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2021 Mazda MX5 Miata Convertible

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Tony Maples Photography

 

Mazda should charge a special “Cuteness Tax” on their adorable MX5 Miata Grand Touring edition convertible. This little coupe is just way cuter than the law allows. My test Mazda came in a shade called Deep Crystal Blue Mica with black interior and was lovely to look at with or without the top down. But for taller people like my husband, it’s easier to climb inside if you leave the top down.

The 2021 Mazda MX5 operates on a SkyActiv-G 2.0 liter DOHC four-cylinder engine with SkyActiv-MT six-speed manual transmission. I heard that fewer and fewer people (especially younger people) like driving with a manual transmission, but I’ve always loved it. If you enjoy driving a manual, you’ll love the feeling of control this sweet little car offers.

Taking Down the Top

2021 Mazda MX5 Miata Convertible

Photo: By Durhl Caussey

The Mazda Miata rolls on 17” alloy wheels with high-performance tires and features sport suspension with front and rear disc brakes. It also features LED headlights with auto on and off, LED combination taillights, and LED daytime running lights.

The Miata’s cloth convertible top is a snap to lower and to replace. The manual Z-shape folding black cloth top with liner folds neatly into its space behind the piano black-trimmed seat back. Just release the latch and fold back. It’s just as easy to put the top back up, but it was a little puzzling the first time I tried it. Ted Giles, the savvy DriveShop fleet guy, patiently talked me through the process over the phone.

Since the Miata is a subcompact coupe, there’s only room for you and a passenger. But your passenger will be impressed, since the Miata is just as classy inside the cabin. It features heated leather sport seats, leather-wrapped tilt/telescope steering wheel with audio and Bluetooth cruise controls. The shift knob and parking brake handle are also wrapped in leather. Bose® AM/FM 9-speaker audio system with AudioPilot® and HD radio with Sirius XM is also featured.

More Mazda Features

2021 Mazda MX5 Miata Convertible

Photo: Mazda

Mazda navigation system, a 7” color touch screen display, multifunction commander control, and rearview camera are also helpful driver assistance tools. Dynamic stability control, traction control, side impact door beams, and traffic sign recognition are all featured.

Safety and security features include 24-hour roadside assistance, Smart City brake support, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and lane departure warning system. Front and rear stabilizer bars are included on the convertible. Double pinion electronic power assist steering and rain-sensing windshield wipers are also featured.

Fuel economy for the test vehicle was estimated at 26 mpg in town and 34 mpg on the highway, for an average of 29 mpg. The MSRP for the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 6MT that I drove was $31,770. (There was no Cuteness tax levied).