Don’t call it a Miata—the diminutive Mazda roadster is now called the MX-5, and the name change comes with a bunch of improvements, not least of which is the disappearing hardtop. Also improved is the engine’s output, with 158 horsepower from the larger 2-liter motor. In the MX-5’s featherweight 2,500 lbs. chassis, that gives the MX-5 some eyebrow-raising performance. Additionally, all the agility Mazda enthusiasts everywhere have come to expect from the roadster is still there, with the added benefit of it being faster in the straights. Also unchanged is the spirit of the MX-5, truly the heir to the fun-to-drive sportscars of old (but without the oil stains in the driveway). If it’s not fun enough right out of the box, you’ll be happy to know that the chassis will easily handle more power with a few modifications in the Upgrade Shop.
