Mazda mx-5 (мазда мх5)

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

You don’t sit in a Miata so much as wear it. The cabin is a cozy fit for two adults and includes only the bare essentials. While some might categorize the interior as spare, glass-half-full types (us) appreciate the businesslike prioritization of the steering wheel, pedals, and shifter and the refreshingly basic accommodations. With few storage cubbies, not to mention a tiny trunk, the Miata barely acknowledges the need to bring along your personal effects. Then again, its Lilliputian dimensions make few promises in the way of practicality. If you pack light, the trunk can accommodate a weekend’s worth of stuff for two. Meanwhile, the Subaru BRZ and the Toyota 86 twins absolutely crush the Miata when it comes to cargo space; their folding rear seats allow owners to haul up to four full-size wheels and tires (for, say, a track day) between the trunk and the cabin.

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Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

In this class, the warranty coverage is average, although it is worth noting that the Miata’s twin, the Fiat 124 Spider, boasts a longer limited warranty and an additional year of roadside assistance.

• Limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance

Specifications

Specifications:

2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club

VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 2-passenger, 2-door convertible

PRICE AS TESTED: $34,980 (base price: $30,510)

ENGINE TYPE: DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection

Displacement: 122 cu in, 1998 ccPower: 181 hp @ 7000 rpmTorque: 151 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

TRANSMISSION: 6-speed manual

CHASSIS:Suspension (F/R): control arms/multilinkBrakes (F/R): 11.0-in vented disc/11.0-in discTires: Bridgestone Potenza S001, 205/45R-17 84W

DIMENSIONS:Wheelbase: 90.9 in Length: 154.1 in Width: 68.3 in Height: 48.6 in Passenger volume:  49 cu ft Trunk volume: 5 cu ft Curb weight: 2345 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS:Zero to 60 mph: 5.7 secZero to 100 mph: 16.1 secZero to 120 mph: 27.7 secRolling start, 5–60 mph: 6.4 secTop gear, 30–50 mph: 10.2 secTop gear, 50–70 mph: 9.9 secStanding ¼-mile: 14.5 sec @ 95 mphTop speed (drag limited, C/D est): 140 mphBraking, 70–0 mph: 170 ftRoadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.90 g

C/D FUEL ECONOMY:Observed: 30 mpg

EPA FUEL ECONOMY:Combined/city/highway: 29/26/34 mpg

Overview

Calling the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata an automotive icon is no overstatement, as its heritage stretches back more than 30 years and its cheerful driving demeanor has always been its strongest character attribute. The Miata’s four-cylinder engine delivers just enough power to make it feel spunky and its chassis is delightfully balanced—perfect for zipping through curvy sections of road. Both a soft-top convertible model and a power-folding hard-top called the RF are offered, so with either one buyers are treated to fun in the sun. The Miata’s cabin is tight for two and cargo space is limited, but it wasn’t made for road trips; it’s designed for spirited sunny-drenched drives and track days. The fact that it remains one of the cheapest ways to get into a convertible sports car only adds to its appeal and makes it an Editors’ Choice selection.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Miata’s engine revs eagerly and is powerful enough to deliver stirring acceleration. Exploring the engine’s high-revving personality is encouraged by the direct, easy-to-shift manual transmission. Even the optional automatic impresses, with quick shifts and sporty programming. The soft top model ran from zero to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds in our testing; the slightly heavier hardtop RF model needed 5.8. Miatas ride firmly and can get bouncy when driving over a quick succession of bumps. The mid-level Club’s firmer shocks and springs return the stiffest ride of the lineup, although no Miata rides poorly. The handling is eager, and the Miata changes direction promptly. We especially enjoy the light, tactile steering; it responds immediately and keeps the driver informed of what the front tires are doing. This is a fun car, plain and simple.

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