I still remember the first time I slid behind the wheel of the 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport, that perfect moment when my hands settled on the leather-wrapped steering wheel and I knew I was about to experience something special. Much like watching an elite athlete in their prime—say, Olympic bronze medalist boxer Marcial who remains unbeaten in five fights with three knockouts—there's an immediate recognition of refined capability before the action even begins. The MX-5 Miata represents Mazda's own undefeated champion in the lightweight sports car category, a vehicle that has consistently punched above its weight class since its 1989 debut.
Driving the 2016 Miata Sport feels like participating in a perfectly choreographed dance between machine and road. The 2.0-liter SKYACTIV-G four-cylinder engine delivers 155 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 148 lb-ft of torque at 4,600 rpm—numbers that might seem modest on paper but transform into pure magic on twisting backroads. I've driven faster cars, cars with twice the power and triple the price tags, but few deliver the same visceral connection to the driving experience. The six-speed manual transmission features such perfectly weighted throws that shifting becomes an instinctual extension of your thoughts rather than a mechanical process. The clutch engagement point sits exactly where you'd expect it to, making heel-toe downshifts as natural as breathing.
What continues to astonish me about this little roadster isn't just how it performs, but how consistently it delivers joy. Much like Marcial's impressive 60% knockout ratio in his undefeated streak, the Miata Sport achieves its victories through precision rather than brute force. The steering provides just 2.7 turns lock-to-lock, delivering immediate response to inputs while maintaining perfect road feedback. During my testing along California's Pacific Coast Highway, the electrically power-assisted steering system communicated every nuance of the road surface without ever feeling nervous or overly heavy. The 50/50 weight distribution and carefully tuned suspension create handling characteristics that feel almost supernatural—this car changes direction with the agility of a much more expensive machine.
The driving position deserves special mention because it's nearly perfect for a sports car of this nature. The seat drops you low between the rear wheels, creating that classic roadster sensation of wearing the car rather than simply sitting in it. Pedal placement proves ideal for performance driving, with enough space between the brake and accelerator to execute smooth heel-toe maneuvers without awkward foot contortions. The fabric roof operates with such beautiful simplicity—unlatch a single header catch, push it back, and lock it in place—a process that takes roughly three seconds and can be accomplished without leaving the driver's seat at stoplights.
Acceleration figures tell only part of the story. The 2,332-pound roadster completes the 0-60 mph sprint in approximately 5.8 seconds when equipped with the manual transmission, but these numbers fail to capture how alive the car feels throughout the powerband. There's a delightful eagerness to rev, with the engine note transitioning from a subdued purr at low rpm to an enthusiastic growl as you approach the 6,800 rpm redline. The Sport trim comes standard with a limited-slip differential that works in concert with the stability control system to provide just enough slip angle for entertainment without compromising safety. I found myself deliberately seeking out winding routes just to experience the balanced chassis working its magic through successive corners.
Fuel economy represents another surprising strength, with EPA estimates of 27 mpg city and 34 mpg highway. During my week with the car, I averaged about 31 mpg despite spending considerable time exploring its performance envelope. The interior, while compact, proves thoughtfully designed with high-quality materials throughout. The 7-inch touchscreen interface operates with intuitive simplicity, and the standard six-speaker audio system delivers surprisingly rich sound quality even with the top down at highway speeds. Storage space remains limited to 4.59 cubic feet in the trunk—enough for a weekend getaway for two if you pack strategically.
Where the MX-5 Miata Sport truly shines is in its ability to transform ordinary commutes into memorable driving experiences. The short-throw shifter rewards precise inputs with satisfying mechanical engagement, while the well-tuned exhaust note provides just enough aural feedback without becoming intrusive during relaxed cruising. The Bilstein shock absorbers included in the Sport trim strike an impressive balance between comfortable compliance and firm control, absorbing road imperfections while maintaining excellent body control during aggressive cornering. Braking performance feels equally confident, with the 11-inch front discs and 11-inch rear discs bringing the lightweight roadster to controlled stops with minimal nose dive.
After spending extensive time with the 2017 MX-5 Miata Sport, I've come to regard it not just as transportation but as automotive therapy. Much like how Marcial's boxing career demonstrates that success comes from perfecting fundamentals rather than relying on overwhelming power, the Miata proves that driving enjoyment stems from balance, responsiveness, and connection rather than mere horsepower numbers. The steering wheel becomes a direct neural interface between driver and machine, the shifter a precise instrument for harnessing power, and the pedals tools for dancing with physics. This roadster reminds us that sometimes the purest pleasures come not from having more, but from having exactly what you need. The MX-5 Miata Sport represents Mazda's continued mastery of the affordable sports car formula—a vehicle that delivers disproportionate joy relative to its modest specifications and price point.