2014 Mazda MX-5

SPECIFICATIONS

1. Base “Sport” trim has soft top, five-speed manual for $24,515. 2. “Club” model brings six-speed manual, costs $27,700. 3. “Grand Touring” model with retractable hard top costs $30,245 (also with manual). 4. Automatic costs between $600 and $1,100 depending on model. 5. Officially rated at 21 MPG City, 28 highway, 24 combined with 6-speed stick.

PREVIEW

Apparently Mazda’s MX-5 Miata is the friendliest car in the world, because everywhere I went in it people were asking me questions about it.

Later that same day, I was picking up lunch for my wife and I and an 75-year old man in a John Deer cap stopped me as I was heading into the restaurant to ask how many revs it pulls at 70 mph, because his first generation Miata pulled 4,000 rpm on the highway and that was a bit high for his taste. I explained that this one has a 6-speed transmission and only pulls a bit over 3,000 rpm on the highway, which appeared to blow his mind. Or he had a stroke.

INTERIOR

All of which has led me to conclude that only snarky “car guys” take issue with the MX-5’s cheerful disposition and label it a “girly car.” Real driving enthusiasts and racers know how awesome these little roadster are at dodging cones and turning hot laps, a truth driven home by the fact that there are more Mazdas raced in the United States than any other brand, thanks in large part to the popularity of Spec Miata and the Playboy MX-5 Cup. Add to that all the spontaneous discussions this attractive little drop-top generated during my week with it, and it became abundantly clear to me that that John Q Public absolutely loves it.

UNDER THE HOOD

The MX-5 also proved to be a truly enjoyable runabout around town. Every parking spot is instantly bigger. With the top down there’s no blind spots, and the panoramic view makes for excellent cougar watching. Or if eavesdropping on teenagers waiting at the crosswalk is more your speed, I did overhear quite a lot of interesting chatter and only once heard the word “Bieber.”  

The MX-5 is also highly efficient at dispatching lazy road-goers, thanks to its light and nimble character combined with a punchy 2.0-liter four-banger that pumps out a respectable 167 hp. It’s quick if not outright fast (0-60 mph is achieved in 6.1-seconds), but I actually found myself driving slower than I normally do, because with the top down and the sun shining, I was taking in all the sights and sounds (and smells) that I’d normally miss out on. I even installed my two-year-old son’s seat in the passenger seat so he could experience the pleasures of open-air motoring with me.