Who says you've got to spend 50 grand to have summer roadster fun?
While others have fallen by the wayside, the Mazda Miata stands alone in the affordable,
2-seat convertible arena.
And can you believe it's been 25 years already since the Miata debuted!?
As Mazda readies an all-new 2016 model I'll be taking one last spin in this 3rd generation
MX-5.
With simultaneous global events planned in Japan, Spain and the U.S., Mazda will soon
unveil the next Miata...a car that will share its underpinnings with the next Alfa Romeo
Spyder.
But until then let's enjoy this current model, last redesigned in 2005.
A lot has changed in the auto biz in the past 9 years and the Miata has proudly disregarded
most of it.
Most recently challenged by the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky, this rear-wheel drive roadster
with its naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine is now in a class of its own.
With its quarter-century production run and a starting MSRP for a 2014 MX-5 Sport Soft
Top of $24,515 it's no wonder it's the Guinness World Record holder as the best-selling two-seat
roadster on the planet.
The next closest competitor is the Mercedes-Benz SLK250 which starts at over $44,000.
The Miata is all about simplicity.
It's a paperback novel in an e-book world.
Small, lightweight, nimble; all of the attributes often lost on today's new cars.
You won't find a navigation system, USB ports or any other kind of trick electronics in
here.
Nope.
The Miata has and always will be about pure driving enjoyment.
And for the same reasons the auto-crossers love it at the track, you'll love it out here
on the winding road.
This car has never been for the speed freaks.
Its 167-hoprsepower and 140 pound-feet of torque are manipulated through a close-ratio,
short-throw 6-speed manual good for a 0-to-60mph time of close to 7 seconds.
An Induction Sound Enhancer feeds the 2.0-liter's howl closer to the cabin for better volume,
adding to the Miata's perception of speed.
With an aluminum hood and other bulk-saving reductions, this car weighs a tidy 2,593 pounds.
Add to that the optional sport-tuned suspension package with Bilstein shocks and a limited-slip
differential, hydraulic steering and nearly perfect balance and you've got the foundation
for one of the most organic behind the wheel experiences a new car can provide.
It's low-slung, small body only adds to the feeling...a car in which you can still comfortably
rest your elbow on the door.
And the ride quality on the 17" high performance tires is still all-day respectable.
Other transmissions include a 5-speed manual on the base MX-5 Sport and an optional 6-speed
automatic.
Gas mileage on premium is rated at 21mpg city/28mpg highway and my mileage for the week was exceptional.
This power retractable hard top option not only gives the Miata a coupe-like appearance
but provides the owner better 4-seasons protection.
Pricing for it starts at $29,460 and the take rate since its introduction has been 80%.
And of course, it still uses a manual latch.
My tester is the MX-5 Grand Touring with the optional interlinked Premium and Suspension
Packages for a sticker price of $33,080.
Inside, you'll find a Bose audio system, Bluetooth for phone, sat radio, heated leather seats
and the Advanced Keyless Entry system so it's not as if the Miata is without its creature
comforts.
It's just that over time Mazda decided to mostly leave it with its old school, mid 2000s
charm.
Its 5.3 cubic feet of trunk space means weekend trips for 2 have to be considered carefully.
As we eagerly await the Miata's 4th chapter, this is your last chance to grab a car that's
as unique as the company who makes it.
And yes, more power next time around would certainly be appreciated.