Model Tested: 2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club

Engine:2.0-liter I-4, 155 horsepower, 148 lb-ft torque
Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission, rear-wheel-drive
EPA Rating: 26-mpg city, 33-mpg highway, 29-mpg combined
Base Price: $29,155
As Tested: $35,240
Performance:
Quick and nimble
Excellent Brembo brakes, but an expensive option
Very smooth transmission and clutch
Great fuel economy—our best was 35.8-mpg highway
Much appreciated blind spot monitor

Built-in rollbars
Comfort:
OK room for driver; less for passenger
Great (optional) leather Recaro seats
Heated seats, three temps
Snug seat bolsters
Not much seat adjustment
Limited range tilt steering column
Right knee rides very close to center tunnel
Good headroom
Thick, mildly contoured leather steering wheel
Utility:
Manual canvas top; quick and easy to operate

Top fits well, but still lots of road noise
Deep trunk, high lift-over height
Room for a couple soft-side suitcases
Coats need to be stored in trunk
Console bin next to worthless; might hold a few sticks of gum
No glovebox in dash
Small, locking compartment between seats at shoulder height
No door bins
Minimal interior lighting
WOW Factors:
An ideal sunny day, country road car
A go-kart for adults
Excellent engine and transmission

Lots of smiles per mile
Handsome styling
Very useful blind spot monitor and lane departure warning
Whines:
Minimal interior storage
Highly annoying, clip-on beverage holders
Not fun cruising next to big rigs
Lots of freeway road noise
Too small sunvisors
Brembo brakes, BBS wheels and Recaro seats cost $4470
Dim interior lighting
Passenger has noticeably less room than driver
Bottom Line:
Despite a long list of whines, the 2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata is an incredibly fun car that always makes you smile. It falls terribly short in terms of practicality, but that never was the intent of a true sports roadster like the Miata.
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