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Heritage Mazda

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata

New for 2016

The Miata is all-new for 2016, right down to its redesigned SKYACTIV chassis.

Mazda’s Magic Formula

Just over 25 years ago, Mazda unveiled the original Mazda MX-5 Miata at the Chicago Auto Show, and reinvigorated one of cardom’s best subgenres. The small, nimble sports car was dying out as the primarily British and Italian firms that built them began to fall by the wayside. Mazda slavishly copied the best attributes of those classic cars, and executed its design with previously unheard of quality.

That proved to be a magic formula, as the Miata has been a bestseller over 25 years and three generations. With the fourth-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata, the manufacturer reboots its now-iconic sports car with a sharper focus on performance and driving pleasure.

Powertrain and Performance

The 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata benefits from the carmaker’s efficiency-focused SKYACTIV technology, which helps wring the most performance out of every component. It’s the definition of “less is more,” and gives the Miata a minimalist character that’s exactly what you want in a small sports car.

The sole engine option is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, which produces 155 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. That power is sent to the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

But the Miata is defined almost as much by what isn’t there as what is. In a refreshing about-face from the weight creep of most current models, the 2016 Miata weighs 150 pounds less than its predecessor, and just 182 pounds more than the original 1990 model.

How did Mazda achieve that? Through a fanatical attention to detail, including things like seats that are 35 percent thinner, a 20-percent lighter air conditioning unit, and a new soft top that shaves 65 grams thanks to new aluminum parts.

Keeping the car light improves every aspect of the driving experience, from acceleration and braking to steering feel and handling. One of the advantages of a small, lightweight sports car is also great fuel economy. The Miata gets an EPA-rated 30 mpg combined (27 mpg city, 34 mpg highway)* with the manual transmission, and 30 mpg combined (27 mpg city, 36 mpg highway)* with the automatic.

Features and Trims

The 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata is available only as a two-door, two-seat convertible sports car. It comes in three trim levels, with prices starting at $24,915**.

The base Sport model comes well equipped with standard features like LED headlights, 16-inch alloy wheels, dual exhaust outlets, Mazda Advanced keyless entry, Bluetooth®, three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, leather-trimmed shifter and parking brake handle, and cloth-trimmed bucket seats.

 

In addition to the applicable standard features from the Sport, the Club model includes sport tuned suspension, a limited-slip differential, shock tower brace, and Induction Sound Enhancer (all for manual-transmission cars only), 17-inch wheels, LED daytime running lights, front air dam, rear lip spoiler, nine-speaker Bose® audio system, Mazda Connect infotainment system with touchscreen display, satellite radio, and more. A Brembo® brake package is also available as an option.

The top Miata trim level is the Grand Touring, which encompasses all of the applicable standard features of the Sport and Club, as well as heated exterior mirrors, automatic air conditioning, heated leather seats, navigation, HD Radio, some bright interior trim, and other features.

Exterior/Interior

With its 2016 redesign, the Miata adopts the Kodo design theme that makes the rest of Mazda’s current lineup among the best-looking in the business. Designers took full advantage of the rear-wheel drive platform, giving the Miata a long hood, short rear deck, and sheet metal that looks like it’s been pulled taut over a muscled skeleton. Mazda also made a point of keeping the front end as low as possible while still meeting safety standards.

The convertible soft top is light and easy to operate while seated, and Mazda says the interior was designed to minimize disturbance in the cabin from wind. The interior is still as clean and simple as previous Miata generations, but gets a tech update with features like Bluetooth® and an available Mazda Connect infotainment system with a touchscreen display and navigation (on the Grand Touring model).

Safety

Standard safety equipment on the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, and front and side-impact airbags. Optional features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and adaptive front lighting.

Bottom Line

Two-and-a-half decades after it first hit the road, the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata stays true to its purpose. While larger and faster sports cars exist, you'll be hard-pressed to find one that looks as good, and drives better, than the all-new Mazda MX-5. 

Be sure to contact us online, or visit at Heritage Mazda Bel Air, Catonsville & Towson to schedule a test drive.

*EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary depending on driving habits and conditions.

**Starting at $24,915 MSRP plus $820 destination (Alaska $865) for 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport with manual transmission. MSRP excludes taxes, title and license fees. Actual dealer price will vary. See dealer for complete details.

Image: Mazda