Mazda MX-5 Miata Still No. 1 for Fun

The Mazda MX-5 Miata recently won one of its least-surprising—yet most-deserving—recognitions yet, as the New England Motor Press Association (NEMPA) named the dynamic drop-top the 2012 Favorite Fun Entry-level Convertible. It’s the second straight title for the Miata, inspiring NEMPA President Keith Griffin to comment that: "Mazda continues to stay true to its winning formula of fun-to-drive, affordable, lightweight, sports cars with its third-generation Miata. It was an easy choice.”

"It is an honor to receive this award for the MX-5 Miata," added Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO of Mazda’s North American Operations. "Whether you are commuting to work or taking a relaxing drive on the weekend, driving the Miata will put a smile on your face."

2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata: Overview

Clearly, however, Griffin and O’Sullivan aren’t the only ones with high praise for the Miata. Consider: It’s also the world’s best-selling two-seat roadster of all time, with more than 900,000 sold globally during the past 23 years. Further, even though it’s been on the market awhile, the current Miata continues to add to that total at an impressive rate, enjoying an 8.7 percent increase in deliveries through April—before convertible season kicked off in most parts of the country.

With summer quickly approaching, you can expect the Miata to ratchet up the sales pace even higher, thanks to features like:

• One of the easiest-to-use cloth tops ever devised
• An available power-retractable hard top that is the quickest to close in the industry and the only one that doesn’t impinge on trunk space
• Responsive power from a 167-hp 2.0-liter I4 that brings along 140 lb.-ft. of torque and delivers zesty acceleration in a car that can weigh less than 2,500 lbs.
• Incredible handling, with an available sport-tuned suspension that incorporates Bilstein shocks and a limited-slip differential
• Five- and six-speed manual transmissions, as well as a six-speed Sport automatic with paddle shifters
• An available Bose Centerpoint Surround Sound System

The 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is currently on sale with an MSRP that starts at $23,470 for the soft-top model and $27,540 with the power-retractable hard top.