Latest news with #MazdaMX-5Miata
Hamilton Spectator
05-07-2025
- Automotive
- Hamilton Spectator
Iconic roadster delivers plenty of smiles per hour
As I approach the Hamlet of Belfountain by heading north on Mississauga Road, I pull over to retract the MX-5's soft top before I embark on one of my favourite Ontario driving routes: Forks of the Credit Scenic Road. As I cruise the road's curves, the warm summer breeze sifts through my hair, the sunlight fills the cosy cabin and the tunes reverberate from the speakers into the open air around me. Now, this is what driving should be about! I step on the clutch firmly, I pull straight down from third to fourth gear, and release the clutch, then settle in for an enjoyable, exciting drive in Mazda's smallest and most exhilarating machine. Happy 35th birthday, Mazda MX-5 Miata! From its origins as a cute, 'smiling' car with pop-up headlights to it's current sleek, stylish design, its original goal of being a driver's car still holds true. In my career, I've been fortunate to test drive one every year since 2013 and as long as my body can, regardless of grace, slide itself in and out of this low-slung vehicle, I'll keep the tradition alive. This 35th anniversary trim sits both atop the soft top lineup and also atop a stunning and exclusive-to-this-trim Artisan Red Metallic paint job paired with a beige roof and tan interior. Only 230 are slotted for Canada and they only come with a six-speed manual gearbox. More power to the manuals! With limited production runs, serialized badging usually appears inside. Here, Mazda's put this in front of the driver's side rear wheel. Inside, the headrests sport an embossed '35 Anniversary' logo. With no mechanical changes for 2025, the MX-5 is still a delight to drive overall. It's quick, agile, athletic and performs well at both low and high speeds. By modern metrics, the power is 'low,' but considering it's small footprint and lightness, the naturally aspirated engine suits the MX-5 exceptionally well. The do-it-yourself gear changes are smooth and precise, giving the driver a truly engaging driving experience that's fun, fast and fabulous. With a starting price at the mid-$30,000 point, this is one of the few affordable convertible sports cars remaining that features such engaging and exciting driving dynamics. Whether it's a straightaway, gradual twists or tight turns, the MX-5 performs well. Yes, you'll still feel plenty of road imperfections, there's a slightly intrusive rumbling when idling and the cabin can get a bit loud at higher speeds. These things are easily accepted in exchange for the driving joy this convertible roadster offers. Most new vehicles employ a large digital presence for the instrument cluster. Not here. The large tachometer (middle) and speedometer (right) are analog dials and the temperature and fuel gauge, along with a few other items, use a digital layout. The blending of old and new school continues with: large dials for the climate controls; a sensibly sized, 8.8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; a long list of standard safety system, highlighted by blind-spot monitoring, lane-change assistance and adaptive cruise control. The soft top is so easy to operate it can be opened and closed with one hand. Both seats are adjusted manually and three of the four trims feature heated seats. Trunk space is minimal, but you can squeeze in two soft-sided bags for a weekend getaway and … one lucky person. All of this is to say that, if your lifestyle allows for a two-seater, the MX-5 can certainly be a well-balanced year-round vehicle, not just a car for summer fun. As one of the last manual vehicles available, the current generation is in year 10 and there'll likely be a new generation in the next few years. This mini Mazda is still fun to drive, affordable, attainable and has earned the title of biggest-selling roadster of all time, rightfully so. The Subaru BRZ, Toyota GR 86 and Ford Mustang have similar offerings and are impressive in their own right but there truly is nothing like the Mazda MX-5, especially with a manual transmission. Here's to another 35 years of driving enjoyment from absolutely amazing to 'Zoom Zoom,' complete with the top down and changing your own gears! Type: Two-door, front-engine, rear-wheel drive Engine: Two-litre, four-cylinder; 181 horsepower, 151 pounds-feet of torque (motive force) Transmission: Six-speed manual Fuel: Nine litres/100 km in the city; seven l/100 km on the highway; 8.1 l/100 km combined Cargo: 130 litres Price: $35,450
Auto Blog
01-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
A Decade Of Driving Joy: How Mazda Perfected The ND Miata
