The new 2016 Mazda MX-5 is even more stunning in real life. Remember when the very first Mazda Miata, the MX-5, showed up in 1990? Mazda created such a stir with the concept a year before that it decided to go ahead with one of its boldest moves, a modern two-seater sporty convertible based on a Lotus Elite. Mazda sparked a flurry of such cars from Toyota, Honda and more, all rekindling a renewed love of sporty convertibles.
2016 Mazda MX-5 Rekindles Sports Convertible Fun
The original Mazda MX-5, then known as the Miata in the US, was fun to drive, but woefully under-powered. Mazda used the much beloved Lotus Elite as a model, unfortunately, it also the same idea of an under-powered engine. The next generations II and III improve somewhat, but became heavier. That is the price to pay for modern safety and creature comforts. But all of this stops with the 2016 Mazda MX-5.
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2016 Mazda MX-5 Goes Back to its Roots
The 2016 Mazda MX-5 looks even better up close than on camera. The car dazzles with resolute modern lines reminiscent of the past fun sporty convertibles. But where do we start to tell you how much work Mazda has put into this successful new MX-5? Let’s start with the design.
Mazda has invited CarNewsCafe to its Irvine, California design center where I was able to chat with Derek Jenkins about the new 2015 Mazda MX-5 he spearheaded. It’s obvious Derek is passionate about his new MX-5, with a love for the car that dates back to the early 1990s. He first saw it on the highway and knew he wanted to design one. What impresses us is Mazda new design, as you can hear in our upcoming CarNewsCafe podcast. The new MX-5 design is modern, with a hint of the past. Its perfect proportions show poise, with a look that spells “I am built to have fun, even at standstill!”
2016 Mazda MX-5 Blends New Grill With the Miata Feel
The front fascia is what captures our affection for the new 2015 Mazda MX-5. Aggressive, but without the tired attitude most cars display these days. The headlights are attractive and squint enough without looking angry. The new Mazda grill blends in well and the center line of the MX-5 that is kept tight. The back ends with a clear swoop up, nesting sleek back lights reminiscent of the older generation, but with a resolute modern feel. The 2015 MX-5achieves a modern look without sacrificing what a sporty two-seater car should be.
2016 Mazda MX-5 Inside and Powertrain
The inside cockpit shows Mazda listened and delivered on a better interior treatment. The disappointments in the past were with the anemic powertrains and relatively poor fuel economy. Although the 2016 Mazda MX-5 probably won’t have a stellar fuel economy, we still anticipate between 28 MPG to 32. The real technical achievement was to wedge Mazda’s amazing Skyactiv technology in the MX-5 platform.
A year ago, Mazda announced it had managed to fit the Skyactiv platform in its Mazda3 platform. Available on the Mazda6 we reviewed here, it was more difficult squeezing it in the Mazda 3. This year, Mazda achieved the same same with the even smaller MX-5.
The car sports a turbo 2 liter engine with the Skyactiv technology. Mazda was able to shave off a few pounds, bringing the original 2480 Lb for the manual and 2511 Lb for the automatic to roughly 2204 Lb. And yes, it still a rear-wheel drive.
2016 Mazda MX-5 Specs:
Year: 2016
Make: Mazda
Model: MX5
Price: $ 30000 (Est.)
Engine Type: inline-4
Transmission: six-speed manual transmission
Horsepower @ RPM: 172 (Est.)
Torque @ RPM: 170 (Est.)
Displacement: 2.0 L
0-60 time: 6.5 sec. (Est.)
Top Speed: 130 mph
We are very excited about the new 2016 Mazda MX-5 for a few reasons. Mazda rekindles the love of a light and fun sporty convertible with stunning modern lines with the Skyactiv technology. CarNewsCafe looks forward to a test drive of the new 2016 Mazda MX-5.
