2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata

For more than 20 years, the MX-5 Miata has offered sports car enthusiasts a pure, simple, fun-focused roadster.

The heart of the 2011 Mazda MX-5 remains a highly-responsive MZR-series 2.0-liter powerplant making 167-horsepower (158 for automatic transmission-equipped models).

Standard equipment is a close-ratio five-speed manual transmission, and a six-speed manual gearbox is available, with gear ratios close-stacked to enhance the joy of driving. A Sport A/T automatic transmission adds dimension to the MX-5's personality. Six ratios are provided to improve acceleration, driving refinement and freeway comfort.

The MX-5's fun and modern exterior design retains the iconic feel of the earlier generation MX-5 Miatas while simultaneously moving it into the future. The body is shaped to make the cockpit the widest portion of the car, delivering a roomier, safer design that still expresses the compact look of a lightweight sports car.

A Power Retractable Hard Top model remains available in two trim levels -- Touring or Grand Touring. Rather than consuming interior or trunk room, the folded roof descends into the same storage well behind the seats where the soft top would have stowed.

Opening and closing cycles last only 12 seconds, making this the fastest power-operated retractable hard tops.

The interior design theme balances comfortable snugness below shoulder level with openness above, to give the impression of riding in open air. The black center stack is as simple and functional as possible. The arched hood over the instrument cluster and four circular vents are part of the MX-5's cabin identity.