Mazda has finally launched its first shipment of the all-new 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata two-seater roadsters, a highly-anticipated vehicle that is the fourth generation in its product line.
The 2016 MX-5 offers three models for customers to choose from; the Sport model with a starting price of $24,915; the Club model with a starting price of $28,600; and the Grand Touring model with a starting price of $30,065.
The Grand Touring model is the "luxe" version of the vehicle, but not necessarily the "best." While the Grand Touring Model would be the most compliant one for long-distance trips, the Club model would be a better fit for drivers looking to throw the 2016 MX-5 into corners, according to SlashGear.
The Club model is also the only model that offers a $3,400 Club Brembo/BBS Package, which dresses up the 2016 MX-5 with Brembo-made front brakes, 17-inch dark alloy wheels by BBS, extensions to the side sill and a rear bumper skirt.
The three models of the 2016 MX-5 come with the same 2.0-liter SKYACTIV engine that is paired with a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission. The engine is capable of 155 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque, which are impressive but with lower horsepower compared to that of the previous iteration of the vehicle. This is because the previous MX-5 achieved its maximum 167 HP at 7,000 rpm, while the 2016 MX-5 hits 155 HP at only 6,000 rpm. This means that drivers will be generating more power from the 2016 MX-5 compared to the previous one at the same engine speed.
An important result of the new engine is an improved fuel economy, with Mazda claiming that the manual 2016 MX-5 should be able to post figures of 34 miles per gallon for highway driving and 27 mpg for city driving. The automatic 2016 MX-5, on the other hand, should post 36 mpg for highway driving and 27 mpg for city driving.
In addition to all the improvements under the hood, the 2016 MX-5 also looks slimmer compared to its predecessor, with a shorter wheelbase and a body lowered by half an inch. However, the car's interior actually feels bigger, with cabin space better allotted compared to its predecessor.
The 2016 MX-5 looks good on paper and on pictures, but most importantly, how does it perform on the road?
Slash Gear: "The new Miata isn't going to win any drag races, but the combination of the super-low driving position and the occasional throaty burble of the engine make you feel like you're going much faster than you actually are. Plant your right foot and the Miata whooshes up toward the redline eagerly. Switch to the brake and it slows with similar enthusiasm... Mazda has knocked the 2016 MX-5 out of the park. The new car channels the best of the original Miata with the combined knowledge of 25 years of development."
Autoblog: "It's brilliant... The driver-centric logic applies to every facet of the Miata's operation... In the Miata I feel incredibly confident behind the wheel. I know exactly how the roadster will respond to every command, and I use that to my advantage... It's everything a new Miata should be. And it's fantastic."
Edmunds: "The Miata's DNA is undeniably present in this latest reboot... As with all Miatas, this latest generation is a willing dance partner when the road begins to bend... If top-down engaging driving is high on your list, you can't do any better than the 2016 Mazda Miata. You get a lot of performance for the money, great fuel economy and the sacrifices in terms of comfort are negligible. The only significant downsides are the lack of cargo and passenger space."
