The All-new 2016 Mazda MX-5

This photo eh. One of my best in a while.

Except where I forgot to wipe the screen smudges.

Taken during a road-trip afternoon adventure. My co-pilot was a photographer, which is why these photos are so sharp.

This ‘Soul Red Mica’ paint job is +$300.

Non-car nerds: You may know the MX-5 by its more colloquial name – Miata. You can still call it that, but it shows your information is dated.

2016 is a big year for the MX-5.

The 26th model year is all-new and fully redesigned, a big deal since it’s the Guinness World Records best-selling two-seat roadster of all time. I bet the designers flipped between, “all right all-new!” and “well if it’s not broke…”

So when I reviewed the 2015 model, I said: because of the rumoured addition of driving aids and a dash screen, my vote goes to buying the outgoing, more pure model.

That’s why I booked a 2016 – did my prediction come true?

I know disliking dash screens makes me the odd one out, and the installation of one was inevitable. But it doesn’t clutter things up like I thought it would, actually, the opposite happened.

But what’s great is how wrong I was about the addition of driving aids – there’s not even a backup camera!

And while there is Blind Spot Monitoring and Lane Departure Warning, it’s offered only on the top 2 trims, therefore, totally avoidable.  Nice one Mazda.

The 2016’s more aggressive lines look sharp eh.

The trunk is now larger, too. According to Mazda, it will hold “a pair of standard carry-on bags.” For a barometer, below is one bag of groceries and This Weeks Flowers.

2016 Mazda MX-5 GS

2.0 L 4-cylinder engine
155 horsepower
148 lb.-ft. of torque

Rear-wheel drive
6-speed manual or automatic transmission

Mazda is the only automaker in Canada to offer an Unlimited Mileage Warranty

Starting at $31,900
This one $35,300

Top left > clockwise:

– it seems like your elbow will hit the drink holders while shifting, but it won’t

– it’s the same, slick manual-convertible design – put it down with one-hand in 12 seconds 

– 2 USB ports, a 12-volt power outlet, and Bluetooth is now standard

– a sleeker instrument cluster, reduced from 5 to 3 gauges

While available with an automatic transmission, to actually order one is eye roll.

But the MX-5’s best feature is one you can’t hold.

We drivers want to tear it up, always, everywhere we go. Maybe like me, you have to lecture yourself to stop constantly pressing on the throttle.

But because of the MX-5’s excellent power-to-weight ratio and low stance, the speed feels heightened. The driving experience is fast and exhilarating like we want, but at a speed the law wants, meaning…

… you can’t get yourself into too much trouble in an MX-5.

Blog tag = Mazda MX-5

 

 

I’m On the Mazda Website

Specifically, my words are featured on the 2015 MX-5 sales page – here.

First time this has happened to me!

And of all my reviews to be quoted, this one’s a favourite. In my bio, it’s 1/3 I use as examples of my writing.

Read it on Autonet.

Ironically, this review was tough to write, blogged about why here.

Plus points for the photoshoot, which made it into the elusive blog tag – Special Car Photos.

 

 

Heads-Up Display is Coming your Way – HUD

I don’t like most new auto technology – I think it encourages lazy, distracted driving – but HUD, oh I am SO into HUD.

HUD – Heads-Up Display – a holographic technology used to communicate information directly into the driver’s field of vision.

There’s 2 types of HUD. Both are visible in direct sunlight… somehow. It’s kind’ve amazing.

1 – Projection HUD

The image is projected through a lens in the windshield, making it appear like it’s floating above the hood directly in the driver’s vision.

Use the hard buttons to customize that image. As seen above – display the current radio station, which direction the vehicle is travelling, the posted speed limit, what the cruise control is set at, and navigation instructions appear here too.

2/6 of my last press cars had HUD. 

This 2016 Cadillac Escalade.

2 – Translucent Screen HUD

While HUD was once reserved for luxury vehicles, some automakers are bringing it down to entry-level cars, like the 2016 Mazda3.

The image is projected onto a screen located just below the driver’s field of vision. While still effective, usually this type isn’t as customizable as the projection HUD.

The added bonus though, is when the car is turned on the screen rises dramatically from the dash, like a fighter jet video game.

2016_Mazda3_HUD_KeriBlog

Mazda calls it which Active Driving Display.

Found on the 2016 Mazda3 GT (top trim.)

If the new car you’re buying offers HUD,
it’s worth the upgrade.

Learn more in my column – HUDs are Good

 

 

The Only Unlimited Mileage Warranty in Canada

Mazda is the only automaker in Canada that offers unlimited mileage on a 3-year new vehicle warranty.

Called Mazda Unlimited, it comes standard on all 2015 model year vehicles, and newer.

A typical new car warranty is:
3 years or 60,000 km, whichever comes first.

Averaged out: 20,000 km / year, or 1,667 km / month, or 416 km / week.

Not much, especially if you’re a commuter.

Learn more at Mazda.ca

 

 

HUDs are Good

This tech debuted in fighter jets and has made its way down to our passenger vehicles.

It’s a holographic technology called HUD – Heads-Up Display.

Thought I’d dislike it – a busy cluster of information positioned directly in my field of vision? – but it’s fast to adopt and quite enjoyable. No dipping your eyes.

Find HUD in the Hyundai Genesis, Cadillacs, and Mazda does a great job.

Read it online at Autonet.

Favourite line:

Usually I condemn these new bleeding-edge technology features and discourage adoption, but Head-Up Displays are an exception, opt-in on a new car if possible. 

2016_Mazda3_HUD_KeriBlog
Review of the all-new 2015 Hyundai Genesis here.

Here’s a detailed post about HUD.

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