In the realm of sports cars, balance is often the holy grail, and the 2016 Miata, also known as the ND Miata, achieves this with an almost ethereal grace. Stepping into this rear-wheel-drive marvel sets a high bar, potentially spoiling future encounters with other vehicles in its class simply because the ND’s equilibrium is so profoundly realized.
However, perfection, even in balance, leaves room for nuanced critique. The steering in the 2016 Miata, while commendably pointy, direct, and sharp – perfectly complementing its brilliant chassis – doesn’t quite deliver the ultimate tactile feedback that driving purists crave. Reflecting on previous drives in cars like a WRX STI, the hydraulic-assisted steering rack communicated a wealth of information directly to the hands. Conversely, the electric power-steering in the ND Miata can feel somewhat vague, leaving a desire for richer sensory input. The car’s inherent balance is almost a saving grace here; without it, the limited feedback from the steering could leave drivers slightly unprepared for more sudden vehicle reactions, demanding reliance more on established muscle memory than intuitive adaptation in dynamic situations. While adequate for its intended sporty purpose, the steering feel stands out as an area ripe for refinement in subsequent iterations of the Miata.
Where the 2016 Miata truly shines, and needs no alteration, is in its overall size. The diminutive and nimble dimensions of the ND are an absolute joy, especially navigating the dense arteries of modern metropolitan cities choked with traffic. The Miata’s ability to effortlessly slot into tight spaces and exploit shortcuts inaccessible to larger vehicles consistently brings a smile to any driver’s face. Imagine a scenario where a conventional car, blocked by the vehicles ahead, is unable to make a right turn on a red light; the MX-5, with a subtle maneuver to the side, slips through without issue. The pinnacle of driving smugness is often reached when discovering street parking spots, nestled between buildings, that seem exclusively tailored for cars the size of a Miata and smaller. It’s easy to become that driver in a crowded parking structure whose parked car appears to have vanished, leaving behind what seems like an empty space to the bewildered eyes of other motorists.
Yet, these compact dimensions are not without their trade-offs. The automotive landscape is increasingly populated by larger vehicles, with sports utility vehicles dominating sales charts. In this evolving context, the ND Miata’s size becomes a potential vulnerability. It’s genuinely concerning how easily the Miata can disappear into the blind spots of many modern cars. Countless instances arise where evasive actions become necessary because another driver, failing to perform a proper head check, assumes a lane is clear (when it decidedly is not) and begins merging directly into the Miata’s path. The potential consequences of a collision with a typical modern car are sobering to contemplate. Thankfully, real-world experience has yet to deliver such a harsh lesson. In today’s traffic environment, the value of blind spot monitoring systems cannot be overstated – especially for drivers of smaller, more easily overlooked vehicles like the 2016 Miata.