View post: I Drove the 2025 Mazda CX90 & 2025 Ford Explorer, Which One is Best? Here's My Brutally Honest Review View post: Walmart is selling a 'handy' $66 171-piece tool kit for just $30, and it has 'pretty much everything you need' Like other Miatas before it, the ND is aging like fine wine It's been exactly a decade since the ND generation of the Mazda MX-5 Miata first landed on American soil, as confirmed by Mazda in a new post on social media. Not many cars have been in production for a full decade and remained as timeless and competitive as the ND, which is still a stellar sports car. The next-gen MX-5 is still a few years away, and we have no doubt Mazda will keep refining the ND to stay fresh until then. By model year, here's a look back at how the Japanese marque has maintained interest in the ND over the last decade by improving its performance, safety, and technologies. Oops! We're unable to load this content right now. View directly on Facebook 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata The ND arrived for the 2016 model year originally, replacing the NC. Mazda incorporated more angular, edgy styling when compared to the rounded NC, and the previous hardtop roof was replaced by a lighter fabric one for the ND. When launched, Mazda pointed out the fact that the ND was around 148 pounds lighter than the NC, and the height dropped by almost half an inch. Shorter overhangs and a shorter wheelbase all ensured it was even more of a compact, lightweight driver's car, despite interior space increasing. The new 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produced 155 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque, and was paired with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. Essentially, Mazda immediately addressed criticisms that the NC became too large and heavy, slimming down the ND in all the right ways. 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata Source: 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF The one major change for this model year was the introduction of the new Miata RF with its folding hardtop. At the press of a button, the roof could be lowered in only 13 seconds, and it also has a more distinctive profile than the normal Miata. This year, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert also became standard on the Club derivative. 2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata Source: Mazda Once again, Mazda added more equipment to the Club trim of the MX-5. It received a new Brembo/BBS Recaro Package which, when optioned, added heated Recaro seats with heating, BBS wheels, and more powerful Brembo brakes. A seven-inch infotainment interface made its way into the base Sport, and all models received advanced keyless entry. 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata This was quite a significant model year for the ND as the 2.0L engine received a healthy boost in power, from 155 hp to 181 hp, becoming the most powerful MX-5 ever. Additionally, the redline was raised to 7,500 rpm, allowing drivers to push the tiny sports car even harder. Torque went up to 151 lb-ft, a smaller improvement from the 148 previously. A standard rearview camera and a telescoping steering column were added, while new GT-S and 30th Anniversary packages became available for Grand Touring variants. The former included a sport-tuned suspension with Bilstein shocks. 2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata Source: Mazda While still a no-frills sports car, Mazda continued updating the tech and safety suite for the Miata ND to keep up with modern trends. For the Club and Sport, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto became standard equipment. All models now got the i-Activesense safety suite, which includes forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. For Grand Touring variants, the sport suspension and limited-slip rear differential were added, features previously reserved for the Club. Other smaller updates included a new keyfob and new colors, inside and out. 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata Source: Mazda Not much changed for this model year, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto did become standard. A new white Nappa leather upholstery option became available, adding a touch of class to the roadster. 2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata Source: Mazda For this model year, the six-speed automatic was restricted to the Grand Touring variant, not that this would bother most MX-5 buyers. And, as if it wasn't already great to drive, Mazda added a new Kinematic Posture Control system to improve handling; this setup gently adds braking to the inner rear wheel when cornering. After last year's striking white Nappa leather, this year introduced the option of Terracotta Nappa leather, but only on Grand Touring models. 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata Source: Mazda Zircon Sand was added as a new exterior color choice for the Miata. Other than this, 2023 models are identical to those from 2022. 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata Source: Mazda For this model year, the ND underwent a mild facelift, with minor changes to the exterior lights and grille, along with new wheels. Inside, a larger 8.8-inch display replaced the smaller seven-inch unit used previously. A limited-slip differential was included for all manual models, and Mazda implemented further refinements to the suspension and steering. 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata This is the current MX-5 Miata model year. No major changes were announced, besides the launch of a 35th Anniversary Edition of the sports car. These are all to be finished in Artisan Red Metallic over tan Nappa leather. They are also based on the well-specified Grand Touring trim. There's Still A Lot Of Life Left In The ND Source: Mazda Mazda has done a brilliant job of keeping the ND fresh, so much so that it doesn't feel like we're in dire need of an all-new MX-5, even ten years later. Compared with the original ND that arrived in 2015, the current one is more powerful, handles better, and includes far more safety and tech features than before. Crucially, the satisfying manual gearbox is still a key part of the Miata experience. Whenever it arrives, the next MX-5 has a tough job on its hands replacing the ND, which has remained faithful to the nameplate's lightweight philosophy. About the Author Karl Furlong View Profile
