2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata

2011 Mazda MX-5 MiataIt’s a Zoom-Zoom Feeling!

By Charles Donaldson

How true that at some moment in our life we have wondered how nice it would be to cruise around in a little rag top and cut through mountain roads with the sun and wind in our face. My first convertible was a 1971 Jensen Healey painted “Ferrari” red. Boy, did I feel cool driving around in that little; rare convertible. I even bought ‘cruising’ clothes to wear while driving and accessories including cool shades that blocked bugs out from all sides.

While in 1989 the Oakland A’s rocked the World Series, Mazda rocked our world with the introduction of the MX-5 Miata.  It’s hard to believe that 22-years have passed, but one thing is for sure; the MX-5 Miata continues to round the bases.

What once came only in a soft top, Mazda expanded the offering of the Miata in 2007 to also include a convertible hardtop. In roughly 12 seconds you will switch from fun-in-the-sun to the protection of a hard shell. In 2009, Mazda made substantial changes to the Miata along with some updates in 2010. The 2011 MX-5 comes to us unchanged, while remaining the world’s most popular two-seat roadster.

The exterior of the MX-5 has matured with rounder surface lines that have kept its design modern and exciting. Mazda describes the body shape as making the cockpit the widest portion of the car to deliver a roomier and safer design. Head and tail lamps are mounted inboard to reinforce the sense of density, while the front sports an aggressive face with a five-point grille. The soft top can be lowered or raised with only one hand from the inside of the car and secures in place with a central latch handle that requires just a simple turn of the wrist to lock in place.

The power retractable hard top is available in two trim levels – Touring or Grand Touring. One of the nice features of the hard top is that it stores in the same area as the soft top and does not consume any additional trunk space. The Miata looks as great with the hard top up as with it down. In fact, in the up position it presents itself as a cool little sports coupe.

The 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is available in five trim levels: Sport soft top ($23,110), Touring soft top ($25,450), Touring hard top ($27,150), Grand Touring soft top ($26,710), and Grand Touring hard top ($28,550). All models come standard with a 5-speed manual transmission and are available with a 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive.

The interior is compact and does not feel cramped. This could radiate from the mind set and expectation of driving a sport roadster. You expect small, so small translates into nimble and quick. The dash is simple with big gauges and highlighted with a silver trim bar that frames the four air vents from end to end. The center stack houses your typical radio and heating/air elements as well as the controls for the heated seats, and power outlet. Touches of silver trim follow through on the doors, steering wheel, and shifter. Radio volume, cruise control, and Bluetooth™ can be operated conveniently from the steering wheel.

Our test model came with the Premium Package ($1,650), which includes an alarm system, Bluetooth™ wireless connectivity, advanced keyless entry system, HID headlamps, Sirius radio, dynamic stability control, and traction control.

Performance comes in the form of a 167 horsepower (158 hp w/automatic transmission) 2.0-liter 4-cylinder with an aluminum block and head for lighter weight and structural rigidity. That may not sound like a lot of power under the hood, but let’s not forget the Miata is so light and balanced that it works just fine. In fact, it only takes the MX-5 6.5-seconds to go from zero to 60 mph. The engine is placed just behind the front axle to provide a better balance and weight distribution. It comes with traction control that can be turned off if you are interested in ‘drifting’.

Opting for the Sport A/T automatic transmission you’ll think it sweet to convert from auto to manual shifting mode including race-car inspired paddle shifters, which are mounted behind the steering wheel. With this action allowing you to switch gears up and down, all you will need now is a nice pair of racing gloves!

The 2011 Miata handles like a fun little sports car; longing for winding mountain roads. It’s a perfect blend of performance and handling. With an optional $500 Suspension Package, you cannot lose with a sport tuned suspension, Bilstein shocks, and limited slip differential.

Room for improvement:

·         A Navigation System isn’t offered

Cool Features:

·        Power hard top with easy open and close buttons

·        Remote keyless entry option

The 2011 Miata is constructed on a unibody that makes ample use of high-strength and ultra high-strength steel, boosting body force while simultaneously cutting weight. Standard safety features include anti-lock brakes, front and side airbags and a passenger’s airbag cutoff switch to carry, as I did; a young child, in a child safety seat. Optional safety items include dynamic stability control, and traction control.

In Summary – Is the 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata fun to drive? Well, my 2-1/2 year old son Chase thinks so! Exclaiming “Daddy, this is a fast car” and “Daddy go faster – go faster!”, you will agree. Not only is the Miata the best sports car in its class, it is also a car that you can drive every day. Each generation has grown to become more refined and more exhilarating to drive. At starting just over $23,000 it still delivers a bargain package of performance, handling, and the chance to achieve your dream of driving your very own little red roadster.  

For more information and a complete list of features and specifications go to www.autofastracks.com.

Specifications

2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring Hard Top

Base price:                   $28,400 as driven: $31,300 (including destination and optional
                                    equipment)

Engine:                         2.0-Liter 4-cylinder

Horsepower:                167 @ 7000

Torque:                       140 foot pounds @ 5000 rpm

Transmission:               6-speed manual transmission with Overdrive  

Drive:                          Rear Wheel-Drive

Seating:                       2-passenger

Turning circle:              30.8 feet

Cargo space:               5.3 cubic feet

Curb weight:                2593 pounds

Fuel capacity:              12.7 gallons

EPA mileage:               28 highway, 21 city

Wheel Base:                91.7 inches

Warranty:                    3 years/36,000 miles

Also consider:              Ford Mustang, Mini Cooper, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Volkswagen Eos