You can't miss the fresh new look on the front of the two-door 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. The ultimate sports car is back with a higher rev limit, a transmission that shifts more smoothly and a suspension system that has been adjusted for better response in addition to improving the overall ride quality of the MX-5 Miata. Mazda understands that a Miata owner loves top-down driving and the MX-5 is available with a soft-top or a power-retractable hard-top. Horsepower has only improved by 1 hp to 167 but is controlled efficiently by the driver via the five-speed manual, six-speed manual or six-speed paddle-shifted automatic transmission. Mazda MX-5 Miata options include a premium package which features an anti-theft alarm, Bluetooth, Dynamic Stability Control w/ TCS, Mazda's keyless entry system, SIRIUS satellite radio and Xenon headlights. Fuel economy for the 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata has been slightly improved; the 5MT gets 28 mpg hwy, the 6AT now gets 21 mpg city/28 mpg hwy which are all 1 mpg improvements over the previous model.
For 2009, the Mazda Miata gets a mild facelift. The front fascia has been largely revised, with a new, larger front grille opening and updated fog and driving lights. Otherwise the model carries over essentially unchanged.
Competitive comparison
Classic roadster driving experience and overall performance; easy manual top operation; fuel efficiency.
Special features for 2009
The Mazda Miata continues to have a loyal, cult-like following for its sports-car simplicity and reputation for reliability and longevity. When compared with other small two-seat roadsters for 2009, the Miata is not at all luxurious; rather, it stands out among two-seat roadsters for its back-to-basics packaging, with an easy-to-operate manual soft top and an emphasis on light weight and sharp handling and braking. It's also very economical to run, with fuel economy ratings of 21 city, 28 highway with the 6-speed manual.
