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2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata

The 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is a sports car that features stability and traction control as standard safety features on all models. This 2-seat roadster is available in 3 trim levels: the base Sport, mid-range Touring, and Grand Touring.

A Special Edition is also available, but only 450 are being produced. The MX-5 Miata which is relatively small, lightweight and affordable; comes equipped with many standard features.

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Convertible Base Price: $23,470.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 12.7 gallons (48 l) MPG: 22 city / 28 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 157.3 in. (399.5 cm) Wheel Base: 91.7 in. (232.9 cm)
Height: 49 in. (124.4 cm) Width: 67.7 in. (171.9 cm)
Curb Weight: 2447 lbs (1110 kg) Ground Clearance: 4.6 in. (11.6 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 5.3 cu ft Maximum Seating: 2 people
Performance
Engine: 2.0L VVT-DOHC 4 Cylinder Compression Ratio: 10.8: 1
Horsepower: 167 HP Max RPM: 7000 RPM
Torque: 140 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm Transmission: 5-Speed Manual
Available Trims & Engine
Option:Touring-Auto MSRP: $25,830; MPG: 21 city / 28 hwy
Option:Grand Touring-MT MSRP: $27,100; MPG: 21 city / 28 hwy
Option:Special Edition-Auto MSRP: $31,225; MPG: 21 city / 28 hwy

Engine & Performance

All MX-5 Miata models use a 2.0 liter 4-cylinder engine that makes 167 hp at 7,000 rpm on manual transmission, and 140 lbs-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm. Automatic models on the other hand, produce 158 hp at 6,700 rpm. The base Miata sport’s engine is mounted on a 5-speed manual gearbox, while the touring and the Grand Touring trims have a standard 6-speed manual gearbox.

An optional 6-speed automatic gearbox with steering wheel that mounts manual shift paddles is also available for all trim levels. A Miata using the 5-speed manual gearbox can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.9 seconds. The fuel economy estimates at 22/28 mpg city/highway.

Exterior

The car looks athletic, with a standard soft-top although you can opt for a retractable hardtop. Some of the standard exterior features include: smile-shaped grille, 16-inch wheels, and exhaust pipes which flush with rear bumper. Notable optional features include: 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, power door locks, and high-intensity discharge headlights. The MX5 Miata is available in five color coats including: true red, liquid silver metallic, copper red mica, stormy blue mica and brilliant black clear coat.

Interior

The Miata comes with a functional dash design and supportive seats, with the two seat configuration providing ample driver space than anticipated. The gauges are readable and the controls are well placed and easy to use. Notable standard features include: air conditioning, leather draped steering wheel, and cloth upholstery. Optional features are: heated seats, steering wheel that mounts audio and cruise controls, and leather seats. The Miata has a cargo room of 5.3 cubic feet.

Safety & Reliability

This sports car is fitted with several standard safety features that guarantee safety to the occupants in the event of a collision. Some of these safety features are: side airbags, electronic stability system with traction control, passenger airbag On/Off switch, driver and passenger airbags, 4-wheel ABS, emergency trunk release and antilock disc brakes.

The 2012 MX-5 Miata has admirable reliability. It starts with roadside assistance for the first 3 years or 36,000 miles. In addition, the Miata is backed with a 3-year or 36,000 mile limited warranty as well as 5-year or 60,000 mile engine warranty.

Pros

  • Superb steering handling
  • Fun to drive
  • Low operating costs
  • Low price
  • Good reliability history
  • Available retractable hardtop

Cons

  • Small trunk
  • Cramped interior
  • Disappointing stereo

In general, if you are looking for a lightweight, rear-wheel drive convertible, then the 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be the best option for you. This car offers a fun driving experience, and with the properly positioned pedals, steering wheel, shifter and other controls; then it’s no wonder that this sports car attracts the attention of many customers. In summary, it is simple to live with car which is very comfortable even for long journeys.

There are few convertibles that can be compared to the MX-5, first is the American favorite Ford Mustang (MSRP $27,310; 19 city / 29 hwy), then comes the Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder (MSRP $27,999; 20 city / 27 hwy), then the high-end BMW Z4 (MSRP $48,650; 22 city / 34 hwy) which gets the best mileage.

Overall Rating
75 out of 100

What others say:

“Given the MX-5 Miata’s exterior dimensions, you might expect the interior to be tiny, and you wouldn’t be wrong, but you wouldn’t be entirely correct, either. The MX-5 uses its interior volume with surprising efficiency, allowing even drivers over six feet in height to comfortable drive or ride in comfort.”Car Connection

“MX-5’s steering is quick and precise, though some testers find it unduly heavy at low-to-moderate speeds.”Consumer Guide

“Handling is super agile, with quick, precise steering, and the Miata is balanced at its limits.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“There is nothing about the 2012 Mazda Miata convertible that we don’t like.”KBB

“The 2012 Mazda Miata maintains its position as one of the all-time great roadsters, mixing refinement and excitement in an affordable, compact package.”Edmunds

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