The Mazda MX-5, then referred to as the Mazda Miata, arrived as a diminutive, light-weight roadster in 1989. It’s now reached relic standing, a close to automotive dinosaur.
With its engaging exterior design and low-to-the-ground driving, the MX-5 grew to become the best-selling two-seat sports activities automotive in historical past in 2000. The one-millionth MX-5 bought six years later.
The 2022 Mazda version, renamed the MX-5 in 2006 to enchantment to a bigger shopping for viewers, is up to date and provided towards the tip of the automotive’s fourth technology.
By any of its names, the Mazda is now 34 years outdated, Its normal shopper enchantment is minimal; its fanatics stay stalwart and passionate.
In 1990, about 36,000 Miatas bought in the US, nonetheless the automobile’s highest yearly tally. Final 12 months, about 10,500 bought, a 15 p.c improve from 2020. But it surely’s nonetheless a hard quantity in comparison with the ever-increasing reputation of pickup vans and sport utility automobiles.
Regardless, the MX-5 defines driving enjoyable, significantly for automotive purists who recognize a smooth-shifting, six-speed handbook transmission at a price value. An automated transmission (why hassle?) is now solely out there on the top-level Grand Touring trim. It’s a $500 choice on the convertible and a $550 choice on the retractable fastback (RF).
The present MX-5 technology debuted in 2015. Many tweaks and updates later, the 2022 mannequin arrived, as common, prepared for the enjoyable to start. The reviewed top-line grand touring RF options the usual 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine with 155 horsepower. It accelerates from zero to 60 miles per hour in 6.4 seconds, however Miata’s low profile makes it really feel faster. Fuel mileage averages are 29 miles per gallon in metropolis driving, 34 mph on the freeway.
The upscale Membership trim on the RF providing robotically provides a Brembo/BBS Recaro package deal — Brembo brakes, BBS wheels and Recaro seats. It additional defines the MX-5’s worth.
Security is a robust go well with. Ahead collision warning, blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alerts are normal. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto had been added in 2020. All Miatas comes normal with Bluetooth connectivity (for cellphone and streaming-audio capabilities) in addition to a CD participant. Navigation is normal on the Grand Touring trim.
Sports activities vehicles aren’t typically gasoline environment friendly, however the MX-5 Miata will get that proper. It’s rated at 26 miles per gallon in metropolis driving, 34 mpg on the freeway, high numbers within the phase. The whole value is $36,105.
The Mazda MX-5 is on the market as a soft-top and hardtop convertible. The previous’s high capabilities with ease. Pull a lever close to the rearview mirror and the highest is launched. The black fabric high folds simply in a number of seconds and locks in place flush with a agency push. The hard-top retracts and raises in 15 seconds by way of a lever on the console.
Driving the MX-5 in metropolis conditions is a deal with. Parking is simplified, maneuvering by visitors and touring the neighborhood whereas low to the bottom makes the expertise much less irritating. It’s sporty driving, even at low speeds.
Downsides? Certain. A six-foot, 200-pound driver wants flexibility and endurance to enter and exit the automotive and they need to not endure from claustrophobia.
Space for storing is a number of small slots and bins and a minuscule glovebox between the backrest of the 2 again seats. The 2 removable cupholders work surprisingly nicely. The trunk is deep however has a cargo capability of solely 5 cubic ft.
The shortcomings are well worth the bother. The MX-5 Miata is at its greatest whereas advancing on winding nation roads with the highest down. It’s probably the most reasonably priced manner for sports activities automotive fanatics to expertise fundamental driving pleasure.
Choose a sunny, heat weekend afternoon and correctly retract the MX-5’s high. Lather on sunscreen, securely place your sun shades and hat and neglect the world’s issues — if just for a number of hours.
The identify Miata, the nonetheless typically most popular title among the many vehicles’ house owners, derives from Previous Excessive German for “reward.” Deal with your self.
James Raia, a syndicated columnist in Sacramento, publishes a free weekly automotive podcast and digital publication. Signal-ups can be found on his web site, theweeklydriver.com. He might be reached by way of e-mail: james@jamesraia.com.