Topic: First Drive: 2016 Mazda MX-5

[Autos_Editor]

The roadster revived.
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[JohnnyMac]

I'm okay with Mazda making this smaller and downsizing the engine.  I don't even mind them not making any more power with the new engine than the one offered in the Mazda 3.  What I do mind is they made premium manditory AND didn't improve the power outputs.  Why the hell did they do that?  Sure there are savings of 20% but savingswould have been more if we could put regular gas in it.

Other than that I think it's a splended vehicle.  Don't mind the price increasing in the base model as the GS trim is the sweet spot and it's price dropped.  The styling is perfect to my eyes both inside and out. 

[quadzilla]

Good review with a lot of info.

Looks like the GS is the one to get for $35,300...

the GS trim gets 17-inch wheels with 205/45R17 tires, sport suspension with Bilstein shocks, an LSD, strut-tower brace, induction sound enhancer and leather steering wheel and shift knob. New for 2016, GS models also get a seven-inch touchscreen with Mazda’s fantastic puck-style HMI controller, navigation, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights and an additional USB port.

[OliverD]

Sounds like this car is awesome.

Impressive that nav is standard on the mid-trim model.

[Weels]

Jacob goes to California and drives the new MX5.  Bastard.   

Gimme Gimme Gimme.  Want.  Even with the ever increasing volume of traffic where I drive everyday, still want one.  With this in the garage, I'd get out of bed at 5am on a Sunday morning just to go for a rip.
I'll take a GS, I don't see anything in that $4,000 GT package I'd want.

[Brendan McAleer]

I drove the 1.5L JDM version.

It's an amazing car, just so great. I can't believe they actually made it smaller than the NA.

[mixmanmash]

I'm okay with Mazda making this smaller and downsizing the engine.  I don't even mind them not making any more power with the new engine than the one offered in the Mazda 3.  What I do mind is they made premium manditory AND didn't improve the power outputs.  Why the hell did they do that?  Sure there are savings of 20% but savingswould have been more if we could put regular gas in it.

Other than that I think it's a splended vehicle.  Don't mind the price increasing in the base model as the GS trim is the sweet spot and it's price dropped.  The styling is perfect to my eyes both inside and out.

You're looking at peak numbers.  Something tells me that if you see a dyno chart, there is more power/torque at low/mid rpms.

[JacobBlack]

You're looking at peak numbers.  Something tells me that if you see a dyno chart, there is more power/torque at low/mid rpms.

Ding ding ding! We have a winner!
They also said it meant they could tune it for a higher throttle tip-in because of higher knock resistance, and I was going to write about it but couldn't quite understand what they meant so decided not to. #notanengineer

[aquadorhj]

for a car supposedly smaller than NA, i think 17 inch rims may be too big.

but i like GS and GT trims, both. 
wish the GS didn't come with larger wheels or Navs and come in cheaper than 35.

[JohnnyMac]

You're looking at peak numbers.  Something tells me that if you see a dyno chart, there is more power/torque at low/mid rpms.

Ding ding ding! We have a winner!
They also said it meant they could tune it for a higher throttle tip-in because of higher knock resistance, and I was going to write about it but couldn't quite understand what they meant so decided not to. #notanengineer

Well if that's the case good but I'd need to see the dyno's to see if the adding of premium is worth it.  Until dyno's comparing a regular Mazda 3 2.0L and a MX-5 2.0L come out I'll still say I wish they were able to either keep the regular fuel requirement or add more power/torque (which I know is only peak number and does not speak to how and where the power is delivered throughout the power band).

[mixmanmash]

You're looking at peak numbers.  Something tells me that if you see a dyno chart, there is more power/torque at low/mid rpms.

Ding ding ding! We have a winner!
They also said it meant they could tune it for a higher throttle tip-in because of higher knock resistance, and I was going to write about it but couldn't quite understand what they meant so decided not to. #notanengineer

That too.  They are probably advancing ignition timing more on throttle tip in, which would certainly give more response.

