Mazda’s mitey MX-5 Miata has a loud cabin, a firm ride, and barely enough trunk space for two carry-on bags. And it’s a riot. The car’s lack of just about everythingis what makes it so much fun to drive, the modus operandi of an affordable sports car. While this review contains facts, features, and figures that might sound bad, they can be construed as negative only if you’re comparing the Miata with a normal car—which it isn’t. Choose between the softtop roadster or the folding-hardtop RF, pick your preferred transmission, and hit your favorite road on a sunny day. We guarantee you’ll love the Miata as much as we do.
What’s New for 2017?
The RF (that’s Retractable Fastback) joins the softtop roadster in the fourth-generation Miata lineup, bringing with it a power-operated, coupe-mimicking hard roof that lowers into the area behind the seats, along with extra refinements. Some of the RF’s enhancements make their way into the 2017 roadster, namely its quieter manual transmission, retuned steering, and full-color driver-information display in the gauge cluster.
Trims and Options We’d Choose
Regardless of roof choice, the Club model with the six-speed manual transmission is the most enthusiast-friendly Miata and the one we’d pick. In fact, it is the one we picked for a 40,000-mile long-term test. As the mid-level trim for the roadster ($29,675) and the entry-level take on the RF ($32,430), the Club includes performance-enhancing goodies such as:
• Sport suspension with Bilstein shock absorbers
• Limited-slip differential
• 17-inch wheels and tires
• Front shock-tower brace
