Review and Test Drive: 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring RF – The Green Car Driver –

There are a few warts, most noticeably the shall we say unusual placement of the cup holder, which only makes sense if one is traveling solo because it encroaches on the somewhat limited space the passenger has. Fortunately, it is easily removed by simply pulling it up and out. However, there appears to be no provision for stowing it within the cabin due to the absence of a glove box and the fact that the center armrest compartment is too small. Mazda also needs to up its game on its infotainment system, which lags behind even lesser priced vehicles.

Finally, while the MX-5 Miata RF is comfortable for driver and passenger (there is no rear seat, pretend or otherwise), don’t count on bringing much along for the drive. Cabin space is very limited and the trunk can handle perhaps four or five grocery bags but no more than a 20” roll aboard so plan accordingly. One staffer commented that perhaps Mazda should include a shoehorn as standard equipment.

BOTTOM LINE

The 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring RF is the Miata you don’t have to keep in the garage for winter. It’s also a bargain given that any putative competitors such as the BMW Z4, the Mercedes-Benz SLC Roadster, or the Porsche Boxster cost at least $15,000 more.

THE DETAILS

	2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring RF
Base price/price-as-tested	$32,620/$34,310
Drivetrain	Front engine, rear-wheel drive
Engine	2.0-liter inline four
Horsepower/Torque	155 / 148
Transmission	6-speed manual
Curb weight (lbs)	2,445
Wheelbase (inches)	90.9
Length x width x height (inches)	154.1 x 68.3 x 49.0
0-60 mph (seconds) (est.)	6.1
Fuel economy (mpg) (city/hwy)	26/33

(Photos: Accura Media Group)

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