Rarely does an entry-sized offering define an automaker with the same impact as the MX-5 Miata has done for Mazda.
Its humble beginnings trace straight back to the Windy City, specifically the 1989 Chicago Auto Show where the 1990-model-year vehicle was uncorked to the world. Then as now the vehicle remains unmistakingly recognizable and forever tethered with Mazda's Karma. While designed primarily for American tastes and the North American market in the beginning, it soon became apart to Mazda that an affordable, two-seat, rear-drive convertible possessed world wide appeal. Mazda built its corporate Zoom-Zoom marketing campaign around the diminutive icon.
Before the MX-5 Miata came along, two seat rear-drive convertibles were primarily the domain of European automakers, with pricing in line with an original Van Gogh work of art. Mazda took the bold, at the time unorthodox approach of introducing an affordable roadster to an audience that many times could only dream of such experiences. Others have tried to mimic its success, but Honda's S2000, Pontiac's Solstice and Saturn's Sky have all come and gone since Miata's debut.
MX-5 Miata sales in the 2012 calendar year will surpass 6,000 units in the United Sates, not shabby for a low-volume halo vehicle. This represents a small percent of total U.S. Mazda sales projected at about 268,000 units in 2012. Versus the 2011 calendar year, MX-5 sales are up more than 10 percent. Bottom line; the MX-5 Miata is the best-selling two-seat roadster in the world during the past twenty plus years.
The current 2013 edition is based on the third-generation platform debuting way back in the 2006 model year. While eight years is an eternity to continue with a generational platform, the MX-5 is so well executed, sometimes it's best to leave well enough alone for a while.
Just wish the same could be said about naming rights. While sentimental diehards across the U.S. affectionately refer to this vehicle as a Miata (the 1990 birth name), in actuality, it's an MX-5 Miata and simply MX-5 in other markets. While MX-5 closer fits with Mazda's worldwide numerical naming nomenclature, Miata just rolls off the tongue smoother. No mention of Miata is visible on the car or in the owner's manual.
The sole, returning powertrain, a naturally-aspirated 2.0-liter inline four cylinder, delivers 167 horsepower. While not an overwhelming number, the relatively lightweight 2,600-pound body does not require a double digit cylinder count to get moving. Rumblings persist that a four-cylinder turbo-charged engine will be on board in the 2014 model year. With its short wheelbase, it's built to meet the road, bumps and imperfections head on, so those demanding a smooth, cushy glide can stop reading now. It's nearly 50/50 front-to-back weight distribution helps achieve near-perfect balance.
Since 2006, MX-5 has been available with a manual retracting Z-fold soft top or power retractable hard top (PRHT), ideal in four-season climates like Chicagoland. It's only a $1,900 premium and easily worth the investment. Thanks to global warming (real or perceived, this isn't a science column), the top got a mid-December, Midwest trail outside of the heated garage. A simple push of a ceiling button near the rear-view mirror manually releases the single j-hook latching the roof to the front window frame. With a push of a dashboard button, the entire roof powers back (in 12 seconds), camping under a solid clam-shell cover. With the top up or down, the trunk's cargo space remains unchanged at a relatively small but usable for groceries 5.3 cubic feet; large golf bags may have to find another way to the fairway. Strut-type hinges remain conveniently outside the trunk and the cargo region is sans a spare tire. With the top down, head room is not an issue since the sky is the limit. With the power top up, those with extra vertical coverage could find the MX-5 a tight fit.
Three trims are available for 2013: Sport, Club and Grand Touring. Each comes with the choice of manual or six-speed automatic transmission. While Club and Grand Touring feature a six-speed manual shift, Sport suffices with five. While all three are available with manual soft-top roofs, only Club and Grand Touring offer the power retracting top. The mid-level 2013 Club trim replaces a Touring trim from model years past. Cruise control and power locks are standard in all models except five-speed Sport, where they are optional. Otherwise all trims come standard with most creature comforts the American public has come to expect.
The lowest price entry, a Sport trim with five-speed manual and canvas top, starts at $23,720. Our power hard-top Club model with six-speed manual started at $28,465 with a $29,260 bottom line after $795 destination charge.
A low-to-the ground structure requires some low bend squats and twisting to maneuver into the front, snuggy buckets. One needs to be in half-way decent physical shape to enjoy this roadster genre and MX-5 is no exception.
The black dashboard includes an end-to-end thick center stripe sharing the exterior body color with four circular air vents interspersed. Three easy-to-grab dials monitor single-zone ventilation controls. Above is the stereo system with rectangular message window, six pre-set buttons and twist knobs for volume and frequency changes. Sirius Satellite Radio is optional in Club and Grand Touring trims. When the sun sets, red backlighting adorns the dash and steering wheel. Between seats are in-line dual cup holders, hand-operated parking brake and power window tabs. The driver's door is home to power locks and outside mirror functions. The fuel-door pull-latch is hidden behind a pull-down door in a small storage nook rearward and between the front buckets. The three-spoke steering wheel includes cruise control and secondary audio controls. In-dash navigation is not offered as a factory option, but aftermarket varieties are available.
Top-notch fuel economy is not MX-5's strength; stressing fun over 40-miles per gallon. Our tester's six-speed delivered 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, well below most compact four-cylinder sedans and coupes. Six-speed automatics deliver the exact same numbers while the five-speed manual delivers one mile better in the city. The short-shit six-speed manual transmission remains predictable with a short-throw foot clutch.
The exterior promotes soft curves rather than sharp edges. The short deck-lid contrasts nicely with the long hood and the front end's rounded nose. Narrow headlight housing surrounds Mazda's winged M logo and lower air dam. New-for 2013 manual-transmission Club editions include a 'Club' icon (in the shape of a 'Club' playing card) on front fenders. Our Club trim also included dark gunmetal 17-inch alloy wheels.
Two-seat rivals including BMW's Z4 and Nissan's 370Z may be just as thrilling and fun to drive. However, if one needs to keep monthly payments in line, keep the MX-5 Miata in your sights. Expect a fourth-generation MX-5 Miata in the 2014 model year.
At a Glance
2013 Mazda MX-5 MiataPrice as Tested: $28,465
Engine: 2.0-liter 16-valve I-4
Horsepower: 167
Length: 157.3 inches
Width: 67.7 inches
Height: 49.4 inches
Wheelbase: 91.7 inches
Fuel Economy City/Highway: 21-28 mpg
Curb Weight: 2,593 pounds
Powertrain warranty: Five-year/60,000 miles
Built: Japan