Review Mazda MX-5 Miata 2016 The Best Sports Car Under $40K

Review

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata new chapter for the iconic Mazda roadster starts, and done in a way that is very unusual. Completely redesigned models usually pack a little heavy because of the increased complexity, but it Miata down about 200 pounds more than its predecessor. Although diet, the latest MX-5 has a list of equipment upgrades, including information and entertainment system available with a 7-inch touch screen. Mazda seems to have reached impossible, to build the new Miata is the most basic and for cars of the previous generation of the most advanced.

This is not just hype, or as a Miata as good as advertised. Like all MX-5 before, in 2016 model is better when the road turns twisty. She took turns with the enthusiasm of a few other cars can match, while the four-cylinder engines are efficient and sounded enough power to keep the good times rolling. The new Miata is always best with a manual transmission, but the automatic is available, of course, because it is a technology convenience and security options unprecedented. Add it all up and the only one who pulled two places that should appeal to sports cars and residents also obtained purely digital era.

Naturally, some compromises are necessary when driving a Miata. Luggage capacity is minimal, and there is not much room to spare in intimate or cabin so passengers or personal belongings. There is also road noise and wind off the pace with the top up. And if you wind the engine up past 6,000 rpm, you may notice that it gets a little rough.

But if you are looking for affordable convertible two-seater that is stylish and fun to drive, the Edmunds "A" -rated Miata almost the only game in town. The only direct competitor in this price range is drive convertible model, the front wheels depending on the power of the turbo Mini Cooper carrots shameless charm and English. If you are willing to spend a little more, the 2016 Nissan 370Z Roadster V6 comes in the picture with 330 horsepower. But if you want an authentic roadster experience the most for the money, 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata is the easy choice.

Body Style

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata is a two-seat roadster that is offered in three trim levels: Sport, Touring and Grand Club.

Standard feature to trim Sport includes alloy wheels 16 inches, a black canvas retractable roof manually with glass rear window, headlights and LED taillights, air conditioning, press the power button, a seat height adjustable driver's wheel, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, power accessories , cruise control, Bluetooth phone system and audio connectivity and a six-speaker CD player, USB port and auxiliary audio jack.

Setting a club equipped with different equipment depending on the selected transmission. With a manual transmission, which includes a sport suspension with Bilstein shock absorbers, a surprising build towers, slip differential and engine noise enhancer limited, but choose to automatically deny these characteristics. All models club has a 17-inch performance tires summer, a front fascia sports, rear spoiler, piano black mirror covers and roll hoops, red panel crotch lining system is upgraded Bose 9-speaker (with radio speakers headrest, satellite, radio HD , Aha / pandora / Stitcher internet radio and two USB ports), voice commands and a touch screen interface 7 inch with additional control buttons mounted center console.

Improved performance Grand Touring lose gearbox Club-user (except the sound is still manual functions only), but got adaptive lighting with automatic light control road ,, mirror mirror auto-dimming heated outside body color covers, automatic wipers, canvas coated roof, leather seats, heated seats, automatic climate control, navigation system and package focuses on security that includes blind spot monitor cross-traffic alert and rear lane change warning.

Note that the optional automatic transmission equipped with keyless entry and start, which is a separate line in all selection manual transmission model.

There is only one choice of plant package for 2016 Miata. The Brembo / BBS package is only available in manual transmission models club, which includes 17-inch forged BBS, Brembo front brakes, aerodynamic kit and a lighter body and keyless entry.

Performance

Rear-wheel drive 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata is motivated by a four-cylinder rated at 155 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque 2.0-liter. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, with a six-speed automatic (including shift paddles on the steering wheel) as an option on all models.

In Edmunds testing, a MX-5 Miata Club in 2016 with zero manual zip to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds, half a second faster than the previous generation car.

fuel economy is EPA-estimated 30 mpg combined (27 city / 34 highway) with a manual transmission, a slight increase from 30 mpg combined (27/36) with automatic. In the real world Edmunds circle drive, including a diverse mix of road with a public road bias, manual transmission test car recorded an impressive average of 35.1 mpg.

Safety

standard safety features on the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata include antilock disc brakes, side airbags and stability and traction control. As noted, the Grand Touring adds some unique security features such as blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert-border and lane departure warning.

In Edmunds brake testing, the package Miata club Brembo / BBS arrested 60 hours at 111 feet, this respectable distance, however, some older than we expected from a sports car with summer tires foot.

Performance

As expected, the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata comfortable, with legs and a limited edition 6 feet tall. Getting in and out is not very difficult, however, and the seats are very comfortable, with the help of a mesh design ingenious spring suspension leaving traditional chair to save weight. material quality has improved significantly for this generation, especially in the Grand Touring Club and trim, enjoying updated door trim panels, dashboard and console. Buyers sports base area, but the cottage is still pretty good for the price.

MX-5 controls are logically arranged around the driver, and we are pleased to report that the USB port and Bluetooth (both phone and audio) connectivity is now standard, even in the context of basic sports. Other models have a touch screen interface is excellent with crisp graphics, intuitive menu colors; he was disappointed that the excessive control command is also useful in the console that can get in the way if you change your own gear.

The above instructions are very easy to use. practiced operator will be able to re-open in one motion in the shoulder without leaving the driver's seat, and the increase does not require a lot of extra effort. The trunk is quite depressing, though, measuring only 4.6 cubic feet. This little roadster same standard. For context, a typical family sedan cargo is about three times the size.