2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata

The 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata maintains its position as one of the all-time great roadsters, mixing refinement and excitement in an affordable, compact package. The 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata now features stability and traction control as standard on all models.

One of the 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata’s hallmarks is its steering, which excels at being communicative and responsive to input. Handling is a joy; the car’s sharp reflexes and composed demeanor in turns make sinuous canyon roads a very special treat. Add to the mix an engine that loves to rev and what you get is a recipe for visceral driving excitement.

Since direct rivals like the Pontiac Solstice have long been discontinued and more upscale roadsters like the BMW Z4 and Nissan 370Z have much larger price tags, the 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata stands in a league of its own. You might consider cross-shopping it against convertible variants of the Mini Cooper and Fiat 500, but neither of these models can match the Miata’s handling; however, the Cooper drop top offers extra utility via fold-flat rear seats. Another alternative could be the Ford Mustang V6 convertible, with its much larger trunk.

2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring Convertible

The 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is a two-seat roadster that is offered in three trim levels: base Sport, well-equipped Touring and premium Grand Touring. All come standard with a manually operated soft top, while the top two trims can be had with a power-retractable hardtop (PRHT).

In Sport trim, standard features include 16-inch cast-aluminum wheels, a vinyl convertible top with a glass rear window, air-conditioning, cloth seats, a six-speaker sound system with a CD/MP3 player and an auxiliary audio jack, a height-adjustable driver seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and power windows and mirrors.

The Touring model adds 17-inch alloy wheels, a shock tower brace for the front suspension, foglights, cruise control, power door locks, keyless entry, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a trip computer, a six-CD changer, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and a leather-wrapped shift knob.

Touring and Grand Touring models can enhance the Miata’s already nimble handling with the Suspension package, which includes a sport-tuned suspension with Bilstein shocks and a limited-slip differential (only available with a manual transmission). The Grand Touring qualifies for the Premium package that features keyless ignition/entry, xenon headlights, Bluetooth and satellite radio. An Appearance package adds a unique front spoiler and extended rocker sills.

2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring with Power Hard Top Convertible

The 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is powered by 2.0-liter inline-4 engine that produces 167 horsepower (158 with the automatic transmission) and 140 pound-feet of torque. Sport models come standard with a five-speed manual transmission, while Touring and Grand Touring models come with a six-speed manual transmission. All models have the option of a six-speed automatic with shift paddles on the steering wheel.

Antilock disc brakes and side airbags are standard, along with stability and traction control.

If you’re an average-sized driver, you’ll find that the 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata’s compact footprint leaves it with a cabin that envelops you in a close but comfortable embrace. Taller drivers have found that the seat runs out of rearward travel, though. The gauges are legible and controls are user-friendly and well-placed.

The Miata is legendary for its ability to squeeze maximum enjoyment from winding blacktop, and it owes much of this skill to the uncanny communicativeness of its steering and suspension. Some hard-core enthusiasts might find the car’s body roll to be excessive when driving hard, but just about everybody else will enjoy the car’s nimble handling. Overall, the 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is one of the best-handling cars you can buy for the money.