Pros: Pure sports-car personality; joyous fun to drive; lower-end models are reasonably affordable; redesign brings higher levels of refinement and new technology features
Cons: Tight cockpit for large occupants, especially with the top up; limited cargo space
CG Says: Mazda’s long-running two-seat sports roadster gets a much-anticipated redesign for 2016. The all-new 2016 Mazda Miata inaugurates the fourth generation of this iconic car. Highlights of the new design include more-aggressive styling, aluminum-intensive construction for a lighter curb weight, a new touchscreen infotainment system with available navigation, and a manually folding soft top that’s exceptionally easy to operate. Lane-departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitor, and automatic high-beam control are newly available safety features. The sole engine is a 155-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, which can be paired with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. The new Mazda MX-5 stays wonderfully true to the Miata’s pure-sports-car spirit while delivering significantly better fuel economy, higher levels of all-around refinement, and several welcome technology features. However, the inherent Miata compromises—namely a cramped cockpit and tiny trunk—carry over as well. Even though base prices have crept upward with the redesign, Miata still represents an excellent value in its class. For pure open-air driving fun at an affordable price, it’s pretty much in a class all its own.
| Class | Sporty/Performance Car |
| Body Style(s) | 2-door convertible |
| Passenger Count | 2 |
| Drive Wheels | rear-wheel drive |
| Manufacturer | Mazda |
| Nation of Manufacture | Japan |
| Base Prices | Sport: $24,915 Club: $28,600 Grand Touring: $30,065 |
| Base Engine 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower 155 |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed manual |
| Avail. Transmission 6-speed automatic |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 27 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 34-36 |
