Vehicle type: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 2-passenger, 2-door convertible
Base price: $25,735
Engine type: DOHC 16-valve Atkinson-capable inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 122 cu in, 1998 cc
Power: 155 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 148 lb-ft @ 4600 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 90.9 in
Length: 154.1 in
Width: 68.3 in Height: 48.8 in
Passenger volume: 49 cu ft
Cargo volume: 5 cu ft
Curb weight: 2,309 pounds
Fuel economy:
EPA city/highway driving: 27/34 mpg
C/D observed: 32 mpg
Mazda will deliver a present to convertible lovers this month, and I just had a sneak peek.
I spent a few hours driving the all-new 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata roadster around some of Detroit’s most scenic, historic and obscure attractions.
Mazda provided the car for this early drive with the understanding that I wouldn’t talk about what it’s like to drive — acceleration, steering, ride; that kind of stuff — until other journalists get to drive it, too, but I discovered plenty of other things to talk about.
The new MX-5 Miata is smaller and lighter than the car it replaces, but it feels roomier. Mazda moved the steering column and pedals and gave the seat backs a bit more recline to accommodate taller drivers. They also redesigned the folding soft top to provide more headroom, despite the fact that the new car is shorter than the current model.
I’ve loved every Miata I ever drove, but this was the first one where the driving position — the location of the steering wheel and pedals — felt absolutely natural to me.
The interior also has simple controls for climate control and a multipurpose rotary controller for navigation and some other functions. Mazda gave the Miata a pair of cup holders, located between the seats, by the rear wall of the passenger compartment. When there’s no passenger, the driver can move one cup holder to a more convenient position on the passenger side of the center tunnel.
The top audio system is a nine-speaker Bose unit that delivers excellent sound quality. Speakers in the head rests should make the new Miata one of the best convertibles for music lovers.
Unlike some automakers, Mazda doesn’t use electronics to fake engine noise in the Miata. A snaking plastic tube connects the engine to the passenger compartment so occupants can also hear and enjoy the engine note.
The 2016 Miata — or MX-5, both names are correct — is 150 pounds lighter than the outgoing, third-generation Miata. Mazda saved the weight by making the car smaller, using more high-strength steel and switching to aluminum for the hood, trunk lid and fenders.
Combined with an efficient, easy-revving 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed manual and automatic transmissions, that gives the 2016 outstanding fuel economy: a combined 30 mpg in city and highway driving for both transmissions, according to the EPA.
The Miata’s front to rear weight distribution is nearly exactly 50/50. That’s a magic number for sporty cars, and one that should translate to excellent handling.
The 2016 Miata will form the basis of the upcoming new Fiat Spider roadster. We haven’t seen the Fiat yet. I hope the styling will be very different, consistent with the little roadsters Fiat built in the past.
Mazda has already taken a few advance orders for the 2016. Those lucky owners should get their cars this month. Prices start at $24,915, excluding destination charges.
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