Chicago Tribune
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- Chicago Tribune
Edmunds: Five great budget performance cars for under $35,000
New car prices continue to rise for the latest high-performance sports cars. Even a new Chevrolet Corvette, long considered a performance bargain compared to the likes of the Porsche 911, has a starting price of almost $70,000. But that doesn't mean driving enthusiasts on a budget can't find a car that's both fulfilling to drive and genuinely capable. The auto experts at Edmunds have come up with their five favorite performance vehicles for under $35,000. True, you won't be able to buy anything with a V8. The same applies to electric power — the best-value electric performers cost more. But the vehicles listed here have other distinct advantages. All of the following prices include destination fees. Dodge Hornet GT There's some irony in the first vehicle in a list of budget-performance cars not being a car at all. But Dodge's Hornet isn't your usual small SUV. First off, it has an Italian heritage. Though you wouldn't know it by its styling, the Hornet shares much of its mechanical design with the Alfa Romeo Tonale small luxury SUV. Second, it's genuinely powerful for a pint-size SUV. The GT version has a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that cranks out 268 horsepower and is good enough to get you from 0 to 60 mph in about 6.5 seconds. Another bonus: It has standard all-wheel drive for all-season driving and more cargo space than the typical performance car. 2025 Hornet starting price: $31,590 Ford Mustang EcoBoost A Ford Mustang GT with its rumbly V8 is well beyond our $35,000 price cap. But the less expensive Ford Mustang EcoBoost is a viable substitute. Having a turbocharged four-cylinder under the hood might seem like heresy, but you can't argue with the output of 315 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. With its 10-speed automatic spinning the rear wheels, the Mustang EcoBoost can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a quick 5.6 seconds. The newest Mustang provides a classic American driving experience while being comfortable, stylish and well equipped with the latest technology features. 2025 Mustang coupe starting price: $33,515 Mazda MX-5 Miata You're as likely to see a Mazda MX-5 Miata roadster in the hands of a cool-headed retiree on lonesome canyon roads as you are spotting one ripping through cones at an autocross. In both cases, the Miata's appeal comes down to the fun-to-drive fundamentals. A four-cylinder engine directs 181 horsepower to the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. That's not much, but you don't need much when the car is as light as the Miata. A manual-equipped Miata went from 0 to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds at the Edmunds test track. Beyond the numbers, the Miata is all about playfulness. Quick steering, nimble handling and an easy-to-lower top combine to make any drive worthwhile. 2025 MX-5 Miata starting price: $30,715 Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 The Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 are mechanically related. Both use a four-cylinder rated at 228 horsepower that sends its power to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. Edmunds found these cars can sprint to 60 mph in about 6 seconds when equipped with the manual. There's enough power to be entertaining but not enough to get a new driver in too much trouble, making these fantastic beginner's sports cars. And there's a low center of gravity and classic rear-wheel-drive balance to help drivers enjoyably learn about car control. But the Toyabaru twins don't stop being fun once you master them. 2025 Toyota GR86 starting price: $31,135; 2025 Subaru BRZ starting price: $32,380 Volkswagen GTI The Volkswagen GTI is the quintessential budget performance hatchback. It's fun and engaging to drive yet practical and comfortable day to day. Few cars can do as many things as well as the GTI. Its turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 241 horsepower. For 2025, every GTI has a seven-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. Edmunds has found it's good for a 5.9-second 0-60 mph sprint. Besides performance, the GTI has a spacious cabin and a generous cargo area for its size. The original hot hatch that traces its American lineage all the way back to 1983 is a solid performance value. Starting manufacturer's suggested retail price: $33,640 Edmunds says Spending less than $35,000 can get you a fun vehicle to drive in 2025. Each model here has distinct advantages. You'll likely prefer the Hornet or Golf GTI if space and practicality are priorities. The Miata, BRZ and GR86 all provide a great feel and connection to the road; picking one of these comes down to whether you want a convertible top or the extra security of a coupe. The Mustang can't be beat for its classic pony car styling and heritage.
