Now I know what you may be thinking.. Errands and a Mazda MX-5 Miata do not really go hand in hand. But you would be shocked to see how much this baby can hold.
Back at the end of January at the Houston Auto Show, Mazda was there doing a ride and drive event as well as some of the other manufacturers. They invited me out to test drive some of their models. I haven’t really been in a Mazda before so I wasn’t sure what to expect, but was pleasantly surprised at the ride and features that they all offer. The Miata was of course my fave. So little and zippy, so I was more than happy when they asked if I wanted it for a whole week to really get the feel of the car.
First thoughts from most of my friends was they didn’t know that Mazda still made the MX-5 Miata. Second thoughts were that they loved the new look. I sure dug it. Sleek, sporty, with a touch of muscle, with the classic Miata lines showing through. The Meteor Gray paint helped show the attention to details that were put in to this tiny car. The Spiced Mocha interior gives the car a sophisticated upgrade. I was really impressed. Pair that with a Power Retractable Hard Top (PRHT) and man this was going to be a fun week.
Someone should have told the weather though to cooperate more. Too much rain and cold weather! But that didn’t stop me from taking the car out and getting a feel of what it could do. This car has zip. I was driving a manual so it took a little bit to feel out the pedals and gears. I hadn’t been in a 6 speed before so that was a bit of a learning curve to know when I should shift. Oh also, I love this feature because I am sure that on more than one occasion I would accidentally put the car in reverse, but in order to put the car in reverse you actually push down on the stick to get it in to gear. Unfortunately I only figured out how to actually do this when I was stuck in a parking lot trying to get out of a space and couldn’t get it into reverse. I had to pull out the manual for it to show me how.. Haha It made me appreciate it more that it was saving me from making a mistake while driving. With it being such a small car, when I pushed the petals to go or speed up in front of the big vehicles that plague Houston, the MX-5 Miata responded and would zip away. It hugged the road and performed well even with wet roads.
The car is comfortable for occasional driving, but did feel a little cramped at times especially when we had the top closed. I am only 5’6″ so it worked for me, but would be a bit tough to drive for someone taller and wider. I may have been able to tolerate driving for longer distance maybe if it wasn’t a manual, but it was fun to get back in to the mode where you have to focus on shifting. It gives you the opportunity to really feel the car and what it can do.
One of the days my friend and I took the car out to run some errands. It also gave us some girl time since obviously it only seats two people. We were able to get a lot in the trunk. Diapers, other stuff from Sam’s Club, a few groceries, and more. We did get some funny looks when we pulled up to Sam’s with such a little car. The next day I had to go to the grocery store for our weekly run and I was able to fit it all without having to put any in the front passenger seat. That was impressive.
My daughter was in love with the Mazda MX-5 Miata. She would get so excited to go run errands with me or just go for a drive. She was sad to see it go. Hopefully Mazda still makes this car when she is old enough to drive because I think that would be her first choice.
The PRHT was s simple to use. Literally just a push of two buttons and it folded back in to the truck with ease. Man it sure would be fun to have this car for a girls trip weekend, top down, and sun streaming in!
If you couldn’t tell I had a blast in the MX-5 Miata. This 2015 Grand Touring PRHT model came in at $32,935
Here are some of the other highlights of the car:
- 167 horsepower
- 2.0L DOHC 16-Valve 14VVT Engine
- Estimated EPA 21/28 Fuel Economy
- 6-speed close-ratio with short-throw shifter
- 17″ Allow Wheels
- Xenon High-Intensity-Discharge (HID) low-beam headlights
- Dual Exhaust
- Bose Audio System with 7 speakers
- Heated Leather seats (This was awesome on those really cold days)
- Sirius Satellite Radio
- Bluetooth Handsfree Phone System
- 91.7″ Wheelbase
So what are your thoughts? Look like fun to drive?
Great post – was a truly awesome looking car – hate that there was no sunshine that week!
I want to drive that car so badly. I really need to work on my stick shift skills.
It really was fun. My daughter still asks if we are getting one.