There really aren’t any differences between the new MX-5 Miata and last year’s model — and that’s a positive.
Sure, many auto buffs often see new models with jaded eyes. If only there were a tweak here or a tuck there, they think. That’s likely not the case here. Consider that U.S. News & World Report has ranked the new MX-5 No. 1 out of five top affordable sports cars based on the analysis of 65 published reviews.
One drive in this spunky sports car and you’ll see why it’s so highly rated despite Mazda’s list of product changes for this year listing “no change” under everything from exterior design to package options to safety features.
Think that’s a problem for professional car enthusiasts? Consider that an auto journalist at Edmunds wrote: “The 2011 Mazda Miata maintains its position as one of the all-time great roadsters, mixing refinement and excitement in an affordable, compact package.”
As in last year’s model, the MX-5 maximizes its small cabin with plenty of nooks and crannies to stash everything from your iPod to traditional maps. Slipping inside the MX-5 gives you what one could only imagine is the feel of a cocoon with plenty of power at your fingertips. Just as it’s been said that you “wear” a kayak, so, too, do you almost “wear” a Miata in the best possible sense.
The downside to the Miata design is the knockout looks. There’s no sneaking around in this roadster. The bold grille, sculpted fenders and smooth lines over rear wheels are still as eye-catching as ever. As the old saying goes, some looks never go out of style, and that’s certainly true here. The MX-5 is a head turner, so any sort of anonymity is likely impossible whether it’s parked in your driveway or you’re cruising down the road.
The Washington-area weather was chilly when I tested the MX-5, but I couldn’t resist trying out the power retractable hard top, which was easily controlled with one switch. What was nice, too, was that when the top was up you couldn’t hear road noise or feel any type of vibration.
The model I drove was a 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata PRHT Grand Touring with six-speed manual. The ride was surprisingly smooth and agile. You may well hear some gripe that acceleration is not Mazda’s strong point, but I had no problem revving up quickly and going. In fact, I had to watch my speed quite closely because the drive is so smooth and the ride so comfortable, it’d be too easy to break a few speed limits. Braking was also smooth and responsive. No wonder this car is lauded as one of the most fun drives out there.
Mazda’s MX-5 still more than lives up to its “Zoom Zoom” creed.
