Experienced by Adrian McQueen
Photos by Adrenaline Lifestyles
Summer is now upon us with the temperature’s steadily rising and the 2017 MX-5 Miata is rolling in just as hot. The MX-5 Miata is Mazda’s flagship sports car and the only current convertible standing out in the line-up. Mazda does now offer a power-folding “RF – Retractable Fastback” hardtop model, but the model tested was a soft-top convertible. What a great feeling it was to drop the top and just cruise the town in this speedy little roadster. The thought and care put into this vehicle continues to show how the engineers in Hiroshima dare to be different. The continued goal of building a lightweight sports car that is fun to drive, jumps out at you upon first look at the 2017 MX-5 Miata Grand Touring
Let’s touch on the power and speed a bit that is in the 2017 MX-5 Miata. Mazda packed the MX-5 with an 155-horsepower, 2.0-liter I-4 engine that is producing 148 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheel. The power to weight ratio has improved since the car has dropped some pounds, approximately 150 pounds from its predecessor, with a curb weight of 2,332 lbs. when equipped with SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission. The gas mileage on the MX-5 Miata has to be ranked extremely high in its class being that the six-speed manual transmission performs at an EPA-estimated 26/33 mpg city/highway. Sitting on 17-inch alloy wheels and high performance tires, the MX-5 was quick and nimble as I ventured thru the city streets and windy roads of the DMV area.
When speed is mentioned, you must be concerned about safety. Well the 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring has got you covered. Mazda’s i-ACTIVSENSE active safety technology is standard on the top-level Grand Touring model that we tested, but it is not available on lower trims. The safety technology included in the 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring is the blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, traction control system, rain-sensing windshield wipers, anti-lock brake system, tire pressure monitoring system and the dynamic stability control system. Along with the safety technology in the vehicle there is also advanced dual front air bags, front side-impact air bags and side-impact door beams to keep you safe.
I’m around 5’8 and experienced a comfortable fit inside the cabin. There’s a decent amount of footwell space and legroom for taller drivers. This is a rather small cabin but Mazda designed it to the point that everything fits comfortably. The cup holders, front and rear storage space and more were all conveniently setup in the vehicle. The MX-5 has a 4.6-cubic-foot trunk that is relatively small but I was able to get a case of water in it, along with a few bags of groceries when I made my run to the store. While in the cockpit, I felt as if the driving position was fine and not cramped. The position of the pedals, steering wheel and the gear shift are in sync with each other.
The Mazda MX-5 is sleek and sporty in design with features such as the adaptive front-lighting system with LED headlights and taillights, high beam control, glass rear window with defogger, dual exhaust w/bright outlets, aluminum hood and trunk lid, auto-dimming driver side mirror, heated side mirrors, daytime running lights, power side mirrors and a lined convertible top. This sporty roadster is surely a head turner.
The technology within the MX-5 was the highlight to me. The 4.6-inch color TFT gauge on the instrument panel replaced a few of the original gauges. The 9-speaker Bose audio system with headrest speakers astounded me. The sound was so crisp with deep hitting bass moved my body like only a Bose system could. The MX-5 also has the Mazda ConnectTM infotainment system with the 7-inch full-color in the center dash. I was able to use the touchscreen to access the Mazda Connect infotainment system and operate the HD Radio, my phone and numerous voice control options.
The 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring key competitors are the Subaru BRZ, Fiat 124 Spider, and the Toyota 86/Scion FR-S. The Mazda MX-5 Miata measures up fine against its’ competitors finished first on the strength of its more engaging driving experience. The Ceramic Metallic Mazda MX-5 with Black Ceramic interior, model tested was priced competitively as well, coming in at $31,455 after all the options, delivery and fees. The Mazda MX-5 definitely stirred up some adrenaline fueled emotions inside of me and left my heart racing and opened it up on the roads. Enjoy the photo gallery.
