With our Miata PRHT’s folding power hardtop rig, the MX-5 was able to transform from roadster to tight coupe with the press of a button during a pop-up summer shower I was dry and air-conditioned in a matter of about 20 seconds. The only real alternative to a Miata at a similar price point is the Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ while the boxer twins have a similar rear-drive, slow-car-fast, traditional sports car feel, they have the decided disadvantage of a fixed roof. Doing battle in the horsepower wars is not what the MX-5 is about, and that alone makes it a refreshing alternative to the huge variety of “mash gas and hang on” performance cars we’re blessed with today. Or you’d be focused on launching hard at every red light just to feel the rush. More power and you’d be too focused on keeping the rear end in line (or fighting the traction control) to enjoy just squirting it around tight turns.

It’s not a rocket, but the Miata has impeccable balance - that perfect blend of horsepower, chassis tuning and gearbox ratios for its weight. That stuff bothered me for about four seconds (and again every time I thought about our tester’s $32K sticker price), after which I simply enjoyed the hell out of the MX-5. The 2014 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring PRHT receives an EPA-estimated 24 mpg combined fuel economy and we managed to get 28 mpg overall.ĭIGITAL EDITOR ANDREW STOY: The Miata’s pretty chintzy on the inside, all hard black plastic, and the stereo head unit is borrowed from 2003. At any rate, I would never turn down the keys to a Miata with a six-speed manual. Still, $32K is quite a bit of change for this. It sticks to corners at nearly any speed. I’d say it’s softer than the Subaru BRZ, and way softer than the Mini Cooper Hardtop. It’s not too hard around the city, except for when you hit the big holes. The suspension is sprung perfectly for both street and track duty. Steering is on point, and it’s pretty easy to kick the tail out when necessary. The clutch pedal catches low and early, and the throw on the shifter is short, perfect for lightning-quick gear changes. Sure power is just barely serviceable at 167 hp, but its so damn fun to wring this thing out for everything it’s got. I would consider driving the MX-5 “enjoying nature.” It’s a full five-sense experience. The wind blows you can hear the sounds of the road and smell the smells of the city. I threw on the sunglasses and took a leisurely drive up Woodward Avenue to work. When I finally got in one, I understood.Ī recent morning was perfect for dropping the top, about 75 degrees and sunny.

My friend’s dad had one that he raced, but that’s all I knew. I wasn’t a fan back in the day I thought it was a girl’s car. ASSOCIATE EDITOR JAKE LINGEMAN: The 2014 Mazda MX-5 Miata is just a joy to drive.

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