2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Unveiled

Cameron Aubernon
by Cameron Aubernon

This is it: The 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata unveiled for all to behold.

The fourth-generation MX-5 takes the automaker’s Kodo design language to another level, giving the iconic roadster “the presence of a living creature and a strong sense of vitality to the car,” as well as convey agility.

Underneath the bio-mechanical skin, the roadster distributes its 2280 pounds of weight — 200 pounds lighter than the current MX-5 — 50:50 between the front and rear. Under the bonnet, a Skyactiv-G direct-injection gasoline engine sends its power to the back through either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

Part of the weight reduction comes from the use of aluminum forward of the A-pillar as well as the rear bumper reinforcements. Lighter suspension components and soft-top materials contribute to Mazda’s so-called “gram strategy,” also.

Behind the wheel, the automaker’s Mazda Connect next-gen connected-vehicle system “efficiently links the driver to the car and the outside world.” Meanwhile, the soft-top can be operated from within the cockpit, the roadster won’t look awkward like the Nissan Z and Murano CrossCabriolet with the top down, and wind control features will keep your hair or hat from blowing away.

The new MX-5 will go on sale in 2015. No price of admission has been announced at this time.





Cameron Aubernon
Cameron Aubernon

Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.

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  • Master Baiter Master Baiter on Sep 04, 2014

    This is the formula GM should have used for the new Corvette: smaller, lighter (so you don't need as much engine) and organic styling. I'd take this MX-5 over a Corvette any day.

    • See 2 previous
    • Stuki Stuki on Sep 04, 2014

      @bosozoku The 'Vette should never ditch the smallblock. Ever. It's the greatestest engine evva! They could shrink the rest of the car a bit, but the new ones aren't even that big compared to the competition. Lots of people have this idea that sports/sporty cars should be wide like a track racer.

  • 05lgt 05lgt on Sep 05, 2014

    I like the style, and think the face looks a little Miyazaki. Like some sort of fast frog spirit with power but not necessarily evil. Then again, I have a vivid imagination.

  • Kwik_Shift_Pro4X At the taxpayers expense, as usual.
  • Danddd Or just get a CX5 or 50 instead.
  • Groza George My next car will be a PHEV truck if I can find one I like. I travel a lot for work and the only way I would get a full EV is if hotels and corporate housing all have charging stations.I would really like a Toyota Tacoma or Nissan Frontier PHEV
  • Slavuta Motor Trend"Although the interior appears more upscale, sit in it a while and you notice the grainy plastics and conventional design. The doors sound tinny, the small strip of buttons in the center stack flexes, and the rear seats are on the firm side (but we dig the ability to recline). Most frustrating were the repeated Apple CarPlay glitches that seemed to slow down the apps running through it."
  • Brandon I would vote for my 23 Escape ST-Line with the 2.0L turbo and a normal 8 speed transmission instead of CVT. 250 HP, I average 28 MPG and get much higher on trips and get a nice 13" sync4 touchscreen. It leaves these 2 in my dust literally
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