For years now, I have been able to test drive the latest vehicles and there is just something about driving a manual transmission that makes you just feel so connected to the driving experience. It is no different in the 2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata where I can get some manual fun in the sun just by putting the top down and shifting gears.
The MX-5 has been a family favorite and by being only a two-seater, being able to ride in it is more of a special occasion since we can’t pile all four of us in it at once. My daughter is usually the one who asks to ride the most. She loves when we can take a mommy/daughter day and just let the wind blow in our hair. Even she notices some of the touches and design features that have changed throughout the last couple of years. “Look mommy, this inside part is the same color as the outside of the car.” Mazda has been great at changing little design features here and there to make the MX-5 sporty and a little more sophisticated looking.
I didn’t notice a whole lot of other changes as far as drive and functionality than previous model years, but there is no doubt that driving the manual version of the MX-5 will bring you more joy and connection with the vehicle. You can weave in and out of traffic with ease as you shift speeding up and slowing down as needed.
This particular vehicle that I was driving, we actually had just had out on the track for The Texas Auto Writers Spring Roundup. To say it was a blast to take around the turns is an understatement. It really showed what this tiny vehicle was capable of in a different setting than the day to day driving that I used it for. There may have been some slight squealing of the tires from time to time as we all pushed the Mazda MX-5 around the track. I tested out the vehicle right after the roundup and it was a dream and plenty of manual fun in the sun.
While this isn’t a practical vehicle for everyday mom life and definitely not for soccer mom life, I would sure be happy to one day have one in my driveway for use when I could get out of the house without the kids. Feeling the sun beating down on me, while doing something I love so much of driving, plus really feeling like you are more in tune with your surroundings and the driving experience just sounds magical.
Pricing starts at about $25,000 for the Sport Edition and $30,000 for Grand Touring.
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