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Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring is Pure Driving Joy
It’s hard to believe that the year 1989 was first year of the Mazda Miata. It has gone on to become the best-selling roadster of all time and on any given weekend there are more Mx-5 Miata’s being raced or auto crossed in events across North America than any other car.
Recently I had the opportunity to spend a whole week behind the wheel of the all new model which debuted for the 2016 model year. This car is all about fun. The all new Mazda MX-5 is a little smaller than its predecessor, weighs less and has a bit less power, yet it’s still as nimble, quick and fun as ever. Best of all, it has a newfound sense of refinement thanks to a modern interior inspired by the Mazda3, and an unprecedented focus on driver placement makes the new MX-5 comfortable even if you’re well over 6-feet tall.
Balance is the key to what makes the new Mazda MX-5 so wonderful to drive.. Since the original Mazda Miata, the MX-5 has never been a car for drag racing, or for maximum cornering loads, or any of the big-tire, big-engine shenanigans generally associated with Mustangs, Camaro’s or Challengers.
Instead, the new MX-5 carries on the tradition of offering enough power to be quick but not so much that the car’s a handful. The suspension is firm enough for spirited cornering, but not so harsh that it rattles your teeth. The steering is quick, and allows the driver to carve u corners with ease.
The new Mazda MX-5 roadster has a simple, straightforward and modern interior. It’s similar to the new Mazda3, with an upright infotainment screen on the dash, push-button start on some models, and a surprising amount of soft-touch materials, considering last year’s hard-plastic everything. Mazda says it literally designed the car around the driver, and the MX-5 offers excellent steering-wheel, pedal and shifter placement. Despite the small size, it’s surprisingly accommodating for tall drivers, with a tilt steering wheel, and a convertible top that affords good headroom. There’s even a usefully sized trunk..
Hands down in my opinion this is the best looking MX-5 Miata to date. The tiny headlights are LEDs, complemented by tail lights that look like miniaturized versions from the Jaguar F-Type. The profile keeps the classic long-hood/short-deck proportions.
All new MX-5 models come with LED headlights, push-button ignition, air conditioning, power windows and the easy to use manual cloth top. Cruise control is also standard, and the little steering wheel is packed with audio and cruise-control buttons. My Grand Touring test model also had leather upholstery and navigation. along with the excellent Mazda Connect infotainment system with its touch-screen display and multifunction knob, plus headrest speakers with Bose sound.
The only engine in the new Mazda MX-5 is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. It comes standard with an all-new 6-speed manual transmission, and even if you don’t know how to drive a stick, it’s worth learning just so you can enjoy this one.
The action is light, the shifts are short, and the clutch operation is simply the best. I love the clutch and the short throw gearbox combination.. There is no other manual gear box like it until you spend a lot more money. It reminds me of six figure Porsche gear boxes. Yes you can get an excellent 6 speed automatic but this one vehicle that I recommend highly with the manual.
The 2.0-liter inline-4 puts out 155 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is rated at 27 mpg city and 34 mpg highway. Despite its modest power the MX-5 does not feel slow in anyway.and for little over $31,000 loaded the MX-6 Miata is pure driving joy.
The Long Drive Rankings
Front Engine-RWD 6 speed Manual
Highlights
Styling
Simple layout
Manual Transmission
Lowlights
Could use a tad more power
The Long Drive Rankings (1 Low 10 High)
Exterior Styling 9
Interior styling and quality 8
Handling 9
Braking 7
Fuel Economy 7
Stereo System 8
Performance 5
Trunk-Cargo Capacity 4
Navigation 8
Audio System 7
AutoWorld, Autoworld Radio, Bob Long, Convertibles, Mazda, MX-5 Miata, Sporty cars, The Long Drive, WheeledPlanet.com
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