By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com
The list of cars that are just timeless, never aging, is not very long. Among the perennial rides undoubtedly is the 2025 Mazda Miata, now in its 36th year, and more endearing than ever. It should surprise no one that over 1.2 million units of the legendary car have been sold worldwide.
For top-down motoring enthusiasts, this cool, engaging sports car that takes off from 0 to 60 in 5.5 seconds is close and dear to their hearts. And that comes as no surprise. The convertible is sporty, agile and tossable, in short, just a fun car to take for a spin.
Power in the Club model comes from a Skyactiv-G 2.0-liter DOHC inline-4-cylinder engine, which develops 181 horsepower at 7000 rpm and 151 pounds-feet of torque at 4000 rpm. The direct-injection Skyactiv uses a torque boost via a high compression ratio to increase fuel economy. We averaged a nearly combined 30 mpg, beating EPA estimates. The roadster is mated to a sole 6-speed manual gearbox in our Club test-drive trim, which truly should be the only transmission offered anyway in our eyes. It shifts quickly and quietly to result in a smooth ride. The sport-tuned suspension, which uses Bilstein shock absorbers, is skillfully controlled by a double wishbone front and multilink rear system. Guiding the lively convertible, with its manual z-shaped folding black cloth top, is an electric power-assist steering.
The familiar and centered Mazda emblem is flanked by slender projector-beam LED headlights meeting up to a long aluminum hood with a pushed-back windshield and short roof. The interior is elegant, lavish and expensive looking. Take vinyl/leather on the tilt/telescopic steering column, shifter, hand brake, and of course the comfy seats. The instrument cluster of rounded tachometer, speedometer, coolant temp and fuel gauges in black with white letters is pleasing to the eye. Other comforts include a push button ignition, 8.8-inch navigation, phone and audio touch screen operated via command control, heated front seats, Bose audio with 9 speakers, manual a/c, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, piano black seatback bar trim, mesh aero board wind blocker, and power door locks/windows. The only minus is the miniscule trunk, which is understandable in a two-seater.
Dual front and side airbags, four-wheel antilock brakes with stability and traction control, three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters, rearview camera, blind spot monitor, rear-cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, side impact door beams, shock tower brace, anti-theft engine immobilizer and tire pressure monitoring system are standard.
Indeed, the Miata MX-5 is a thrill of a ride. Open-air motoring buffs will have a blast on the highway or tackling the rigors of daily driving, thanks to the convertible’s swift and nimble character. And at just $33,030, the fuel-sipper is a bargain. May the world’s best-selling roadster bring smiles and pleasure for another 36 years … and more!
MX-5 (CLUB)
Tires: 205/45R17
Wheelbase: 90.9 inches
Length: 154.1 inches
Width: 68.3 inches
Height: 48.6 inches
Weight: 2,366 pounds
Fuel capacity: 11.9 gallons
City/hwy/combined: 26/34/29 mpg
Web site: www.mazdausa.co
