MRnewsBot
08-07-2012, 03:09 PM
Limited Run, Unlimited Fun: 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
http://ww4.hdnux.com/photos/14/43/42/3291271/3/628x471.jpg
MSRP: $23,190; as tested: $32,020 Mazda has been building Miatas for 24 years and counting. And almost from the get-go, they've been making special editions, too. With low production runs and model-specific features, they've been a smart move for Mazda, keeping the brand fresh and holding Miata nation's interest, as the years click by.
The mainline Miatas continue on for 2012 largely unchanged since the last refresh in 2009. But, the new wrinkle this year is the unveiling of the latest, special edition model. This will be a limited run — very limited, just 450 units, here in the states — offered in two colors: Crystal White Pearl, and Velocity Red. If you like red, the latter hue will work for you. It's bright and metallic, with lots of sunlight sparkle. All of the SE's are outfitted with a black, power, retractable hardtop, 17-inch black gunmetal alloy rims, black mirrors and door handles, and black trim on the grille surround. The color theme carries through to the interior, with black leather upholstery and piano black trim on the dash and steering wheel. To me, something a little less monotone on the inside would've brightened things up (colored seat inserts, maybe?), but overall, it's a handsome, distinctive package.
Miata's hardtop is notable for a couple of reasons. First, it's fast. It only takes about 12 seconds to power up or down. Second, rear visibility is relatively good, with minimal blind spots. Finally, unlike most convertible hardtops, when the Mazda's top retracts, it doesn't eat up storage space in the trunk. That's a particular plus in Miata. With a trunk measuring 5.3 cubic feet, it can't afford to be giving away any room. Over the years, I've stuffed a variety of Miatas with a variety of gear. I can reliably report that, with soft luggage and a hard line on wardrobe excess, there's enough space to handle a weekend getaway. The SE's black hardtop adds a nice visual contrast, and the hard hat is of course more snug and quiet than a soft top. But, few are the rear wheel drive Miatas on the road in winter, so the cozy factor is not large. And, the Miata happens to have one of the best, easiest to use convertible tops ever built The SE is hardtop only, and it suits the car's upscale vibe. But if you're considering another Miata model, your choice of hats becomes simply a matter of dollars and personal preference. Basic, soft top Miatas start at $23,190. A ragtop in Touring trim has an MSRP of $25,550, while the base, Touring hardtop starts at $27,540. My SE had an out-the-door price of $32,020. You pays your money and you takes your choice.
Aside from the above, the 2012 Special Edition cars are equipped with both the Premium and Suspension packages. That means (for the former), Bluetooth, Sirius, Xenon headlights, an alarm and a keyless entry system. For the latter: Bilstein shocks, a limited slip differential and sport-tuned suspension.
Despite the stiffened platform, there's no appreciable penalty in ride quality. Relative to other cars its size, Miata has a good, road ride. And, the SE's handling is flat out fun. Driving up the Northway, jousting with semis and flat track traffic, hardly anything is enjoyable to drive. But, put the Mazda in its element — two lane roads, preferably curvy — and there are few cars that offer more smiles-per-gallon than a Miata.
As to miles-per-gallon, EPA says that the Miata will return 21 mpg's city and 28 highway. Those are OK numbers, though the city estimate seems low, for a car this size. However, my test drive netted 28 mpg's overall in a week of driving that probably broke down as 25 percent in town, 25 percent highway and 50 percent a mix of both.
The drivetrain combo responsible for these numbers is Mazda's 2.0 liter four cylinder, linked to a six speed manual transmission. The engine's 167 horsepower and 140 lb. ft. of torque are just right for the package, feeling quick and responsive. If you have a physical limitation that makes a stick shift impractical, or you have a heavy, city commute that includes bumper to bumper driving, I understand wanting an automatic. If not, this car fairly demands that you drive the stick. There really aren't any shorter stroke, smoother shifting cars on the market. The Miata's near 50/50 front/rear weight balance and the overall combination of acceleration, shifting, cornering and braking are benchmarks for the breed.
The two seater's interior is simple and driver oriented. Controls are in easy reach and as mentioned, dropping the hardtop is a simple operation. Miata is seriously short on interior storage, and if you park anything in the center console cup holders, your arm's route to the shift lever requires some contortions.
Miata's road as sports car emissary to the world's drivers has had few interruptions. A few years back, GM's twins (Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky) made a run at the Mazda, putting a serious dent in Miata's segment domination, before GM's reorganization washed them away.
For now, the only clouds for Miata are on the horizon. A new tandem of sports cars — Scion's FR-S and the Subaru BRZ — debuted this year: both are impressive, and both are hardtop only — for now. But, if ever two cars were destined to have their tops sawn off, it's them. If that day happens, it will certainly push Miata, but that's all to the good. Even when you've got a fine saw, it can always benefit from a little sharpening.
A regular contributor to the Times Union for the past 20 years, Dan Lyons is the award-winning author of six books, and photographer of 135 calendars. Read Dan's recent reviews on line anytime at www.timesunion.com/cars.
