5 Things To Love About The 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Amy Barseghian
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Road tripping with just two.
Taking a road trip as a couple is something my husband and I have not done in years, yet it is something that we truly love doing as a couple. The best conversations happen in cars and we have learned to appreciate that more than ever since having children. This past weekend we drove the new 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata from Southern California to Las Vegas for a weekend getaway to the iHeart Radio Music Festival. It was the perfect drive to catch up on life and take the Miata for a true test drive as we took mini scenic drives along the way.
From the moment the 2016 Mazda Mx-5 Miata pulled up, we knew we were in for an unbelievable drive experience!
The Mazda MX-5 on Route 66. Credit: Amy Barseghian for AGirlsGuidetoCars
Sleek and Sexy
The lines and curves on the new 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata are sexy and pull the eye in from every angle.This is beautifully enhanced with Mazda’s soul red paint, made just for Mazda. The process by which the soul red paint is applied is a meticulous one that results in a seamless look that is universal regardless of which angle you see the vehicle from.
The MX-5 combines a thick muscular design with sleek edges that makes everyone take a second look and left us feeling like the rich and famous when we drove it.
Mazda MX-5 Miata handling corners on mountain drive. Credit: Amy Barseghian for AGirlsGuidetoCars
Be in control
Typically our drive from Orange County to Las Vegas is direct and fairly straightforward; this time we took the scenic route and discovered some really fun and interesting things to do along the way. During our drive through the mountains to Silverwood Lake, the 2016 Mazda MX-5 was able to handle the sharp turns and speed with complete ease; the true magic happens when a vehicle and driver can trust and appreciate each other as was the case on our drive. Feeling the cool mountain air on my face while the Miata hugged the corners allowed both of us to truly just enjoy the beauty of our surroundings and each other.
Turning to look at my husband and seeing him grip the wheel with a huge smile on his face – that was pure magic.
Torque and power
What is beautiful to look at should feel beautiful to drive and the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata delivers. The 2016 model is 148 pounds lighter than the previous model; changes to the seat design as well as the engine allowed this to happen.
The result?
The Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring. Credit: Amy Barseghian for AGirlsGuidetoCars
More power off the block and a more responsive drive, which everyone can appreciate. The Mazda MX-5 is a good example of smart design with intention; the changes that were made in the 2016 design were done with clear purpose that the driver can feel at points in her drive.
Increased Interior Space
Mazda listens to their owners and works to implement changes they suggest which is evident in the interior of the 2016 Mazda MX-5. You have to be smart when you make enhancements to the interior of a vehicle that is small to begin with, but by shifting the position of the seats just slightly, Mazda was able to create a bit more space. The seat actually reclines back a bit more than earlier models and sits a bit lower to allow for a bit more head room as well.
If you are over six feet, you may not find the interior roomy enough for your tastes, but you will find that with just about any two seater that is priced well to reach more people.
Interior of the 2016 Mazda MX-5. Credit: Amy Barseghian for AGirlsGuidetoCars
And that is just what the Mazda MX-5 does with a price point around $30,000; more people have access to a stunningly beautiful car that is equally as fun to drive.
Weekend Getaway
The Mazda MX-5 is perfect for a weekend getaway! If you don’t own a Miata, then think about renting one for a surprise getaway with that special someone. We took advantage of superior gas mileage, which on the Grand Touring convertible with automatic transmission is 27 mpg in the city and 36 on the highway, while enjoying the sporty feel and handling of a beautifully designed vehicle.
Our personal recommendation if you do take the Mazda MX-5 on a trip is to pack in small bags to utilize the trunk as best as possible. We were able to fit everything we needed for a four day trip to Vegas, which included a fair share of outfit changes for me and my typical excess shoe collection.
The 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata offers abundant styling and features for a sports car starting at $25,000. As a couple, it was the ideal car for us to take on a weekend getaway. Two seats, the sun on our faces and the feeling of control as the MX-5 hugged the corners as we drove were perfection.
What I Loved
- Great torque
- Sporty drive
- Sleek attractive styling
- Perfect for weekend road trip
- Tight corner handling
What You Need to Know
- 27 mpg in the city; 36 mpg on the highway
- Base model starts around $24,915
- Two seater
- Small trunk and limited storage
Note: The Mazda Miata was loaned for review purposes; opinions and thoughts are our own.
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