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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