Model:Mazda MX-5
Starting Price: $29,250
Overview: As one of the world’s most popular sports car models, the cheerful Mazda MX-5 blends handling, performance, agility and fuel economy in one of the most pure and concise sports car packages on the road. Best of all—all models are two-seat convertibles capped with either a cloth or hard-panel roof, further enhancing motoring pleasure. Look for automatic or manual transmissions and a 2-litre MZR-series engine with 167 horsepower if you opt for the manual. Since it weighs under 2,500 lbs, that output gets the MX-5 moving along nicely while turning in great fuel mileage.
Pros: Since it’s only available as a convertible, MX-5 is an easy car to shop for. This machine is tremendously fun to drive and turns in remarkable fuel mileage, too. The roof is engineered to store within its own compartment, so it doesn’t use up any trunk space.
Cons: If you’re not a fan of convertibles, or you think 167 horsepower isn’t quite enough, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
Noteworthy: Kit the MX-5 up for long-haul comfort with heated leather, automatic climate control and an available Bose audio system upgrade. Higher-grade models get Bilstein shocks and a Limited-Slip Differential.
With things like a Limited Slip Differential, Stability Control, perfect 50/50 weight balance and a highly communicative chassis and steering system, MX-5 is surprisingly confident to drive in winter, too.
Starting Price: $29,250
Overview: As one of the world’s most popular sports car models, the cheerful Mazda MX-5 blends handling, performance, agility and fuel economy in one of the most pure and concise sports car packages on the road. Best of all—all models are two-seat convertibles capped with either a cloth or hard-panel roof, further enhancing motoring pleasure. Look for automatic or manual transmissions and a 2-litre MZR-series engine with 167 horsepower if you opt for the manual. Since it weighs under 2,500 lbs, that output gets the MX-5 moving along nicely while turning in great fuel mileage.
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| Photo: Mazda |
Pros: Since it’s only available as a convertible, MX-5 is an easy car to shop for. This machine is tremendously fun to drive and turns in remarkable fuel mileage, too. The roof is engineered to store within its own compartment, so it doesn’t use up any trunk space.
Cons: If you’re not a fan of convertibles, or you think 167 horsepower isn’t quite enough, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
Noteworthy: Kit the MX-5 up for long-haul comfort with heated leather, automatic climate control and an available Bose audio system upgrade. Higher-grade models get Bilstein shocks and a Limited-Slip Differential.
With things like a Limited Slip Differential, Stability Control, perfect 50/50 weight balance and a highly communicative chassis and steering system, MX-5 is surprisingly confident to drive in winter, too.