Our retro review of the then-new 2016 Mazda MX-5, commonly known as the Miata.
The 2016 Mazda MX-5, the vehicle formerly known as Miata, does something that no “sports car” has done in recent history, launching with FEWER horsepower than the outgoing model. While still a fun car, the MX-5 became a bit bloated and round in its middle age as it leaned on offering luxury amenities and comfortable driving environment. This new 4th generation, known as ND, brings the MX-5 back to its roots being smaller, lighter, safer, faster and more fuel efficient than the last car. Mazda has thoroughly reworked its brand icon into one of the purest and most organic vehicles on the road today to extend the reign of the best-selling roadster of all time.
Design: From the outside, the 2016 MX-5 casts the most visible difference from the 2015 car. Gone are the soft and bubbly surfaces, replaced with a lean and taut body accentuated with sharp, crisp lines. Trapezoidal shapes and proportions give the car a stable stance. On the inside, there are body-colored panels along the tops of the doors in the Club and Grand Touring models that visually feel like an extension of the front fenders through the cabin area, creating a cool optical illusion of sorts.
Engineering: The theme of Mazda’s engineering focus was “driver-centered everything.” Driving position was the #1 priority, and everything was developed around that focal point. They placed the driver lower and closer to the center of the vehicle, with the appropriate placement of the steering wheel and shifter. In order to do more with less the MX-5 went on a diet to lose 150 pounds and bring the weight of the 2016 car within one pound of the 1st generation car. This is quite a feat given the number of safety and technology enhancements that the new car has to carry around with it.
Touchpoints: Debuting in the MX-5 is an all-new seat architecture. Where most automotive seats use foam and wave springs, the MX-5 utilizes a high-tension cloth mesh that is suspended over the seat frame much like modern office chairs. This saves weight and also can improve comfort and support. The premium Bose sound system also offers in-headrest speakers, a nod to the original MX-5, to help with sound delivery whether the top is up or down. The top itself is also remarkably easy to put down or put up. It is a manual operation, but enhances bring it within arm’s reach without having to contort your body while seated in the vehicle. It could easily be done at any stop light.
Driving Impressions: Out on the curvy canyons of the Angeles National Forest the MX-5 is in its natural environment. The driving position is indeed remarkable with the steering wheel and shifter falling immediately to hand. Predictable body roll and a communicative chassis work to build and maintain driver confidence. Steering is quick and direct, while the 2.0L SKYACTIV engine responds quickly to accelerator inputs. I sampled the Club trim with the Brembo/BBS Wheel package. The ride with the Bilstein shocks was firm, but not harsh, and never let the rear end feel choppy despite encountering some mid-corner bumps. In a world filled with “digital SLR” cars that utilize electronically customizable driving modes and ludicrous amounts of torque and horsepower, the MX-5 represents a refreshing “point and shoot” model that uses driver engagement and mechanical refinement to achieve driving nirvana.