Mazda’s roadster rocks by any name
The Mazda MX-5, then called the Mazda Miata, arrived as a diminutive, lightweight roadster in 1989. It’s now reached relic status, a near automotive dinosaur.
With its attractive exterior design and low-to-the-ground driving, the MX-5 became the best-selling two-seat sports car in history in 2000. The onemillionth MX-5 sold six years later.
The 2022 Mazda edition, renamed the MX-5 in 2006 to appeal to a larger buying audience, is updated and offered toward the end of the car’s fourth generation.
By any of its names, the Mazda is now 34 years old, Its general consumer appeal is minimal; its enthusiasts remain stalwart and passionate.
In 1990, about 36,000 Miatas sold in the United States, still the vehicle’s highest yearly tally. Last year, about 10,500 sold, a 15 percent increase from 2020. But it’s still a troublesome number compared to the ever-increasing popularity of pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles.
Regardless, the MX-5 defines driving fun, particularly for automotive purists who appreciate a smooth-shifting, sixspeed manual transmission at a value price. An automatic transmission (why
bother?) is now only available on the top-level Grand Touring trim. It’s a $500 option on the convertible and a $550 option on the retractable fastback (RF).
The current MX-5 generation debuted in 2015. Many tweaks and updates later, the 2022 model arrived, as usual, ready for the fun to begin. The reviewed topline grand touring RF features the standard 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine with 155 horsepower. It accelerates from zero to 60 miles per hour in 6.4 seconds, but Miata’s low profile makes it feel quicker. Gas mileage averages are 29 miles per gallon in city driving, 34 mph on the highway.
The upscale Club trim on the RF offering automatically adds a Brembo/ BBS Recaro package — Brembo brakes, BBS wheels and Recaro seats. It further defines the MX-5’s value.
Safety is a strong suit. Forward collision warning, blind-spot monitor
and rear cross-traffic alerts are standard. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were added in 2020. All Miatas comes standard with Bluetooth connectivity (for phone and streamingaudio functions) as well as a CD player. Navigation is standard on the Grand Touring trim.
Sports cars aren’t often fuel efficient, but the MX-5 Miata gets that right. It’s rated at 26 miles per gallon in city driving, 34 mpg on the freeway, top numbers in the segment. The total price is $36,105.
The Mazda MX-5 is available as a soft-top and hardtop convertible. The former’s top functions with ease. Pull a lever near the rearview mirror and the top is released. The black cloth top folds easily in a few seconds and locks in place flush with a firm push. The hard-top retracts and raises in 15 seconds via a lever on the console.
Driving the MX-5 in city situations is a treat. Parking is simplified, maneuvering through traffic and touring the neighborhood while low to the ground makes the experience less stressful. It’s sporty driving, even at low speeds.
Downsides? Sure. A six-foot, 200-pound driver needs flexibility and patience to enter and exit the car and they should not suffer from claustrophobia.
Storage space is a few small slots and bins and a minuscule glovebox between the backrest of the two back seats. The two detachable cupholders work surprisingly well. The trunk is deep but has a cargo capacity of only five cubic feet.
The shortcomings are worth the trouble. The MX-5 Miata is at its best while advancing on winding country roads with the top down. It’s the most affordable way for sports car enthusiasts to experience basic driving pleasure.
Pick a sunny, warm weekend afternoon and properly retract the MX-5’s top. Lather on sunscreen, securely position your sunglasses and hat and forget the world’s problems — if only for a few hours.
The name Miata, the still often preferred title among the cars’ owners, derives from Old High German for “reward.” Treat yourself.
James Raia, a syndicated columnist in Sacramento, publishes a free weekly automotive podcast and electronic newsletter. Sign-ups are available on his website, theweeklydriver.com. He can be reached via email: james@ jamesraia.com.