Even if you aren’t fond of manual transmissions, you should consider the MX-5 Miata’s six-
speed manual transmission. It is smaller and lighter than its predecessor. With its light clutch
and decisive shifting, the Miata evokes a passion for driving and makes shifting gears easy. I
could not get enough of this car; that being said, it may have had a bit to do with the fact that it
was a convertible. #icingonthecake
My daughter and I zipped around town all week in this little roadster. Speaking of my daughter,
she is a Freshman in high school and when you are in high school, being picked up and
dropped off can be excruciating business. Lucky for her, friends flock to the curb each week to
peek at what she is being chauffeured around in. Some weeks we get stares from the girls,
some weeks, it’s from the boys, and other weeks, those stares come from fellow car-line moms
or dads. The Mazda MX-5 turned all of their heads.
I imagined the boys could appreciate the MX-5’s sportiness and spirit, driving this engaging car
down the open country roads. The MX-5 Miata Club has a SKYACTIV® 2.0-Liter DOHC (Dual
Overhead Camshafts)16-valve 4-cylinder with VVT (Variable Valve Timing) with 155 hp and 148
lb-ft. SKYACTIV® technologies, developed by Mazda, increasing fuel efficiency and engine
output.
While I imagine the girls, full of warmth and energy, picturing themselves riding along with their
“BFF” in route to Sonic Drive-In before hitting the nearest nail salon for a day of fun, with their
hair flying, throwing caution to the wind. The convertible top is so super easy to maneuver. If
you are going topless, all you do is flip a latch to release the top and then manually push it the
rest of the way down until it snaps securely. The same is true for putting the top up, release a
latch and pull the top closed until it meets the front windshield and secure. (By the way, the dark
cherry soft top is new for 2018 and looks stunning with the ‘Machine gray metallic’).
Meanwhile, being a mom, I know all too well about daydreaming of escaping in the lil 2-seater
sans kiddos, heading to far away places, far, far away, basking in the sun as we go (note: wear
sunblock), aiming the car towards the closest beach. Pack lightly though, cargo space is
limited, the interior cabin holding a bottle of water and a couple of charging ports. The MX-5
Miata has a total of 4.59 cubic feet of trunk space. Like I said, head for the beach, all you need
to pack is your swimsuit and sunscreen. There are two other storage compartments, so I
suppose you could bring an extra pair of shades. If you ditch the owner’s manual, you can even
bring a book to read.
Moms, dads and teens alike will be spoiled with the various technology amenities. Each Mazda
Miata comes standard with a 7-inch full-color touchscreen infotainment system. The multi-
function Commander, also standard on all models, couples nicely with the touchscreen and
allows the driver to keep their eyes on the road. Each Miata additionally comes with HD Radio
connectivity and advanced Smart Keyless Entry. Bluetooth hand-free phone and audio
streaming capability with BOSE® 9-speaker audio system with headrest speakers.
The 17-inch alloy wheels with a dark gunmetal finish combined with the sports-tuned exhaust
system with dual outlets was a personal favorite. Yes, me and the Mazda MX-5 Miata made
quite the team this past week. Can we just cue up Bruno Marrs and Cardi B? Their lyrics sure
seem to fit: “Ooh, don’t we look good together? There’s a reason why they watch all night long,
Yeah, we know we’ll turn heads forever, So tonight I’m gonna show you off….We out here
drippin’ in finesse.” Seems fitting if you ask me!
Fuel economy for the MX-5 Miata Club model, manual transmission, 26 mpg city, 33 mpg
highway for a combined 29 mpg.
Pricing for this model begins at $29,155. If you have never driven the Miata, go! Take the MX-5
out for a little excursion; and if you do wind up at the beach, well, I won’t blame you; in fact, I may join
you; I’ll even make sure your drink is cold.
