2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata: Video Road Test and Review

The Mazda Miata is a two door two passenger roadster, inspired by Colin Chapman’s original Lotus Elan, a classic rear wheel drive lightweight English sports car with the engine up and a manual gearbox in the middle.  Modern MX-5s are powered by a spirited 2.0 Liter four cylinder engine that produces 167 HP (158 HP Automatic) and 140 lb-ft of torque while returning an estimated 22 MPG in the city and as much as 28 MPG on the highway.  Miatas come equipped with serious track ready equipment that is normally found on much more expensive sports cars, like a lightweight aluminum hood and trunk, double wishbone front suspension, dual exhaust with chrome tips out back and is even available with a power retractable hard top.  Mazda offers the world’s best selling roadster in three trim levels: Sport, Touring and Grand Touring.

The entry level Mazda Miata Sport starts at $23,470 and comes equipped with a five speed manual gearbox complete with short throw shifter and available limited slip differential, however a six speed automatic with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters is an option.  The sporty MX-5 rides around on a set of 16 inch rims and comes from the factory with a vinyl convertible top, cloth seating and a leather wrapped steering wheel; while a six speaker AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 stereo with auxiliary input jacks for mobile media devices handles audio entertainment duties.           

The Miata Touring starts at $25,830 (PRHT  $27,540) and is upgraded with a close ratio six speed manual complete with short throw shifter, front strut tower brace, 17 inch wheels, HID headlamps and a chrome grill surround all standard.  On the inside, the MX-5 Touring gets one touch power windows and locks, remote keyless entry, a leather wrapped shift knob, silver seatback bar accents and a six disc in dash CD changer to make things a little more civil.

The top of the line Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring gets a cloth top, heated leather seats, a leather parking brake boot, silver interior accents and a premium Bose seven speaker stereo as well as the optional Bluetooth hands free wireless connectivity and anti theft alarm; starting at $27,100 (PRHT $28,950).

A list of cars similar to the Miata include the 2012 Volkswagen EOS, 2012 Mercedes Benz SLK and 2012 BMW Z4.

See more details about the 2012 Mazda Miata.