Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
Though the MX-5 is pretty quick, its primary purpose is not necessarily the pursuit of all out speed. Instead, the Miata is all about agility, fun, and engagement and as a result most of its performance is derived from its lightweight chassis rather than from a big, overpowered engine.
The current MX-5 convertible tips the scales at about 2,300 pounds, incredibly light by today's standards. That lightness combines with rear-wheel drive and a tight turning radius to make the Miata one of the best handling cars on the road.
The MX-5 Miata is offered as a soft-top convertible and in the RF, as a retractable fastback with a power-activated hardtop supported by handsome rear buttresses. There is only one engine available on the MX-5, but it's a gem--a naturally aspirated 2.0L 4-cylinder that makes 181 horsepower at a screaming 7000 rpm. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission, though a 6-speed automatic is optional on the Grand Touring trim. Thanks to the car's light weight, 181 horsepower is more than enough to get the Miata to 60 mph in under seven seconds. The most impressive result of the car's light curb weight might be the fuel economy, though; the MX-5 is rated at 34 mpg on the highway, meaning that owners can really have their cake and eat it too.
The MX-5 convertible comes in three different trims--Sport, Club and Grand Touring--while the MX-5 RF is offered in Club and Grand Touring.
The Sport trim comes well equipped, a welcome change giving drivers a better balance of comfort while emphasizing focus on the fun of driving. Standard features on the Sport trim include 16-inch alloy wheels, a rearview camera, an 8-inch touchscreen, keyless entry, cruise control, sporty cloth-upholstered seats, air-conditioning, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, six-speaker stereo with USB input, Bluetooth connectivity, a leather shift knob and a manual folding soft top.
The Club trim is more about performance and should be the choice for anyone who wants to take their MX-5 to the track. The Club trim comes standard with 17-inch black alloy wheels, shod in wider rubber than those on the Sport trim. The Club trim also includes Bilstein shock absorbers, a limited-slip differential (manual transmission only) some additional aero parts and piano black exterior mirrors, LED daytime running lights and Bose nine-speaker stereo and heated front seats.
The Grand Touring trim adds just a dash of comfort to the otherwise very focused Miata. Leather seating is included as standard with optional Auburn Napa leather. Automatic climate control, a built-in garage door opener, voice-activated navigation, Traffic Sign Recognition, satellite radio directionally adaptive headlights with auto high-beam are also all included with the Grand Touring trim.
Standard safety features for the MX-5 include, rain sensing wipers, automatic adaptive head lights Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Monitoring System, Smart City Brake Support and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.