2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata PRHT: Not a Close Sports Car but a Great Sports Car Value

Throughout the years (the MX-5 has been around for over 20 years), the Mazda Miata has been viewed indirectly as close to being a 'real' sports car.

The car seemed to be summed up by something not directly stated but that none the less went something like: "If you do not have the money for a real sports car, consider the Miata!" The statement was not meant as a knock against

Mazda but actually a compliment for a car that performed quite well, and actually very well given its price.

The 2010 Mazda MX-5 PRHT has grown a bit larger and heavier, however, given the massive weight gains of vehicles in general, this Mazda remains relatively a driving purist's lightweight.

Helping to offset its weight increase is the MX-5's quick revving 2.0-liter engine that delivers 167 hp and 141 lb. ft. of torque. The transmission is a sweet shifting (one of the best in the business regardless of a car's price)
5 or 6-speed manual transmission. The car's 0-60 time is in 6.9 seconds, and although it is not blistering fast, it is indeed reasonable.

The interior of this Miata is a sports car delight as its layout is spot-on with well designed sport seats and a good driving position. And although this car provides a direct and pure driving experience, it is equipped with power windows, automatic climate control, heated leather seats, a 7-speaker Bose audio sound system with a 6-disc changer plus 17-inch alloy wheels with Bridgestone rubber. The Premium Package at $1650 includes an anti-theft system, xenon headlights, Bluetooth, satellite radio, plus keyless entry and start. And for an additional $500, the optional suspension package includes sport-tuned Bilstein shocks and a limited slip differential.

In the past, the Miata was equipped with an easy operating manual soft top. This new MX-5, however, has a power-operated retractable hard top. It folds and stows in only 12 seconds and it provides all weather protection, sound insulation and security. The soft top can also be used on this Miata to free up the car's maximum trunk space.

The latest rendition of the Mazda Miata MX-5 might not again be up to its more expensive sports car brethren, however, given its base price of under $23,000 (and a very well equipped price under $30,000), it again represents a great sports car performance bargain for the money.

Kyle Busch is the author of "Drive the Best for the Price..." He welcomes your comments or car questions at his auto web site: www.DriveTheBestBook.com . Follow Kyle on Facebookand Twitter.