X

Long-term 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata introduction (pictures)

Say "hello!" to Roadshow's first-ever long-term vehicle, Mazda's singular MX-5 Miata roadster. It's going to be an entertaining year.

Andrew Krok
Cars are Andrew's jam, as is strawberry. After spending years as a regular ol' car fanatic, he started working his way through the echelons of the automotive industry, starting out as social-media director of a small European-focused garage outside of Chicago. From there, he moved to the editorial side, penning several written features in Total 911 Magazine before becoming a full-time auto writer, first for a local Chicago outlet and then for CNET Cars.
Andrew Krok
2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1 of 27 Andrew Krok/Roadshow

For its fourth generation, Mazda has replaced the Miata's habitually smiling mug with something approaching a sneer.

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
2 of 27 Andrew Krok/Roadshow

The Miata's rear end now draws likenesses to the Jaguar F-Type owing to its taillamp shape.

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
3 of 27 Andrew Krok/Roadshow

Rear three-quarter visibility is a bit challenged in the Miata with the top up, as it is in nearly all convertibles.

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
4 of 27 Andrew Krok/Roadshow

Even a quick glance at the profile reveals tidy overhangs and well-judged proportions.

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
5 of 27 Andrew Krok/Roadshow

Our midlevel Club trim is all business, with a front air dam and sport-tuned suspension with Bilstein shocks.

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
6 of 27 Andrew Krok/Roadshow

A subtle rear lip spoiler is also part of the Club package.

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
7 of 27 Andrew Krok/Roadshow

A quick peek in the Miata's interior reveals a much more modern office space.

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
8 of 27 Andrew Krok/Roadshow

Note how low the dashboard sits, which helps aid visibility and add a feeling of spaciousness -- key in such a small interior.

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
9 of 27 Andrew Krok/Roadshow

We eschewed leather and went for Mazda's grippy and light cloth seats, which are breathable and feature an unusually svelte frame for maximum interior space. Our Club model gets built-in headrest speakers.

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
10 of 27 Andrew Krok/Roadshow

This rev-happy 2.0-liter Skyactiv four cylinder features 155 of the hardest-working horses in the business.

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
11 of 27 Andrew Krok/Roadshow

This isn't typical convertible weather, but we're powering through what's left of another Detroit winter to see if the Miata is a viable four-season partner.

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
12 of 27 Andrew Krok/Roadshow

The aftermarket will no doubt find ways to stuff big intercoolers in here.

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
13 of 27 Andrew Krok/Roadshow

Seventeen-inch dark gunmetal alloys are wrapped in Bridgestone Blizzak LM-60 winter rubber while the snow flies. The lightweight wheels do a good job of showing off our Club model's Brembo uprated brakes.

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
14 of 27 Andrew Krok/Roadshow

LED headlamps are standard on all Miatas (they're not only brighter, they help save weight). Our Club trim also receives LED running lamps.

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
15 of 27 Andrew Krok/Roadshow

Note how the headlamps and the air dam seem to draw to a common point down the road.

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
16 of 27 Andrew Krok/Roadshow

Note that the Miata's tires aren't particularly wide -- this is a car that's as much about feel as it is about absolute grip.

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
17 of 27 Andrew Krok/Roadshow

It's unusual to still see a mast antenna in this day and age.

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
18 of 27 Andrew Krok/Roadshow

Note how far back the engine is set in the chassis. It's effectively a front mid-engine design.

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
19 of 27 Andrew Krok/Roadshow

All business here. Manual hand brake, three simple dials for HVAC controls, and a tidy three-spoke wheel.

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
20 of 27 Andrew Krok/Roadshow

Note how designers chose to use two different shapes of HVAC air vents, an unusual strategy that helps emphasize the driver area.

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
21 of 27 Andrew Krok/Roadshow

This six-speed manual is one of our favorite gearboxes in all the world.

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
22 of 27 Andrew Krok/Roadshow

A perfectly nice six-speed automatic is also available, but why do that to yourself? This is a driver's car.

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
23 of 27 Andrew Krok/Roadshow

Mazda Connect infotainment features a multiway controller on the transmission tunnel and a seven-inch tablet-like touchscreen.

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
24 of 27 Andrew Krok/Roadshow

Audio, Bluetooth telephony and voice control buttons on the steering wheel are easy to get used to.

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
25 of 27 Andrew Krok/Roadshow

No fancy adaptive cruise control here.

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
26 of 27 Andrew Krok/Roadshow

A simple multifunction digital readout keeps tabs on things like fuel level, total range, engine temp and outside air temp.

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
27 of 27 Andrew Krok/Roadshow

A large, easily legible centrally mounted tachometer speaks to the Miata's priorities.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos