg, Mitsubishi Lancer – 25 combined mpg, Ford Focus – 25 mpg, Kia Forte 5 24 combined mpg, Prius Hybrid -52 combined mpg (electric), Nissan LEAF – 114 combined mpg (electric), VW Golf – 28 combined mpg.
Pricing:
MSRP $25,545.
