2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Improves Over 2015 Model In Fuel Economy

Cameron Aubernon
by Cameron Aubernon

Owners of the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata will experience better fuel economy compared to the outgoing 2015 model.

Those who choose to pair the roadster’s 2.0-liter Skyactiv I4 with a six-speed automatic will see EPA-rated numbers of 27 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined, according to Edmunds. Those who pick the manual six-speed, meanwhile, will the same mpg figures in the city and combined, but lose 2 mpg on the highway.

The new ratings are a 29 percent improvement over the 2015 model, whose six-speed auto or manual/2.0-liter I4 combo netted 21 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined; the five-speed manual had the same highway figure, but gained 1 mpg in the city and 2 mpg combined in comparison.

The improvements are likely linked to the loss of 150 pounds in weight for both 2016 variants, coming to 2,332 for the manual and 2,381 for the auto.

As far as what else the MX-5 Miata has in store for new and old fans alike, Jack Baruth went behind-the-scenes not too long ago to bring back his impressions on the next-gen roadster.

[Photo credit: Mazda]

Cameron Aubernon
Cameron Aubernon

Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.

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  • Czilla9000 Czilla9000 on Apr 24, 2015

    I would buy one in a heartbeat with the Spark’s EV motor (something Master Baiter suggested prior). (Granted, I’m a LEAF owner) I would also prefer the “underpowered” 1.5 L option be brought state side. It would lower the cost of entry, improve full economy, and lower the weight further. A $19k-$20k US 1.5 Liter model would be sweet.

  • PeriSoft PeriSoft on Apr 24, 2015

    I just wish I could look at the front of this thing without seeing ':D'.

  • Voyager Voyager on Apr 26, 2015

    Luv the way it overall looks. Not too sure about the cat's eyes. It's just a matter of time before a tuner will bring back the pop-up head lights... hopefully.

    • JuniperBug JuniperBug on Apr 27, 2015

      I don't know about that. No one has done it in the last 18 years.

  • Frozenman Frozenman on Apr 26, 2015

    Skyactiv my ass, maybe they should put in a call to Honda and see if they will build some last generation 2L Si engines for them :)

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