The 2020 Mazda MX-5 plays off the legendary Miata heritage, which mixes fun to drive roadster with a reasonable price tag. The 2020 Mazda MX-5 starts at $26,580 for the base Sport trim, which is really all you need to enjoy the MX-5 fully. Under the hood, the MX-5 gets a simple yet effective 2.0L, 4-cylinder, which creates 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. On paper, it doesn’t seem like enough, but when you take into account it weighs just 2,300 pounds, it’s more than adequate. Plus, it can dash from 0-60 in only 5.7 seconds, giving you that sportscar feel.
Everyday Affordability
Everyone loves a cool roadster, yet most are out of reach for many people. However, in 1989 when Mazda introduced the MX-5, they changed that. Their goal was to make an affordable fun to drive sports car, and they not only achieved that goal, but the MX-5 would go onto become one of the most loved cars by automotive enthusiasts of all time. It gives you the feeling of driving a Porsche Boxster without the $70,000 price tag. The MX-5 line is simple, offering three trim levels, Sport, Club, and Grand Touring. They range in price from $26,580 to $31,670 for the Grand Touring model. I’d go with the Club as it offers a sport-tuned suspension with Bilstein shocks and a 9-speaker Bose audio system among a few other upgrades. But even at $30,290, it’s in reach for many Americans.
Handling Abilities
As I mentioned before, the MX-5 has just one engine, and that’s a 2.0L, 4-cylinder, which creates 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque, which is enough power to have some fun with and get from 0-60 in 5.7 seconds. However, the real reason you buy a Miata is not for its 0-60 number; it’s for pure driving pleasure on curvy backroads. You can feel the suspension gracefully soak up the curves as you pilot the car down the road with its incredibly precise steering feel. It’s one of the few vehicles left today where you get enough feedback to feel the tires going over bumps and taking on sharp curves. It’s a feeling lost on many cars today as manufacturers prioritize driving ease over a sporty dynamic.
Pure Driving Pleasure
This is the car to buy if you’re on a budget and want to have fun. You literally can’t bet the freeing feel of the wind in the hair with the sun shining down on you as you drive along the road. While the trunk is small, it does have enough space for two duffel bags. So pack light and remember it’s the journey that makes the trip.
