The 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata, the ND generation, is often lauded for its exceptional driving dynamics. It sets a high benchmark, making one ponder whether future experiences with other rear-wheel drive cars will measure up to its finely tuned balance. The Miata’s chassis is indeed brilliant, contributing significantly to its overall sublime feel on the road.
However, while the steering rack is undeniably pointy, direct, and sharp, perfectly complementing the chassis, it leaves a bit to be desired in terms of ultimate tactile sensation. Drivers transitioning from cars with hydraulic-assisted steering racks, which typically offer rich feedback, might find the ND Miata’s electric power steering somewhat vague. For example, compared to a WRX STI with its communicative hydraulic system, the Miata’s steering provides less information to the driver’s hands. This lack of detailed feedback can occasionally leave the driver feeling slightly unprepared for sudden vehicle reactions, necessitating reliance on muscle memory rather than an innate sense of adaptation through the steering. While adequate for its intended purpose, the steering feel is an area where future iterations of the MX-5 could potentially see improvement.
One aspect of the 2016 MX-5 Miata that needs no alteration is its overall size. Its diminutive dimensions are a significant advantage, particularly in densely populated metropolitan areas choked with traffic. The car’s ability to nimbly navigate urban landscapes and slot into tight spaces where larger vehicles cannot is a constant source of delight. Imagine a scenario where typical cars are held up attempting a right turn on a red light; the MX-5 can often effortlessly squeeze through on the side, bypassing the congestion. The ultimate expression of this urban agility comes when discovering street parking spots, nestled between buildings, that are exclusively accessible to cars of the Miata’s size or smaller.
Parking in a structure, the MX-5 can sometimes appear almost invisible between larger vehicles, creating the amusing illusion of an empty parking spot where it is cleverly concealed by its compact form.
Nevertheless, these small dimensions also present certain drawbacks. Contemporary vehicles, particularly the increasingly popular sports-utility vehicles, are significantly larger than the MX-5. This size disparity puts the ND Miata at a considerable disadvantage in terms of visibility and safety. It’s not an exaggeration to state that the MX-5 can easily disappear into the blind spots of many larger vehicles. This necessitates constant vigilance and, on occasion, evasive maneuvers to avoid incidents when drivers, failing to perform proper head checks, change lanes without realizing the Miata’s presence.
The potential consequences of a collision with a typical modern car are sobering to contemplate. Thankfully, such a scenario has been avoided. The availability of blind spot monitoring systems in modern vehicles is not merely a convenience; it’s a potentially life-saving safety feature, particularly relevant for smaller cars like the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata navigating today’s roads.