470647074708
Read more: http://www.timesunion.com/news/article/Limited-Run-Unlimited-Fun-2012-Mazda-MX-5-Miata-3766096.php#ixzz22tP2ixk7
http://ww4.hdnux.com/photos/14/43/42/3291271/3/628x471.jpg
MSRP: $23,190; as tested: $32,020 Mazda has been building Miatas for 24 years and counting. And almost from the get-go, they've been making special editions, too. With low production runs and model-specific features, they've been a smart move for Mazda, keeping the brand fresh and holding Miata nation's interest, as the years click by.
The mainline Miatas continue on for 2012 largely unchanged since the last refresh in 2009. But, the new wrinkle this year is the unveiling of the latest, special edition model. This will be a limited run — very limited, just 450 units, here in the states — offered in two colors: Crystal White Pearl, and Velocity Red. If you like red, the latter hue will work for you. It's bright and metallic, with lots of sunlight sparkle. All of the SE's are outfitted with a black, power, retractable hardtop, 17-inch black gunmetal alloy rims, black mirrors and door handles, and black trim on the grille surround. The color theme carries through to the interior, with black leather upholstery and piano black trim on the dash and steering wheel. To me, something a little less monotone on the inside would've brightened things up (colored seat inserts, maybe?), but overall, it's a handsome, distinctive package.
Miata's hardtop is notable for a couple of reasons. First, it's fast. It only takes about 12 seconds to power up or down. Second, rear visibility is relatively good, with minimal blind spots. Finally, unlike most convertible hardtops, when the Mazda's top retracts, it doesn't eat up storage space in the trunk. That's a particular plus in Miata. With a trunk measuring 5.3 cubic feet, it can't afford to be giving away any room. Over the years, I've stuffed a variety of Miatas with a variety of gear. I can reliably report that, with soft luggage and a hard line on wardrobe excess, there's enough space to handle a weekend getaway. The SE's black hardtop adds a nice visual contrast, and the hard hat is of course more snug and quiet than a soft top. But, few are the rear wheel drive Miatas on the road in winter, so the cozy factor is not large. And, the Miata happens to have one of the best, easiest to use convertible tops ever built The SE is hardtop only, and it suits the car's upscale vibe. But if you're considering another Miata model, your choice of hats becomes simply a matter of dollars and personal preference. Basic, soft top Miatas start at $23,190. A ragtop in Touring trim has an MSRP of $25,550, while the base, Touring hardtop starts at $27,540. My SE had an out-the-door price of $32,020. You pays your money and you takes your choice.
Aside from the above, the 2012 Special Edition cars are equipped with both the Premium and Suspension packages. That means (for the former), Bluetooth, Sirius, Xenon headlights, an alarm and a keyless entry system. For the latter: Bilstein shocks, a limited slip differential and sport-tuned suspension.
Despite the stiffened platform, there's no appreciable penalty in ride quality. Relative to other cars its size, Miata has a good, road ride. And, the SE's handling is flat out fun. Driving up the Northway, jousting with semis and flat track traffic, hardly anything is enjoyable to drive. But, put the Mazda in its element — two lane roads, preferably curvy — and there are few cars that offer more smiles-per-gallon than a Miata.
As to miles-per-gallon, EPA says that the Miata will return 21 mpg's city and 28 highway. Those are OK numbers, though the city estimate seems low, for a car this size. However, my test drive netted 28 mpg's overall in a week of driving that probably broke down as 25 percent in town, 25 percent highway and 50 percent a mix of both.
The drivetrain combo responsible for these numbers is Mazda's 2.0 liter four cylinder, linked to a six speed manual transmission. The engine's 167 horsepower and 140 lb. ft. of torque are just right for the package, feeling quick and responsive. If you have a physical limitation that makes a stick shift impractical, or you have a heavy, city commute that includes bumper to bumper driving, I understand wanting an automatic. If not, this car fairly demands that you drive the stick. There really aren't any shorter stroke, smoother shifting cars on the market. The Miata's near 50/50 front/rear weight balance and the overall combination of acceleration, shifting, cornering and braking are benchmarks for the breed.
The two seater's interior is simple and driver oriented. Controls are in easy reach and as mentioned, dropping the hardtop is a simple operation. Miata is seriously short on interior storage, and if you park anything in the center console cup holders, your arm's route to the shift lever requires some contortions.
Miata's road as sports car emissary to the world's drivers has had few interruptions. A few years back, GM's twins (Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky) made a run at the Mazda, putting a serious dent in Miata's segment domination, before GM's reorganization washed them away.
For now, the only clouds for Miata are on the horizon. A new tandem of sports cars — Scion's FR-S and the Subaru BRZ — debuted this year: both are impressive, and both are hardtop only — for now. But, if ever two cars were destined to have their tops sawn off, it's them. If that day happens, it will certainly push Miata, but that's all to the good. Even when you've got a fine saw, it can always benefit from a little sharpening.
A regular contributor to the Times Union for the past 20 years, Dan Lyons is the award-winning author of six books, and photographer of 135 calendars. Read Dan's recent reviews on line anytime at www.timesunion.com/cars.
470647074708
Read more: http://www.timesunion.com/news/article/Limited-Run-Unlimited-Fun-2012-Mazda-MX-5-Miata-3766096.php#ixzz22tP2ixk7