It’s hard to believe that the MX-5 has been around since 1989. Back then, it was called the Miata and was an instant hit for Mazda. It’s now in its fourth generation and is the best-selling roadster in the world.
The two-passenger MX-5 is available in Sport, Club and Grand Touring trims. Starting prices range from $25,295 to $31,270.
All MX-5s are powered by a SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter engine that makes 155 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. A 6-speed SKYACTIV-MT manual transmission is standard and a six-speed automatic is available. The Mx-5 is rear-wheel-drive.
The MX-5 does what a roadster should. Mazda slimmed down the MX-5 by about 150 pounds for 2018 and it feels a bit quicker than the outgoing model. It’s fun and nimble, and begs to zip around with the top down. The MX-5 doesn’t have a lot of sheer power, but it’s quick and zippy. It stays planted on curvy roads. The manual transmission is easy and smooth to shift. As you’d expect, the MX-5 is very low to the ground so you will feel some bumps, but the ride isn’t harsh.
Putting the soft top down or up is a breeze. It’s manual, but only takes a matter of seconds and can be done while you’re sitting in the car.
Yep, the Miata is arguably the most enjoyable ride you can buy for around 30-grand. I had a blast tooling around with the top down on a sunny winter day!
EPA mileage estimates for the manual transmission are 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway with a combined rating of 29. I got 30 mpg during my week with a mix of city and highway driving. The automatic transmission is rated at 26/35 and 29 mpg combined.
An updated MAZDA CONNECT infotainment system with seven-inch full-color touchscreen display, multi-function Commander, HD radio and advanced smart keyless entry are now standard on all trims. An optional Brembo/BBS/Recaro package adds heated Recaro sports seats, aerodynamic side sill extensions, a rear bumper skirt, forged 17-inch BBS wheels and front Brembo brakes.
The interior is appealing with lots of soft-touch materials. The MX-5 Club and MX-5 Grand Touring models come standard with a leather steering wheel and shifter knob, , MAZDA CONNECT infotainment technologies with a 7-inch display, two USB inputs, Bluetooth, BOSE Premium nine-speaker audio system, satellite radio, Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and LED headlights.
The MX-5 has a tiny trunk, with only 4.59 cubic feet of space. That’s barely enough for a couple of small duffel bags or grocery bags. There’s not much room for cargo in the cabin, either. There’s no glove box, only a small compartment between the two seats.
The good:
Fun, fun fun
Reasonably priced
Good fuel economy
Easy to put top up and down
The not-so-good:
Tiny trunk, not much storage room in the cabin
Pricing info:
My tester starts at $29,155. Machine Gray paint charge is $300. The Brembo/BBS/Recaro package is $4,470. The Interior Package for M/T is $425 and adds Alloy pedals, oil cap and door sill trim plates. Delivery fee is $890 bringing the grand total to $35,240.
Bottom line:
If you’re looking for an affordable convertible roadster that packs a ton of fun into a small package, this is it!
