The world’s best-selling roadster, the Mazda Miata, also known as, MX-5—which has racked up 1.2 million units sold and counting—has been much loved by top-down motoring enthusiasts for its sportiness, agility and affordability. Zero to 60 can be reached in just 5.5 seconds in this legendary convertible and is truly a fun car to take for a spin.
Under the hood of the 2025 MX-5 sits a Skyactiv-G 2.0-liter DOHC inline-4-cylinder engine, which pumps out 181 horsepower at 7000 rpm and 151 pounds-feet of torque at 4000 rpm. The direct-injection Skyactiv uses a torque boost via a high compression ratio to increase fuel economy. We averaged a nearly combined 30 mpg, beating EPA estimates.
The roadster is mated to a sole 6-speed manual gearbox in the Club test-drive trim, which should be the only transmission offered in this reviewer’s opinion. It shifts quickly and quietly, resulting in a smooth ride. The sport-tuned suspension, equipped with Bilstein shock absorbers, is skillfully controlled by a double wishbone front and multilink rear system. This lively convertible, with its manual Z-shaped folding black cloth top, features electric power-assist steering.
Specifications
Tires: 205/45R17
Wheelbase: 90.9 inches
Length: 154.1 inches
Width: 68.3 inches
Height: 48.6 inches
Weight: 2,366 pounds
Fuel capacity: 11.9 gallons
Mileage: 26/34/29
(city and highway/combined)
The cabin is elegant, lavish and offers comfy seats. The instrument cluster of rounded tachometer, speedometer, coolant temperature and fuel gauges in black with white letters is pleasing to the eye. The only minus is the minuscule trunk, which is understandable in a two-seater.
Standard safety features include dual front and side airbags, four-wheel antilock brakes with stability and traction control, three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters, rearview camera, blind spot monitor, rear-cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, side-impact door beams, shock tower brace, anti-theft engine immobilizer and a tire pressure monitoring system.
The MX-5 is an adventure in and of itself. Open-air motoring buffs will have a blast on the highway or tackling the rigors of daily driving, thanks to the convertible’s swift and nimble performance. And at just $33,030, the fuel-sipper is a bargain. May this much-loved roadster bring smiles and pleasure for many more years to come!
Nitish S. Rele, the editor/publisher of Motoring Tampa Bay and Khaas Baat, can be reached at motoringtampabay@gmail.com
