Mazda MX-5 Miata: is big fun in a small package

What better way to celebrate the arrival of spring than with the arrival of a 2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata. A convertible brightens the change from winter, until, that is, another blast of deep, wet snow is dropped on my Midwest city.

So as the Miata stayed garaged for one day, reality was reinforced that this car is not all-season transportation. But for the rest of the year …

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is the epitome of fun. This is a true throwback two-seat sports car with rear-wheel drive that gets more enjoyable the curvier the road. With a weight of only 2,332 pounds, a length of less than 13 feet and with a seating position little more than a foot off the ground, both driver and passenger will feel as if they are part of the car’s framing.

There was a fourth-generation makeover to the Miata two years ago that gave it a more visually appealing exterior with flowing lines front to back.

The manual drop soft top carries on the make’s tradition but takes away from the allure when up. Introduced last year was an RF version that includes a power hard roof, making it a better-looker on inclement days but also 113 pounds heavier. There are three trim levels: Sport, Club and Grand Touring, with pricing starting at $25,295 that is as attractive as the car itself.

Our tester was the mid-rung Club with a 6-speed manual transmission, which by most opinions is the drivetrain of choice over the 6-speed automatic. Shifts are short and firm and allow the driver to get the most out of the 155-horsepower, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. For sheer ease of driving I do favor an automatic. However, with a sports car like the Miata, the manual will bring the most pleasure to your experience.

An option on the Miata we sampled came with heated Recaro sport seats that were both snug and comfortable. Also in the package were upgraded Brembo brakes, forged BBS wheels and an aero body kit.

The Miata is not for everyone. I’m a shade over 6-2 and getting out of the cockpit elicited a grunt due to the low seat height. The doors don’t open overly wide, but tight parking lots still provide a challenge. Also, if any luggage is going to be needed for a weekend getaway, pack judiciously. There is only 4.6 cubic feet of space in the trunk. There is little storage in the cabin, too.

The Mazda MX-5 Miata never came with the pretense that it was for families or cargo. The Miata is for well-priced, open-air driving fun. That mission is accomplished.


2018 MAZDA MX-5 MIATA CLUB

  • Price/As-tested price………………… $29,155/$235,240
  • Mileage…………………………………… 26 mpg/city; 33 mpg/hwy
  • Engine……………………………………… 2.0-liter 4-cylinder
  • Horsepower…………………………… 155 hp/148 lbs.-ft.
  • Transmission……………………………………… 6-speed manual
  • Drive wheels……………………………………… Rear-wheel drive
  • Final assembly point……………………………………… Hiroshima, Japan

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