Mazda MX-5 Miata Pumps Blood Into The Roadster Culture

Introduced 26 years ago the Mazda MX-5 Miata revived the top down roadster culture of the 50’s and 60’s which had all but disappeared in America. It also hit just around the time baby boomers were entering their mid-40s and became a cure for a massive case of mid-life crisis.

Unlike MGs, Triumphs and Alfa Romeos — all infuriatingly plagued romantic roadsters – the Mazda epitomized Japanese quality. The iconic Miata, known worldwide as the MX-5, has again re-defined the “fun to drive” concept in automotive marketing and is attracting a younger overwhelmingly male market drawn to the mystique of the past mid-century.

The new 6th Generation MX-5 Miatas being delivered to a large pre-order list, are 150 lb lighter than the last series and engineered specifically to simulate the primitive roadster experience. Even the slight body roll, generally considered a performance negative, is integrated into a sophisticated Miata experiential driving dynamic. With 25 percent improved efficiency from a 155 horsepower 2 liter 4 cylinder engine the Miata delivers impressive 27 city/36 highway EPA ratings.

The $26,000 MX-5 is aggressively styled with angular lines that morph into Mazda’s trademark smooth Kodo design.