Mazda MX 5: Everyone's Favorite Little Roadster

It’s no secret the Mazda MX 5 is everyone's favorite little roadster. That’s why it’s one of the best-driving cars in the world. It's the driving, engaging experience you want in a car that won't break your bank account or put you in fear of losing your driver's license.

So what's new and great about the 2018 Mazda MX 5? Well for one, it's definitely the best looking Miata. While a whole lot hasn't changed - why should it, the car is already pretty sexy – these minor updates make a huge impact.

Let's start with the base package. Mazda has kindly graced all its MX 5 drivers with the MAZDA CONNECT™ Infotainment System with a 7-inch color touchscreen display, multi-function Commander, and HD Radio connectivity. Last year, only the higher trims offered this. Now, technology is standard. Also, come standard are heated seats. Even in Southern California, all drivers can benefit from heated seat when you have the wind from a top-down experience blowing on you.

Yes, Upgrade My MX 5, Please!

The club model has the New Brembo/BBS Recaro Package. Substitutes the heated black leather-trimmed seats for the heated RECARO sports seat, or not. Both options are additions for the original package which includes the Brembo brakes and BBS wheels. Should you choose the Grand Touring trim, for a little over couple grand more, you will drive with the amazing sounds of the Bose® 9-speaker audio system with AudioPilot®, driver and passenger headrest speakers, and subwoofer. This package also comes with Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Choice a model equipped with the six-speed SKYACTIV-MT manual transmission and it will feature Bilstein shocks, a limited-slip differential, and a shock tower brace.

Red on Red on Red!

Red seems to be the clear favorite for Mazda this year as it releases three new features with envious eye-catching red hues. Beginning with the exciting new color top. Thanks to our friends across the pond for an overwhelmingly positive reception, Mazda has brought over the cherry color top option to America. You can pick any of the finest premium exterior paint colors, then add that cherry on top soft-top. Adding to the array of reds features, Mazda adds onto the Grand Touring trim the richness of Auburn Nappa leather seating. The immediate tactical experience calls out to the sporty, yet sophisticated drivers. In the final red feature, the Soul Red Crystal Metallic is a new addition to the exterior paint palette.

More new features!

Along with the Soul Red Crystal Metallic, the Mazda MX 5 offer Eternal Blue Mica and Snowflake White Pearl Mica. Last joining the color palette is the Machine Gray Metallic, which was previously only available on MX-5 RF retractable fastback models.

Mazda has made some changes that you won’t see, but you will definitely feel. The Mazda MX 5 has a re-tuned soft-top rear suspension and power steering to provide an even more confident drive. You point the steering wheel and the car goes - without any lag. There is a sound-absorbing headliner in the roof to absorb unwanted noise during your drive.

Under the Hood

Pop the hood to find Mazda MX 5 comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that has 155 horsepower and 148 pounds-feet of torque. Sticking to its mission to give the driver the best driving experience, the 2018 MX is 148 pounds lighter than the previous generation. The MX 5 includes Mazda’s SKYACTIV® TECHNOLOGY and KODO tradition of “Soul of Motion”. If you are wondering if the new RF model will change the driving experience, wonder no more. The Mazda MX 5 has an even 50/50 weight distribution. Six-speed automatics are available. Now for the best driving experience, get the manual transmissions. Nobody makes manuals like Mazda does. Fuel economy figures match the soft-top: 26/33/29 mpg city/highway/combined with the manual and 26/35/29 mpg for the automatic.

RF or Soft-Top

Both are great options. The preference is subjected to the driver. If you want the full convertible experience, then opt for the soft-top option. When the top is down, you have no back to the car. However, if you don’t want a lot of wind in your hair, then select the RF option. In regards to removing the roof-top, the soft-top option wills only a few seconds for manual retraction. One click to unlatch from the front, push the top behind you, then click it on the secure latch. On the other hand, the hardtop electronic retraction takes 13 seconds. The length of the time is nothing compared to how beautiful it looks while retracting. The intelligent design creates an almost dance-like move of two parts. The back lifts itself, then moves a step back, allowing for the roof to insert itself into its hiding place. Then the back moves forward to resume its proper position. The hardtop can only be activated at the speed of 6 MPH or less. The intention is to avoid the possibility of the driver’s hair getting caught, during activation. Due to its extra machinery, the hardtop weight 113 pounds more, unfortunately making it .5 seconds slower. But don’t fret, you won’t feel it on the road. And if money is the defining factor, then select the soft-top version. The RF starts off about $3000 more.

There is a reason that the Miata has touched the homes of millions of people around the world. Its sporty intelligent design is noticeable in the exterior and interior of the vehicle. Mazda doesn’t just create great cars, it creates the best driving experience. Come and experience the best-selling roadster, today.