[redman]

Sounds like the ideal summer weekend car.

The more I drive GTA roads I wonder why the need for more power to weight ratio would be required than offered by the MX-5.

I'd get my kicks from the handling vs straight out drag racing with the MX-5.

[84im]

Jacob, you only briefly talked about the touch screen, which has been panned by a lot of people who have seen the car in person.  Is it an eyesore while driving, or does it, after a short time behind the wheel, just bend into the rest of the dash?

[Patrick_D1]

As a stereotypical forum dweller and employee of a competing OEM, I'll say simply this... I look forward to buying one used someday 

[johngenx]

I am SO glad that a maker has finally decided to make a car that's light.  We pour technology into our cars and the result is always heavier - there seems to never be any desire to apply new techniques to "adding lightness."  We saw some serious efforts at Chev to keep the C7 weight down - and success, but Mazda really brings it with a "normal" (re: affordable) car.

For me, I can't ever see selling my NA.  Not because it's such an amazing car, but because in 1989 when it was revealed, I fell in love with it.  I can see adding an ND to the "fleet" some time - it combines everything I love about the NA - size, weight, etc, with modern automobile technology.  Damn.

[Noto]

I'm okay with Mazda making this smaller and downsizing the engine.  I don't even mind them not making any more power with the new engine than the one offered in the Mazda 3.  What I do mind is they made premium manditory AND didn't improve the power outputs.  Why the hell did they do that?  Sure there are savings of 20% but savingswould have been more if we could put regular gas in it.

You're looking at peak numbers.  Something tells me that if you see a dyno chart, there is more power/torque at low/mid rpms.

Ding ding ding! We have a winner!
They also said it meant they could tune it for a higher throttle tip-in because of higher knock resistance, and I was going to write about it but couldn't quite understand what they meant so decided not to. #notanengineer

While I agree, I'm still not sure it was a worthwhile trade-off.  I've yet to drive any Miata, so I reserve judgment until I can do so.  I suspect, like Jacob, that the engineers know more than we do.

Looks like the GS is the one to get for $35,300...

, but then at this price point, the Z4 is kinda not far enough off, and then you get a hardtop convertible, moar powah, and a bigger trunk.  Yes, I know, it's not the same thing as a minimalist Miata, but I'm not a purist.  And $15k isn't pocket change, either.  And FGC.

Yeah, eff it, it's priced well. 

And Jacob, what the hell...every bloody time?!?!?!

[JacobBlack]

Jacob, you only briefly talked about the touch screen, which has been panned by a lot of people who have seen the car in person.  Is it an eyesore while driving, or does it, after a short time behind the wheel, just bend into the rest of the dash?

People who pan it didn't drive with it  only sat and looked at it. This is not under question anymore, this style and location is ergonomically perfect. Aesthetically some don't like it, but it allows a smaller dash, so better visibility forward and yet is close enough to your regular eye line to be easier to use.

I've commented on this a lot in other threads. I love this set up  but there will always be people who don't like what they call the "stuck on Ipad" look.

[OliverD]

I am SO glad that a maker has finally decided to make a car that's light.  We pour technology into our cars and the result is always heavier - there seems to never be any desire to apply new techniques to "adding lightness."  We saw some serious efforts at Chev to keep the C7 weight down - and success, but Mazda really brings it with a "normal" (re: affordable) car.

The problem is that, aside from a few exceptions (think new F-150 and Range Rover), the lightness that is being added is being offset by other new tech. It seems like in the last few years many automakers have concentrated on making their vehicles lighter but in reality, they're just not gaining as much weight as they normally would have.

[SKYMTL]

SO much want for this. 

Poor provinces that have to install a front license plate though.  It'll make the new Miata look like a pissed-off rabbit. 

[johngenx]

I understand that the screen also minimizes dash material - shaving some grams.  They count!!