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.
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
