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2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata Philadelphia

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2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata Design

In general, Mazda has done a masterful job designing the MX-5. The MX-5 design has definitely evolved since the beginning, especially when seen from the side. Sharply sculpted wheel flares appear to be adapted from the high-performance RX-8 coupe, in an example of what the company calls Mazda design DNA. The flared wheel arches also spread wide enough to cover the current Miata's wider track. (Track is the distance between the left and right wheels). It's three inches wider in front, two inches wider in the rear when compared with the previous-generation MX-5. This gives the car a more athletic stance, and it makes the MX-5 look more aggressive and less cuddly than its predecessors.

Handling of the 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Playing with the gears in a sports car should entertain not only in how the car moves down the road and through curves, but also aurally, in what you hear as well as what you feel. The current MX-5's exhaust sound is a bit less satisfying than in previous generations, sounding more buzzy than throaty; except under hard acceleration, when it finally generates the sounds of entertainment. The exhaust note was something Mazda's engineers worked very hard at for the original Miata, and we miss its classic sports car sound. The free-revving four-cylinder engine doesn't pack a whole lot of punch compared to some other sports cars, but it's always eager to play, and the short-throw manual gearbox is as good as it gets. On a daily basis, the Miata is easy to live with and comfortable for long stints in either top-up or top-down mode.

2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata Lineup

The MX-5 Grand Touring adds heated leather seats, a nicer fabric soft top, automatic climate control and a Bose audio upgrade with subwoofer and Sirius satellite radio. The Premium Package adds Dynamic Stability Control anti-skid electronics, Advanced Keyless Entry proximity key, high-intensity xenon headlights and a theft alarm.

The MX-5 Touring upgrades to a 6-speed manual transmission and comes with the Convenience Package, plus 6CD changer, and 17-inch wheels with summer performance tires.

The MX-5 Sport comes with a vinyl soft top and a 5-speed manual transmission. Standard features include air conditioning, power windows, cloth upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, single-CD audio with six speakers, power mirrors, various interior storage pockets and 16-inch aluminum wheels. All MX-5s come with a tire-puncture repair kit, as opposed to a spare. MX-5 is available with a 6-speed automatic.

Interior of the 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata

The premium sound system has a function Bose calls Audiopilot. It goes beyond simple speed-sensing volume control by actually re-mixing the sound coming out of the speakers to help the stereo punch through the ambient wind and road noise that accompanies open-air motoring. Oversize speakers dominate the forward part of the door panels. If you're an average-sized driver, you'll find that the 2012 Mazda Miata's compact footprint leaves it with a cabin that envelops you in a close but comfortable embrace.

Conclusion

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a traditional sports car, a two-seat roadster with rear-wheel drive that's fun to drive and priced attractively. It's also easy to maintain, trouble-free, and great on gas. It is a superbly engineered sports car when it comes to acceleration performance, brakes, gearbox, suspension, and cornering. The 2012 Mazda Miata maintains its position as one of the all-time great roadsters, mixing refinement and excitement in an affordable, compact package

Some information for this review was obtained from NewCarTestDrive.com