Go-Kart Fun: 2015 Mazda MX-5 Miata coupe/roadster
Offering motorists drop-top fun infused with bulletproof Japanese reliability for over 20 years, the MX-5 (Miata) only continues to get better with time.
Available in Sport, Club and Grand Touring trim levels, a premium canvas top is available on all trim levels, including Sport, for 2015. This premium canvas top provides consumers with a durable, fade-resistance black canvas option. The soft top is easily operated by a single latch in the center. Release the latch and the top retracts in a z-folding manner to rest behind the seats. The top’s operation and final resting position don’t impede on the 5.3 cubic feet of cargo space inside the trunk whether the top is up or down.
A Power Retractable Hard Top (PRHT) is available on the Club and Grand Touring trims and comes in black in the Club trim and body-colored in the Grand Touring models. Designed to for all climates, the PRHT is industry-leading in speed, taking just 12 seconds to go from fully open to fully closed and vice-a-versa. Similar to the soft top, there is a single latch in the center of the windshield frame and one button on the dash to manage the whole operation.
Available on Club and Grand Touring trims only, the PRHT is stored in the same manner as the soft top, again not affecting storage space. Using a single-button operation, the PRHT offers one of the fastest power-operated opening-and-closing cycles for a hard top in North America at a highly efficient 12 seconds – faster than the never-convenient red-light-green-light pause.
The rear-wheel drive Mazda two-door is powered by a highly-responsive MZR-LFX 2.0L four-cylinder powerplant. Torque is communicated to the road through one of three gearboxes: five-speed manual, six-speed manual and a six-speed Sport A/T automatic equipped with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.
The MX-5 rides on a platform with an advanced front mid-ship layout employing liberal use of high-strength and ultra-high strength steel in construction of the chassis. Additionally, the rear of the transmission is rigidly linked to the front of the differential housing by a Z-shaped frame made of aluminum. This assures that the driver's throttle inputs are faithfully and promptly conveyed to the rear wheels, ensuring the maximum possible oneness between car and driver.
The MX-5’s control hardware works with the roadster's chassis to keep things in perspective. The suspension features double-wishbones up front with a multi-link configuration at the rear.
Inside the cabin, the interior design theme balances comfortable snugness below shoulder level with openness above, the give the impression of riding in open air. The T-shaped instrument panel is consistent with Mazda design DNA while the center console accentuates the backbone of the car. The black center stack is as simple and functional as possible. The arched hood over the instrument cluster and four circular vents are part of the MX-5 cabin identity.
The MX-5 roadster offers occupants impressive storage space -- door pockets with cupholders, a lockable glove compartment, lockable rear center console, driver and passenger back-panel storage boxes, a rear tray and a driver seat back pocket.
The convertible top remains the very model of simplicity: from the driver or passenger seat, release a single windshield-header latch and just push the top backwards. That’s it – no bulky or cumbersome boot or tonneau covers, and no need to get out of the car.
Turbulence and buffeting during top-down motoring are kept to a minimum with small quarter windows designed to block drafts between the windshield pillars and door mirrors into the cockpit. An aero board located between the seat back hoops is taller than before and perforated to slow down reverse-flow air that rushes into the cockpit. Mesh construction helps to reduce weight.
Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 91.7; overall length: 157.3; width: 67.7; height: 49.0 (conv.), 49.4 (PRHT)
All vehicle measurements are in inches
Engine: 167 hp at 7,000 rpm and 140 lbs-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm (manual); 158 hp at 6,700 rpm and 140 lbs-ft of torque at 5,000 (automatic)
Transmission: five-speed manual, six-speed manual, six-speed Sport A/T automatic
EPA Fuel Economy: 22 city/28 hwy (5-speed manual); 21 city/28 hwy. (six-speed manual/automatic)
Cargo capacity: 5.3 cubic feet
Safety features
Dual front airbags, front seat mounted side-impact airbags, side-impact door beams, tire pressure monitoring system, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, electronic brake force distribution, traction control, dynamic stability control, and engine immobilizer. Club adds limited slip rear differential (manual gearbox) and remote keyless entry.
Optional safety equipment available (Grand Touring model only) includes: Xenon high intensity headlamps, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry, and anti-theft alarm.
Warranty
Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile Comprehensive
Powertrain: 5-year/60,000 mile
Corrosion: 5-year/unlimited
Roadside Assistance: 3-year/36,000 mile 24-hour
Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2015 Mazda MX-5 Miata starts from $23,970 for the Sport soft-top manual upto $30,550 for the Power Retractable Hard Top (PRHT). Destination charges add $820.
