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The Miata is always the answer, but which one is the answer for you?

If you follow along with our long-term vehicles, you know that we had a 2016 Miata Club in the fleet. It's a Miata that had every sporty bit available installed, but there are other ways to spec out an MX-5. Just recently, we had the chance to sample the other end of the MX-5 spectrum, the Miata RF Grand Touring. While they're cut from the same sheetmetal, they're surprisingly different cars. So we thought we'd put together a little guide to help you figure out what bodystyle and trim level of Miata is right for you. How do you like the wind in your hair? If you're someone who loves soaking up the sun and having the wind blow through your hair, or lack thereof, there's no replacement for the soft-top Miata. The manual folding mechanism will get you out into the fresh air faster than virtually any other convertible, and it will go back up just as easily when the rain comes. Raising and lowering it is quick and easy, and can be done with one hand from the driver's seat. And with the top down, you'll be greeted by breeze from virtually every direction, and an airy, unencumbered feeling that only comes with a full convertible. However, if you prefer to keep your hair in place and just get some sun, the RF is the better choice. The retractable targa top still descends and reemerges quickly, taking just 13 seconds either way. Keeping the windows up with the targa stowed will allow in plenty of sun, but will keep wind to a minimum. But when the windows drop, you'll still get a healthy dose of airflow. It still doesn't feel as open as the soft top, though, since you'll be able to catch the fastback pillar out of the corner of your eye. But if you value protection over airflow, that won't be an issue. View 11 Photos Does your Miata need to be a daily driver and occasional road tripper? While many Miatas will be weekend toys, one of the appealing things about them is that they're reliable enough and have just enough cargo space that they can serve as an everyday vehicle. For people who want to use a Miata as a daily commuter, and even take it on road trips, we would recommend an RF with the Grand Touring trim, as seen above. Although it still isn't a quiet car in the grand scheme of things, the RF's solid top makes it more livable for highway stints both short and long. The Grand Touring trim comes recommended for these purposes for a couple of reasons. Foremost is the more forgiving suspension shared between it and the base-level Sport.

Mazda6 diesel may finally launch this year according to CARB certification

For close to a decade, Mazda said it would bring its latest generation of diesel engine, Skyactiv-D, to the United States. And for most of that time, it said that engine would appear in the Mazda6. Last year Mazda finally brought us the engine in the CX-5, and it looks like this year, the 6 will finally get it, too. This seems to be the case based on a CARB certification posted on January 31 specifically for the midsize family sedan. The CX-5, in both front-wheel- and all-wheel-drive variants, is listed in a different certification, so it's not a case of a blanket certification for every vehicle the engine could appear in this year. As expected, the document lists the 6 as having a 2.2-liter turbocharged engine with a six-speed automatic, though it doesn't say whether the model is front-wheel-drive or all-wheel. Either is certainly possible, since all-wheel drive, in particular with the diesel, is available in overseas Mazda6s. Like in the CX-5, the engine will probably make 168 horsepower and 290 pound-feet of torque. While this certification tells us the diesel 6 will probably launch this year as a 2021 model, we're left to estimate the reveal date. Midway through the year, or possibly at the start of the next auto show cycle would seem likely, which would coincide with a model year update. Mazda has stated it will only be offered on the top-tier Signature trim, which starts at $36,345 with the standard turbocharged gasoline 4-cylinder. Looking at the price difference between a turbocharged Mazda CX-5 Signature with all-wheel-drive and the diesel CX-5, the price difference is about $4,000, so it would seem reasonable to expect the Mazda6 diesel to ring in at about $40,000. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

LA Design Challenge invokes biology for 2025 concepts [w/poll]

Participants in the annual LA Design Challenge always manage to come up with edgy, wacky designs for future vehicles, but with a theme of "Biomimicry and Mobility: 2025" this year's crop of cars might be the quirkiest we've ever seen. As usual, automotive designers from around the world participated in this year's competition, and all the designs will all be unveiled next week during the LA Auto Show with a winner being announced on November 21.
Chinese automakers made a strong showing with Qoros, SAIC Motor, JAC Motors (the company responsible for the Ford F-150 clone) and Changfeng all bringing interesting takes on the biology, human intelligence and sustainability theme. One of the more innovative ideas among these automakers is the Qoros Silk Road System allows autonomous vehicles to drive in packs similar to how ants travel. Speaking of ants, the SAIC Motor Mobiliant (shown above) gets its design from the shape of an ant's body, and, like the insect, it can climb building acting as a personal elevator as well. The JAC Motors design also merges vehicle and building design, while the Changfeng LaBrea inspired by the design of muscle fibers.
Other entrants include Subaru and US-based design teams for BMW, Toyota and Mazda. BMW's duo of concepts mimic plant and animal life. The LA Subways concept acts as a submersible, single-person vehicle to take advantage of the LA river, with a shape similar to an Ocean Sunfish. The Sustainable Efficient Exploratory Device (SEED) imitates the shape of a seed pod, and uses propulsion methods inspired by a shark, dragonfly and a water bug. Mazda's Auto Adapt might be the most car-like concept of the bunch, while the Subaru Suba-Roo and the Calty-designed, Toyota e-grus are the most mind-blowingly awesome.