Always a sentimental favorite, the segment-altering MX-5 Miata combines open-air driving exuberance and a Formula One-type driving experience.
Before Miata's 1989 arrival, those seeking a two-seat, open top, rear-drive roadster were basically limited to low-volume European models with fancy names and just-as-fancy starting prices. Miata borrowed all that was fun with this equation but recalculated bottom-line pricing for mass-market consumption.
Miata MX-5 also enjoys a long associating with the Windy City. Mazda introduced its scrappy little giant at the 1989 Chicago Auto Show. For subsequent years thereafter, the February showcase served as the annual site to introduce limited-edition models and next-generation efforts.
The lightweight MX-5 Miata's dynamic styling stands out in parking lots adrift in a sea of crossovers and SUVs (as long as one can eyeball the low-slung Mazda between waves of cookie-cutter crossovers).
During the third-generation debut in the 2006 model year, Mazda recast the vehicle as the MX-5 Miata. The addition an alpha-numerical prefix in the U.S. market reflected the vehicle's identity in other world markets where the MX-5 moniker was prevalent. However, this truly fun-to-drive roadster will always scream Miata here in the States. The current 2018 edition represents a four-generation platform introduced in the 2016 model year.
Miata's success runs counterintuitive to today's rash of five-door hatchbacks. While crossovers promote oodles of cargo space, MX-5 Miata is limited to a diminutive 4.59 cubic feet of trunk space (identical with the soft-top top up or down). Crossovers situate five, sometimes seven occupants. Miata settles for a quaint two. Crossovers employ front-wheel drive with a mellow ride. The MX-5 Miata opts for sports-oriented rear drive with a 'connection' to the road down under. While Crossovers offer sunroofs, Miata lets the entire environ shine in. If Crossovers enjoy relatively gentle ingress and egress, MX-5 Miata requires a bit more contortion with its low-to-the-ground seating vibe.
It's the ultimate 'UnCrossover,' with go-cart-like handling that 'Makes Driving Great Again.' Rather than family friendly, frame Miata as a self-satisfying, guilty pleasure for two.
Manually-folding soft-tops arrive in three trims: Sport, Club and Grand Touring. A power hard top is available in only Club and Grand Touring, taking just 13 seconds to open or close.
Changes for 2018 are minimal. A new eye-catching Cherry Red soft-top hue is available in Club and Grand Touring trims. Four new exterior body colors are added and four yanked. A new Brembo/BBS package adds soft leather-trimmed black seats and highly visible Brembo-branded front brakes with red calipers (optional solely in Club trims). Mid-grade Club models also add heated seats as standard fare.
The sole engine, a 2.0-liter 16-valve four cylinder cranks out 155 horses. Fuel economy lists at 26 miles per gallon city and 33 mpg highway with manual transmission. Add two miles more highway with automatic. Premium octane 91-octane fuel is recommended for optimal performance, but 87 octane is accepted. The fuel tank holds 11. 89 gallons of petro.
A six-speed manual transmission comes standard in all trims while a six-speed automatic remains optional across the board. Front-rear weight distribution clocks in near the optimal 50/50 balance with a driver behind the wheel, allowing for spirited handling. The manual transmission's short throw stalk and easy foot clutch is refreshingly crisp. The manual includes a hill-holder foot clutch, along about four seconds of hold time with no roll back as the right foot dances from the brake to accelerator pedal when sliding into first.
Our tester, a 2018 soft-top Club trim with many of the newly added nuances started at $29,155. A new Machine Gray exterior paint added $300 and alloy pedals inside $425. The new Brembo Brake package added $4,470 for a $35,240 bottom line with $890 destination charge. A soft-top Sport trim with six-speed manual checks in at $25,295, representing the lowest-priced offering.
Front fenders arch with authority over wheel wells, allowing the long hood to form a smooth valley floor between. Pop-up, vacuum-operated headlights from generation one give way to higher-intensity and better illuminating ultra-modern LED low beams and parabolic-type LED high beams. Viewed from the side, contours emulate a gentle ocean wave coursing back and forth. Dual exhaust pipes skew together on the lower right side. Adorning the right rear fender is a whip-like terrestrial radio antenna, off-setting the trunk lid's small satellite radio dorsal fin.
Light-weight doors easily open, but with a wide birth, it's sometimes tough to lasso back. Large grab bars could help.
Our tester's manual cherry red canvas top, with sturdy glass rear window and defroster, easily folded back utilizing just one hand while staying planted in the comfy and supportive bucket seat. A single latch near the rearview mirror detaches the light-weight roof from the top window frame, then folds back in three sections rearward before conveniently snapping into place.
Inside the cozy two-seat compartment, a standard electronic push-button start found on the dash right of the three-spoke steering wheel. Single-zone ventilation opperates via three relatively large twist dials (fan speed, direction and temperature). Above resides a flat, seven-inch multi-function color screen extending up from the dash. It's the non-touch variety, operated via "Mazda Connect," now standard in all 2018 trims including entry Sport.
A 'Command Control' circular chrome twist-and-push knob between bucket seats allows scrolling through a host of tutorial options, selectable by a downward push. A smaller, stalk-like volume knob resides nearby. Three select buttons (home, music and navigation) are located in front of the twist-push dial for quick access. It's not the most intuitive design, but secondary volume and station preset steering wheel buttons help speed the process.
The instrument panel includes three circular, independent dials. A center analog speedometer and left-side tachometer join the right-side multi-function gauge with fuel indicator along the bottom and a digital message panel above.
Sales in the 2017 calendar year reached 11,294 in the United States, up 19.3 percent from the year prior.
Although a segment setter, it's not one of kind. Three years ago, Fiat re-introduced the 214 Spider, a two-seat roadster with more than just a passing resemblance to the MX-5 Miata. It's built from similar underpinnings and a joint effort between Mazda and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA).
Another joint venture Mazda announced this past March involves Toyota. The two Japanese automakers cemented plans to construct an assembly plant in Huntsville, Alabama, operational by 2021. The Mazda Toyota Manufacturing USA Inc. (MTMUS) will start out producing Toyota's compact Corolla and a new crossover product from Mazda.
At A Glance
2018 MX-5 Miata
Starting price: $35,240
Engine: 2.0-liter four cylinder
Horsepower: 155
Wheelbase: 90.9 inches
Overall Length: 154.1 inches
Overall Height: 48.6 inches
Overall Width: 68.3 inches
Curb weight: 2,332 pounds
Fuel Economy: 26 mpg city 33 mpg highway
Assembly: Japan
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