Reno Mazda

Features and Description

Changes

The MX-5 Miata is unchanged for 2011. Everything you already love about the Miata -- two seats, peppy handling, rear-wheel drive, an easy-to fold roof, a low price tag -- is still in place.

Value

This is one of the most fun cars on the road for under $30,000 -- and it gets 28 mpg on the highway. There are a lot of standard features packed into that little cockpit, including comfort features such as air conditioning and safety necessities such as front and side airbags. As the car is unchanged from 2010, the 2011 MX-5 will likely earn the EPA's SmartWay fuel-friendly certification, as it did last year.

Overview

The Miata's 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine can be mated to either a 5-speed manual or 6-speed manual for 167 hp, or a 6-speed sport automatic transmission for 158 hp. Don't be fooled by what seem like small numbers-the MX-5's diminutive size and weight means it's going to be plenty fast.

The MX-5 comes in Sport, Touring and Grand Touring trim. On the base Sport trim, the standard features include aluminum wheels, a CD/MP3 stereo that includes an auxiliary audio jack, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, air conditioning and a tire pressure monitoring system. The step up trim, the Touring model includes 17" wheels, aluminum suspension components and an in-dash CD changer. Grand Touring models get leather seat trim.

The optional Premium Package includes Bluetooth, electronically stability control, keyless entry and Sirius satellite radio. A high performance suspension package adds a sport-tuned suspension, Bilstein shocks and a limited-slip differential.

While all Miatas are convertible, on the Touring and Grand Touring models, a power-retractable hard top is available, ensuring year-round comfort.

In case the fun goes a bit awry, front and side-impact airbags are standard on all Miata models. Most other features depend on which Miata you get.