When it comes to pure sports cars, the Mazda MX-5 (also known as the Miata) is one of the longest-running nameplates still on sale without much change to its overall spirit. A true classic in the sports car world, Mazda's affordable, lightweight, and fun little sports machine has been on sale for over 30 years now, still being one of the best you can buy among its competitors.
Initially designed with inspiration from lightweight handling-oriented British roadsters, namely the original Colin Chapman designed Lotus Elan, the MX-5 debuted on sale in 1989 and quickly became a massive hit for Mazda. Focused on wonderful handling, and a fun-loving driver-focused experience rather than competitive speed, the MX-5 has evolved since its first-generation while staying true to itself, continuing to offer one of the purest sports car experiences out there.
While not the car for those who seek a powerful machine, the 2021 MX-5 is as good as ever, modernizing the snappy little sports car with a whole lot of charm.
Low Power, But That’s The Point
From its 1989 debut onwards, the MX-5 has never been a powerful car and is considered by many to be almost underpowered. Using a small inline-4 for every generation, the MX-5's design ethos has been that of a small and direct car, with its power-to-weight ratio and nearly perfect handling giving it the performance it needs to be fun.
Currently powered by Mazda’s 2.0 L SKYACTIV-G inline-4, the 2021 MX-5 makes just 181 hp, and 151 lb-ft of torque, giving it a 0-60 time of 5.7 seconds, but, while that's not seriously fast, the high-revving characteristics of that engine make the acceleration plenty engaging with a manual transmission.
Those specs may seem negligible compared to the battle for most power currently raging in the industry, but the MX-5 has survived this long for its fun-loving characteristics, sticking unapologetically to that spirit through 5 generations - the current ND generation debuted in 2015. Furthermore, that standard 6-speed manual is short throw from the factory, and is incredibly easy and crisp to shift, combining with the simple RWD layout to make it a blast to drive, and easy to push without the need for a racetrack. Looks-wise, the MX-5 has diverted slightly from the last few generations, with the cute and lovable jelly bean looks gone in favor of still friendly, but much more aggressive body lines and overall design.
Perfectly Balanced, Wonderfully Snappy
As mentioned, the MX-5 lacks any serious power and instead has used its handling as the main selling point. Inspired by Colin Chapman's philosophy of "simplify, then add lightness," the MX-5 stands out as an affordable corner carver, with that inline-4 mounted in a front-mid position that helps give it a perfect 50:50 weight distribution. Calling on Chapman's philosophy, the 2021 MX-5 is one of the lightest cars on sale today, weighing only 2,350 lbs. Resulting in that low power becoming almost a moot point, the wonderful balance and low weight make the MX-5 one of the most nimble little cars on sale, offering a pure experience that's nearly unparalleled in 2021.
Suspension, too, is optimized perfectly, with a sporty and stiff setup that works well in daily driving situations, or can come alive during spirited driving thanks to its superb road-to-driver connection and agility. Steering is mostly the same story, adding to the experience with a light and easy, but direct and connected feel making the most of the MX-5's signature agility. A limited-slip differential on Club and Grand Touring trims further enhances the fun.
In terms of MX-5 signatures, the 2021 model continues the tradition of only being offered as a convertible, though the latest generation added an RF trim which gives a retractable hardtop roof.
Small, But Somewhat Practical
Much like the caveats of it not being the car to go for if looking for serious speed, the MX-5 also isn't a car to get if looking for serious daily driving practicality, namely in terms of cargo.
Naturally, one look at an MX-5 explains this, as the car has always been a tiny one. For what it is though, the MX-5 is rather decent in a practical sense, with a surprising ability to fit two adults - though not exactly in comfort if over 6 feet tall. Trunk space is mediocre at best, though, as its 5 cu-ft area loses out to the Toyota/Subaru BRZ/86’s 6.9 cu-ft of space, and also lacks folding rear seats, as well as having a rather deficient amount of interior cargo compartments. But, what the MX-5 excels at in a practical sense is fuel economy, as the small and efficient engine combines with the lightweight construction to deliver a respectable 26 mpg city and 34 mpg highway.
Function Forward, Inside And Out
Being an affordable sports car, the MX-5 doesn't have a high-end interior, but, despite being somewhat basic it does offer a very nice experience for the price and value of the car. Wrapping around you (especially for taller folks), the MX-5's interior further enhances the all-around driver-focused interior with a snug design. The steering wheel and shifter have great designs, with a crisp feel to both.
In terms of features, the affordable nature of the MX-5 is somewhat evident, as the list isn't vast. Standard features include a modern suite including a Mazda Connect infotainment system with Bluetooth phone connect, rotary controls, Apple Car Play/Android Auto, GPS navigation, 6-speaker sound system or optional Bose premium 9-speaker system, optional rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry, push-button start, heated seats (on certain trims), and several more niceties.
Driver assists are decent but not market-leading, with Mazda's i-Activesense coming standard with automated emergency braking and forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring with rear-cross traffic alert, as well as lane-departure warning. Aside from that, the MX-5 focuses purely on the driving experience rather than bathing you with unnecessary features, this can either be a good or bad thing depending on what you want out of your car.
Pricing And Trims
In essence, the Miata has 3 trim levels. Unlike a lot of sports cars though, the power and transmission remain the same across each one, with features being the main difference.
Sport - $26,830
The most basic MX-5, the Sport trim comes with most of the standard features available.
Club - $30,290
A step up from the base Sport trim with better handling, the Club trim level offers bigger wheels, the premium Bose sound system, heated seats, a limited-slip differential, and sport-tuned suspension with Bilstein dampers - it also is the only trim that has access to optional Brembo/BBS/Recaro package, which gives sweet BBS wheels, Recaro sports seats, and Brembo brakes for an additional $4,470.
Grand Touring $31,770
Essentially the Club trim but with some further small upgrades, including rain-sensing wipers, adaptive headlights, auto-dimming mirrors, steel door sill inserts, as well as the main draw - a leather-upholstered interior as standard.
Club RF and Grand Touring RF
Both the Club or Grand Touring trim have access to the RF option, turning the MX-5 from a softtop, to a hardtop convertible. Priced at $2,755 for the option, it's not exactly necessary but does add a more unique and solid experience to the MX-5.
Whichever MX-5 you go for, you also get a 3 year or 36,000-mile limited warranty, and a 5 year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Sources: Car And Driver, Mazda USA