2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata: Increase Efficiency, Improve Performance, Safety and Technology

Lighter, quicker and more nimble than its predecessor, the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata demonstrates the power innovation can have when re-engineering a roadster from the ground up. In addition to all of the aforementioned improvements the 2016 MX-5 has, fuel economy can now be added to the list, with MX-5 achieving an EPA-estimated 27 mpg city/34 mpg highway/30 mpg combined when equipped with the standard SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission (EPA-estimated 27 mpg city/36 mpg highway/30 mpg combined when equipped with the six-speed automatic).

This performance represents a 25-percent increase in fuel economy versus the 2015 MX-5’s EPA-estimated fuel economy when paired with the outgoing model’s available six-speed manual transmission, highlighting the benefits of SKYACTIV Technology.

“SKYACTIV Technology is more than a catchphrase for Mazda; it’s a total effort to increase efficiency, improve performance, safety and technology and instill each Mazda vehicle with a directness and responsiveness that’s unmatched in the segments in which our vehicles compete,” said Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North American Operations. “The 2016 MX-5 shows that a sports car can hit all targets today’s buyers want.”

MX-5 followed the same “Gram Strategy” Mazda global weight-savings initiative as other vehicles full engineered with SKYACTIV Technology before it – CX-5, Mazda6, Mazda3 in addition to the upcoming CX-3 – paring approximately 150 pounds while strengthening the body and improving safety. At the same time, the 2016 MX-5 has gained Mazda’s torquey, yet fuel-sipping, SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter engine.

“There has always been an MX-5 for all types of drivers, from weekend autocross and track-day enthusiasts to those who just want a stylish convertible sports car,” said O’Sullivan. “With its improved fuel-efficiency, we believe that audience will grow even larger when it goes on sale this summer.”