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| The 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring. |
A little over a year ago,
we had our first week in the new-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata. I was torn. While the new MX-5 Miata was better than the previous one in every possible performance metric, I found it less comfortable to deal with in day-to-day driving. There were a couple of possible factors. One was me...if I were 20 years younger or 20 pounds lighter, would I love it more? And the other was the trim level. We were in the Club the first time around...the model most suited for the track.
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| 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring. |
Well, 14 months have passed, I am that much older but 18 pounds lighter and the fine folks at Mazda have sent the 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring.
And all is once again right with the world. The loss of 18 pounds has removed the issue I had with the space intrusion of the new, wider console. And the Grand Touring, while not as creamy-smooth as
the MX-5 Miata-based Fiat 124 Spider Lusso we reviewed last month, strikes a perfect balance of refinement and reflexive handling. The Grand Touring is the sweet spot.
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| 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata interior. |
Say yes to the Grand Touring and its base price of $30,065 and you get front and rear stabilizer bars, LED daytime running lights, automatic headlights, auto-dimming driver-side mirror, auto-dimming interior rearview mirror with Homelink, 17-inch dark silver wheels, body-color front and rear bumpers and door handles, body color heated side mirrors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, dual silver exhaust outlets, automatic air conditioning, keyless entry, a nine-speaker Bose audio system, Bluetooth phone and audio, cruise control, steering-wheel mounted audio and speed controls, a leather steering wheel, shift knob and parking brake, an engine immobilizer anti-theft system, tire pressure monitoring, heated leather-trimmed seats, a cloth-lined convertible top, the new Mazda Connect infotainment system with color touchscreen display, navigation, two USB inputs, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive front lighting, high beam control, lane departure warning and an anti-theft alarm.
Again...that's all standard. And our tester had but one option...the Interior Package, which adds $425 for a red engine oil cap with the MX-5 logo, stainless steel door trim plates and alloy pedals and footrest.
Bottom line with $835 destination charge: $31,325. EPA fuel economy estimate 27 city/34 highway.
A bargain. A steal, in fact.
Let's be clear: There is no bad MX-5 Miata. The Club is a great choice for a weekend toy. But if you're planning on using your MX-5 Miata as a daily driver, the Grand Touring is the one to have.
