The MX-5 Miata: The Perfect Summer Roadster

Some cars just seem to have been designed for the pleasures of summer driving. Mazda’s classic roadster, the MX-5 Miata, is one of them. Since it first hit showrooms in the 1989, the Miata has consistently received rave reviews from car aficionados, and it has gone on to become one of the most popular small cars on the North American market. Built along smart, sporty lines, the MX-5 is the perfect car for lazy Sunday afternoon drives along the lakefront or trips up the twisting roads of cottage country.

The Miata was inspired by the classic British roadsters of the mid-twentieth century—cars like the Triumph Spitfire, the Austin-Healey 100, and the Lotus Elan. Most of these vehicles had fallen out of production by the time the Miata showed up, and its blend of European style with impeccable Japanese engineering proved to be a real hit. The Miata corrected what many experts saw was a tendency toward unreliability in the older British cars, and because it was marketed at a price point that was appealing to drivers who couldn’t necessarily afford a garage full of vehicles, it became a favourite second vehicle for people who needed a sports car they could depend on.

In an automotive market that often views sports cars purely in terms of horsepower, the Miata also offered a refreshing alternative. With its SKYACTIV-G 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine delivering 155 horsepower, the Miata may not be designed to win races; but what it lacks in raw power it more than makes up for in grace and lightness, and its reliability, cheapness, and efficiency make it one of the best all-around sports car options on the market.

For shoppers in the Greater Toronto Area interested in getting a Miata of their own this summer, Yorkdale Dufferin Mazda is the best place to start looking. Not only does Yorkdale Dufferin offer some of the best deals in Toronto on new Mazda cars, it offers a range of different financing options to help drivers of any budget afford the vehicle of their dreams. At Yorkdale Dufferin, shoppers can find both versions of the Miata — the classic MX-5 Convertible, and MX-5 RF coupe. While the convertible is the ideal car for those who want to get the most out of the summer driving experience and is the cheaper of the two options, for Canadians who want a car they’ll be able to comfortably drive into the autumn and winter, the coupe may be the more attractive option. Both versions of the Miata share the same fundamental design principles, and the same spirit of fun.

Given that the Miata has been delivering outstanding quality and excellent value for nearly three decades, it is no wonder car experts are so unanimous in their praise for this small but mighty roadster. If you want a nimble, joyful ride this summer, stop by your local Mazda dealership and book a test drive in the MX-5 Miata. Summer driving will never be the same again.