Hamilton Spectator
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- Hamilton Spectator
Edmunds: Five great budget performance cars for under $35,000
New car prices continue to rise for the latest high-performance sports cars. Even a new Chevrolet Corvette, long considered a performance bargain compared to the likes of the Porsche 911, has a starting price of almost $70,000. But that doesn't mean driving enthusiasts on a budget can't find a car that's both fulfilling to drive and genuinely capable. The auto experts at Edmunds have come up with their five favorite performance vehicles for under $35,000. True, you won't be able to buy anything with a V8. The same applies to electric power — the best-value electric performers cost more. But the vehicles listed here have other distinct advantages. All of the following prices include destination fees. Dodge Hornet GT There's some irony in the first vehicle in a list of budget-performance cars not being a car at all. But Dodge's Hornet isn't your usual small SUV. First off, it has an Italian heritage. Though you wouldn't know it by its styling, the Hornet shares much of its mechanical design with the Alfa Romeo Tonale small luxury SUV. Second, it's genuinely powerful for a pint-size SUV. The GT version has a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that cranks out 268 horsepower and is good enough to get you from 0 to 60 mph in about 6.5 seconds. Another bonus: It has standard all-wheel drive for all-season driving and more cargo space than the typical performance car. 2025 Hornet starting price: $31,590 Ford Mustang EcoBoost A Ford Mustang GT with its rumbly V8 is well beyond our $35,000 price cap. But the less expensive Ford Mustang EcoBoost is a viable substitute. Having a turbocharged four-cylinder under the hood might seem like heresy, but you can't argue with the output of 315 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. With its 10-speed automatic spinning the rear wheels, the Mustang EcoBoost can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a quick 5.6 seconds. The newest Mustang provides a classic American driving experience while being comfortable, stylish and well equipped with the latest technology features. 2025 Mustang coupe starting price: $33,515 Mazda MX-5 Miata You're as likely to see a Mazda MX-5 Miata roadster in the hands of a cool-headed retiree on lonesome canyon roads as you are spotting one ripping through cones at an autocross. In both cases, the Miata's appeal comes down to the fun-to-drive fundamentals. A four-cylinder engine directs 181 horsepower to the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. That's not much, but you don't need much when the car is as light as the Miata. A manual-equipped Miata went from 0 to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds at the Edmunds test track. Beyond the numbers, the Miata is all about playfulness. Quick steering, nimble handling and an easy-to-lower top combine to make any drive worthwhile. 2025 MX-5 Miata starting price: $30,715 Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 The Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 are mechanically related. Both use a four-cylinder rated at 228 horsepower that sends its power to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. Edmunds found these cars can sprint to 60 mph in about 6 seconds when equipped with the manual. There's enough power to be entertaining but not enough to get a new driver in too much trouble, making these fantastic beginner's sports cars. And there's a low center of gravity and classic rear-wheel-drive balance to help drivers enjoyably learn about car control. But the Toyabaru twins don't stop being fun once you master them. 2025 Toyota GR86 starting price: $31,135; 2025 Subaru BRZ starting price: $32,380 Volkswagen GTI The Volkswagen GTI is the quintessential budget performance hatchback. It's fun and engaging to drive yet practical and comfortable day to day. Few cars can do as many things as well as the GTI. Its turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 241 horsepower. For 2025, every GTI has a seven-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. Edmunds has found it's good for a 5.9-second 0-60 mph sprint. Besides performance, the GTI has a spacious cabin and a generous cargo area for its size. The original hot hatch that traces its American lineage all the way back to 1983 is a solid performance value. Starting manufacturer's suggested retail price: $33,640 Edmunds says Spending less than $35,000 can get you a fun vehicle to drive in 2025. Each model here has distinct advantages. You'll likely prefer the Hornet or Golf GTI if space and practicality are priorities. The Miata, BRZ and GR86 all provide a great feel and connection to the road; picking one of these comes down to whether you want a convertible top or the extra security of a coupe. The Mustang can't be beat for its classic pony car styling and heritage. ____ This story was provided to The Associated Press by the automotive website Edmunds . Josh Jacquot is a contributor at Edmunds.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Edmunds: Five great budget performance cars for under $35,000
