1990 Mazda Miata Base Convertible 2-door 1.6l on 2040-cars

Auto blog

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata a knight in white satin

We're not going to lie to you. The reason you're seeing the fourth-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata on these pages again is solely because this is the first time we're seeing the roadster displayed in a color other than the ruby shade it was first shown in. Okay, okay, so this is the first time the Miata is being displayed at a North American auto show other than SEMA, and we'd say that this is the first time Mazda is showing a US-spec model, but clearly this is a right-hand-drive car. Either way, there's still not much to it yet, especially since Mazda is still withholding power and performance figures.
As expected, the ND Miata, as it is already known among the cognoscenti, will receive a 2.0-liter Skyactiv four-cylinder and the buyer's choice of a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic here in the US. The 1.5-liter model engine that had been linked to the car back in the rumormill stage will not make it to our showrooms.
Preliminary specifications still show the Miata measuring just 154.1 inches in length overall, with an increased track width to 68.1 inches and a low, low overall height of 49.0 inches. Despite the larger-displacement engine and its presumably heavier weight, Mazda is still claiming ideal 50:50 weight distribution and a weight loss of over 220 pounds versus today's NC generation. All of which sounds like the Miata has the right ingredients to make good on its promised Jinba Ittai ("rider and horse as one") driving experience.

Mazda3 versus BMW 1 Series and Audi A3 in Euro diesel showdown

It's not exactly a Tesla Model S taking on a Ferrari, but for us green enthusiasts, a drag race and comparison between reasonably priced diesel hatchbacks does hold interest, and UK's Auto Express was kind enough to do the deed. When raced, the diesels actually laid a little rubber coming off the line, though the track was covered in rain. Did we mention it was in the UK? The comparison was between diesel hatchbacks priced at less than 22,000 British pounds (about $34,500 US), and Auto Express pitted a Mazda3, a BMW 1-Series and an Audi A3 against each other. The results are revealed in the 11-minute video you can watch below. In short, one car smoked the others. In order to set the tone, you should know that the Mazda's 150 horsepower is about 35 more than the other two entrants. The Mazda also earned points for its quiet motor (it sounds more like a petrol engine, the host says), standard equipment that would add about $4,000 to the other two cars if included and relative roominess in front and in back. The Audi gained points for its storage space, while the BMW had the only rear-wheel-drive car in the hunt. See for yourself how the competition stacks up. News Source: Auto Express via YouTube Green Audi BMW Mazda Diesel Vehicles bmw 1-series Auto Express

2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata and MX-5 Miata RF pricing announced

At Chicago, Mazda has announced official 2018 pricing for the MX-5 Miata, both soft-top and RF. The trick-roofed RF version, or Retractable Fastback, has a coupe-like power hardtop that opens up into a targa. It's only natural that there are MX-5 models on display at the Chicago Auto Show, as 29 years earlier the original Miata was unveiled there. All ND generation cars sold in the U.S. have the 155-horsepower Skyactiv-G engine with a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. While the canvas-topped 2018 MX-5 starts from $25,295 as a manual Sport, the RF bypasses the Sport spec and starts directly from the Club, which for the RF means a $31,910 starting price, or $355 more than for 2017; the soft-top 2018 Club costs $29,555 in comparison, or a measly $120 hike. The manual Club has a limited slip differential, a front strut brace and Bilstein suspension. Similarly to the soft-top car, the RF also gets a Brembo/BBS brake/wheel/appearance package that hikes the price to $35,680 — and that is only available with manual transmission. That package costs $32,925 for the soft-top, which has also a $700 Recaro sport seating option for the aforementioned Brembo/BBS package, but that is unavailable for the RF. Grand Touring comes with automatic climate control, heated leather seats and adaptive lighting, at a price of $30,195 for the soft top and $32,750 for the RF. Add new-for-2018 Nappa leather for the Grand Touring for $300. At launch in the 2017 model year, the RF Grand Touring was priced $3,000 dearer than a comparable soft-top version, but that difference has now shrunk by $500. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2018 Mazda MX-5 RF: Chicago 2018 View 11 Photos Image Credit: Copyright 2018 Drew Phillips / Autoblog.com Auto News Chicago Auto Show Mazda Convertible Coupe Performance 2018 Chicago Auto Show