2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata

 

Vehicle Overview

The two-seat Mazda MX-5 Miata roadster has been around for more than 20 years. Much has changed over the decades, including the disappearance of the Miata name from the car's exterior in 2006 as part of a redesign. The Miata name has since returned, but what hasn't changed is the formula: small, lightweight and affordable.

New for 2012 

An electronic stability system is now standard, but there are no other significant changes.

Exterior

Exterior features include:

• Manual-folding soft-top
• Smile-shaped grille
• Exhaust pipes flush with rear bumper
• Standard 16-inch wheels
• Optional 17-inch wheels
• Optional power-retractable hardtop
• Optional high-intensity-discharge headlights

Interior

The MX-5 Miata is small, but the two-seat configuration provides more driver space than expected. Interior features include: 

• Standard air conditioning
• Standard leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Standard cloth upholstery
• Optional leather seats
• Optional heated seats
• Optional steering wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls

Under the Hood

A 2.0-liter four-cylinder powers the MX-5 Miata with 158 horsepower when teamed with the optional six-speed automatic transmission. When equipped with the five- or six-speed manual, it produces 167 hp. The difference comes from a higher redline with the manual: 7,200 rpm rather than 6,700 rpm with the automatic. Mechanical features include:

• Rear-wheel drive
• Intake runner tuned to provide a sporty sound
• Dual exhausts

Safety

The MX-5 Miata has the mandated front airbags, and the passenger's airbag can be deactivated. Safety features include:

• Standard side-impact airbags
• Standard antilock disc brakes
• Standard electronic stability system with traction control