Overview

What Changed for the 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata:

• Basic SV soft-top model is cancelled
• Sport model no longer offered with power retractable hardtop
• Marble White paint choice eliminated, along with the Havana Brown leather that was exclusively available with it

The Mazda MX-5 Miata, also known simply as the Mazda Miata, is a traditional roadster that features either a soft top or a power-retractable hardtop. Originally introduced in 1989, the MX-5 Miata has maintained a reputation for combining technological currency with a retro look. It underwent some restyling for the 2009 model year, and the 2010 model is largely a carryover. Marketing-wise, the MX-5 Miata is positioned between an "economy car" and a "pony car," and no other roadster made in 2010 competes directly with it.

The 2-seat, rear-wheel-drive Mazda MX-5 Miata comes in three trim levels for 2010: Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring. The entry-level Sport trim features 16-inch wheels, retractable vinyl soft top, air conditioning, cloth upholstery, remote keyless entry, and a 6-speaker sound system. The Touring trim offers 17-inch wheels, cruise control, fog lights, and other enhancements-plus an optional power-retractable hardtop. The Grand Touring trim features leather upholstery, heated seats, Bose sound system, and a choice of a cloth soft top or a power-retractable hardtop.

Many option packages are available on the 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata, and can include a sport-tuned suspension, portable navigation system, keyless ignition and entry, Xenon headlights, Bluetooth connectivity, removable hardtop, run-flat tires, and a rear spoiler, among others.

The 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata features a 167-horsepower, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that delivers 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway when combined with the standard 5-speed (or 6-speed on the Touring and Grand Touring trims) manual transmission, according to the EPA. A 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters is optional on all trims.

Standard safety features on the 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata include anti-lock disc brakes, front- and side-impact air bags, seat belt pre-tensioners, and ignition disabling. Stability control is optional with the Grand Touring trim.

Depending on the trim, starting MSRPs on the 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata ranged from $22,960 to $28,400.