2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Apr 14, 2024, 5:15pm ET

When first introduced in 1989, the Mazda MX-5 Miata caused a sensation because it combined the positive characteristics of classic British roadsters, namely a lightweight design and incredibly pure handling, with bulletproof Japanese reliability. The MX-5 is now in its fourth generation, and for the first time it has been engineered from the ground up in keeping with Mazda's SkyActiv efficiency philosophy.

Mazda also offers the Miata RF, a more weather-friendly variant of the roadster equipped with a power-retractable hard top.

Recent changes

Mazda added more tech features to the Miata for the latest model year, including a seven-inch touch screen. It also made tweaks to the suspension, transmission, and steering for improved performance.

Overview

The MX-5 is a front-engined, rear-wheel-drive, two-seater drop top. The only engine available is a two-liter, 155-horsepower four-cylinder that was essentially lifted straight out of a Mazda3 and re-tuned for premium fuel. It makes 148 lb-ft of torque at 4,600 RPM, which doesn't seem like much, but the new MX-5 is also very lightweight.

Equipped with the standard six-speed manual transmission, the MX-5 tips the scales at just 2,332lbs, which is not much more than the 1.8L-equipped first-generation Miata (and 100lbs below the outgoing model). If you prefer your top-down cruising a bit more relaxed, a six-speed automatic is also available for a mere 60lb penalty.

One penalty that no longer comes with MX-5 ownership is poor fuel economy. While the Miata traditionally struggled to achieve decent numbers, Mazda's SkyActiv tech paid dividends in this regard. The MX-5 is rated at 27 mpg city and 34 highway with the manual transmission and 27/36 with the automatic.

Inside and out

The new MX-5 represents a pretty significant visual departure from the previous car. It's more aggressive and more sculpted just about everywhere. The "smile” features found on the front end of the previous-generation MX-5 are nowhere to be found. The exterior is more angular, with an angrier face and a higher, sharper rear deck. LED headlights are standard on all trims to shorten the front overhang.

Some interior sacrifices have been made in the name of size and space. The new MX-5 has no glove box or fixed cup holders. Instead, two individual holders held in place by magnetic stalks can occupy any of three slots inside the cabin—two between the seats and one by the passenger's left knee.

Features and options

The MX-5 is available in three trims with limited options. The base model is the Sport, which comes standard with LED headlamps (with halogen DRLs), USB charging, 16-inch wheels and a cloth top. Gone are the days of poverty-spec five-speed transmissions and vinyl roofs.

The next trim up is the Club, which is the enthusiast's choice. This model features 17-inch gunmetal wheels, LED DRLs, some fancy body trim (special front air dam, rear air dam and lip spoiler) and a Bose audio system, along with a few extra interior upgrades. Key performance features include a limited-slip differential, a shock tower brace and a sport-tuned suspension when optioned with the six-speed manual. Automatic models do not receive these upgrades.

The Club is also the only trim on which the BBS wheel and Brembo brake package is available. The BSS wheels keep the Club's standard wheel diameter, but feature a different offset to clear the larger brake calipers and are forged for better strength and lighter weight. Adding this package also means an upgrade to advanced keyless entry (hands-free) and some additional visual upgrades.

At the top of the heap is the Grand Touring. The GT gets an insulated headliner, auto-dimming mirrors, leather seating surfaces, an upgraded Bose system (more speakers) and rain-sensing wipers along with additional cosmetic upgrades. But unlike previous years, the GT model is no longer a real enthusiast option. There's no LSD and no sport suspension here, and the BBS/Brembo package is not available on this trim.

Occupant safety

Standard safety features include dual front and dual side airbags in addition to traction and stability control systems and electronic brake force distribution.

Key competitors

Looking for a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive convertible? The Miata is your only option at this price, unless you're willing to consider much heavier and slightly clumsier (albeit quicker) machines like the Ford Mustang Convertible and the Chevrolet Camaro Convertible. If having an open air experience isn't important, the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ are quite close in character to the Miata.

Front-wheel-drive alternatives include the MINI Cooper Convertible and Fiat 500C.