The Mazda MX-5 Miata. The name itself evokes images of winding roads, sunshine, and the sheer delight of driving. Often lauded as a supercar in disguise, the 2020 Mazda Mx-5 Miata doesn’t need a monstrous engine or an exorbitant price tag to deliver an extraordinary driving experience. This roadster champions driving purity, offering a connection between driver and machine that is increasingly rare in today’s automotive landscape. Forget about excessive horsepower figures or lap times; the Miata is about the simple, unadulterated joy of the open road. It’s a testament to the idea that driving can be, and should be, fun.
Compared to opulent and often overly complex sports cars, the 2020 MX-5 Miata offers a refreshingly direct and engaging experience. While luxury brands like Maserati and high-performance marques such as Lamborghini offer impressive machines, they often lack the essential driving purity that the Miata embodies. Even against technologically advanced sports cars, the Miata holds its own by focusing on the fundamentals of driving enjoyment. If driving dynamics are paramount, and value is a consideration, the 2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata stands in a class of its own.
The magic of the Miata lies in its intuitive and natural driving feel. It becomes an extension of the driver, responding to inputs with an almost telepathic connection. The interplay between the clutch, accelerator, and shifter creates an unparalleled sense of involvement. The clutch pedal in the Club trim strikes a perfect balance, offering clear feedback without being overly heavy or light. The short-throw, precise shifter for the six-speed manual transmission is a tactile delight, making gear changes a joyous part of the driving experience. The engine’s immediate response to even subtle accelerator inputs further enhances this connectedness, making rev-matching and smooth downshifts remarkably easy.
The Mazda MX-5 Miata: A Symphony of Driving Joy
Powering the US-spec 2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata is a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine, delivering power in a wonderfully linear fashion. Eschewing turbocharging or supercharging, this engine provides a smooth, predictable power delivery that builds eagerly all the way to its 7,500-rpm redline. While the 181 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque might seem modest in a world of ever-increasing power figures, they are perfectly matched to the Miata’s lightweight nature. Weighing in at around 2,341 pounds in Club trim, the Miata feels genuinely quick and responsive. The engine’s eagerness is further amplified by the short gearing, ensuring that power is always readily available and keeping the driving experience engaging and grin-inducing.
One of the standout characteristics of this engine is its rapid deceleration. Lift off the throttle and depress the clutch, and the revs drop instantly, a responsiveness rarely found in modern cars with electronic throttle control systems. This characteristic contributes significantly to the Miata’s overall drivability and adds to the feeling of direct connection.
While a six-speed automatic transmission is available, the manual gearbox is the true soulmate of the MX-5 Miata. Even for drivers less experienced with manual transmissions, the Miata’s forgiving clutch and precise shifter make it remarkably easy to master. Choosing the manual enhances the car’s character and maximizes the engagement it offers.
Fuel economy is another pleasant surprise. With the manual transmission, the 2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata achieves an EPA-rated 26 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. Combined, it’s rated at 29 mpg, but real-world driving, even with spirited use of the engine, can often exceed this figure.
The Miata’s sensation of speed is often greater than its actual velocity. The engine’s lively character, combined with some wind noise with the top up, and a firm ride contribute to this feeling. While not the quietest or smoothest cruiser, this heightened sense of speed is part of the Miata’s charm, making everyday drives feel more exciting.
When it comes to handling and braking, the 2020 MX-5 Miata Club trim elevates the experience further. Optional Brembo front brakes, with their eye-catching red calipers, provide confident and powerful stopping performance. The Club trim also includes performance-enhancing features such as a front strut tower brace, a limited-slip differential, and Bilstein dampers. While the standard Miata offers a comfortable ride, the Club trim leans towards a firmer, more спорт-focused setup. The sport-tuned suspension with Bilstein dampers, while enhancing handling prowess, does result in a ride that can be considered firm, even bordering on harsh on less-than-perfect road surfaces.
However, the Miata’s steering is nothing short of exceptional. It’s crisp, direct, and provides near-telepathic levels of feedback. The 50:50 weight distribution contributes to the car’s agile and balanced feel, making it rotate effortlessly in corners. The thin-rimmed steering wheel initially feels small but quickly becomes natural and perfectly suited to the car’s lightweight and nimble character.
The standard soft-top roof is a marvel of simplicity. It can be easily lowered or raised with a single hand from the driver’s seat. For those seeking more refinement and sound isolation, the MX-5 Miata RF (Retractable Fastback) offers a power-folding hardtop.
Inside, the Miata’s cabin is well-designed and functional, though compact. Storage space is limited, with a small trunk and limited cubby space within the cabin. Taller drivers may find the interior snug, particularly on longer journeys. The Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 7-inch display is standard across the range. While functional, it’s not the most intuitive system on the market, and the rotary control dial placement can be slightly awkward. However, the inclusion of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is a welcome feature, enhancing connectivity.
In conclusion, the 2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata remains a benchmark for driving enjoyment and accessible sports car thrills. It prioritizes driving purity and engagement over outright power or luxury, delivering a unique and rewarding experience that few cars can match. While it may have some minor compromises in terms of ride comfort and interior space, the Miata’s driving dynamics, responsive engine, and sheer fun factor make it a truly special and iconic roadster. For those seeking the essence of driving pleasure, the 2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata is an exceptional choice.