New car prices continue to rise for the latest high-performance sports cars. Even a new Chevrolet Corvette, long considered a performance bargain compared to the likes of the Porsche 911, has a starting price of almost $70,000. But that doesn't mean driving enthusiasts on a budget can't find a car that's both fulfilling to drive and genuinely capable. The auto experts at Edmunds have come up with their five favorite performance vehicles for under $35,000. True, you won't be able to buy anything with a V8. The same applies to electric power — the best-value electric performers cost more. But the vehicles listed here have other distinct advantages. All of the following prices include destination fees. Dodge Hornet GT There's some irony in the first vehicle in a list of budget-performance cars not being a car at all. But Dodge's Hornet isn't your usual small SUV. First off, it has an Italian heritage. Though you wouldn't know it by its styling, the Hornet shares much of its mechanical design with the Alfa Romeo Tonale small luxury SUV. Second, it's genuinely powerful for a pint-size SUV. The GT version has a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that cranks out 268 horsepower and is good enough to get you from 0 to 60 mph in about 6.5 seconds. Another bonus: It has standard all-wheel drive for all-season driving and more cargo space than the typical performance car. 2025 Hornet starting price: $31,590 Ford Mustang EcoBoost A Ford Mustang GT with its rumbly V8 is well beyond our $35,000 price cap. But the less expensive Ford Mustang EcoBoost is a viable substitute. Having a turbocharged four-cylinder under the hood might seem like heresy, but you can't argue with the output of 315 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. With its 10-speed automatic spinning the rear wheels, the Mustang EcoBoost can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a quick 5.6 seconds. The newest Mustang provides a classic American driving experience while being comfortable, stylish and well equipped with the latest technology features. 2025 Mustang coupe starting price: $33,515 Mazda MX-5 Miata You're as likely to see a Mazda MX-5 Miata roadster in the hands of a cool-headed retiree on lonesome canyon roads as you are spotting one ripping through cones at an autocross. In both cases, the Miata's appeal comes down to the fun-to-drive fundamentals. A four-cylinder engine directs 181 horsepower to the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. That's not much, but you don't need much when the car is as light as the Miata. A manual-equipped Miata went from 0 to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds at the Edmunds test track. Beyond the numbers, the Miata is all about playfulness. Quick steering, nimble handling and an easy-to-lower top combine to make any drive worthwhile. 2025 MX-5 Miata starting price: $30,715 Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 The Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 are mechanically related. Both use a four-cylinder rated at 228 horsepower that sends its power to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. Edmunds found these cars can sprint to 60 mph in about 6 seconds when equipped with the manual. There's enough power to be entertaining but not enough to get a new driver in too much trouble, making these fantastic beginner's sports cars. And there's a low center of gravity and classic rear-wheel-drive balance to help drivers enjoyably learn about car control. But the Toyabaru twins don't stop being fun once you master them. 2025 Toyota GR86 starting price: $31,135; 2025 Subaru BRZ starting price: $32,380 Volkswagen GTI The Volkswagen GTI is the quintessential budget performance hatchback. It's fun and engaging to drive yet practical and comfortable day to day. Few cars can do as many things as well as the GTI. Its turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 241 horsepower. For 2025, every GTI has a seven-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. Edmunds has found it's good for a 5.9-second 0-60 mph sprint. Besides performance, the GTI has a spacious cabin and a generous cargo area for its size. The original hot hatch that traces its American lineage all the way back to 1983 is a solid performance value. Starting manufacturer's suggested retail price: $33,640 Edmunds says Spending less than $35,000 can get you a fun vehicle to drive in 2025. Each model here has distinct advantages. You'll likely prefer the Hornet or Golf GTI if space and practicality are priorities. The Miata, BRZ and GR86 all provide a great feel and connection to the road; picking one of these comes down to whether you want a convertible top or the extra security of a coupe. The Mustang can't be beat for its classic pony car styling and heritage. ____ This story was provided to The Associated Press by the automotive website Edmunds. Josh Jacquot is a contributor at Edmunds.
