The 2016 Mazda Miata is, in essence, sublime. Stepping into other rear-wheel drive vehicles after experiencing the ND Miata might leave one feeling wanting, simply because few achieve such exquisite balance.
While the chassis balance is undeniably brilliant, the steering in the 2016 Miata ND, while pointy, direct, and sharp, lacks ultimate tactile sensation. Having driven cars with hydraulic-assisted racks, the electric power-steering in the MX-5 feels comparatively vague, offering less feedback to the driver. In a previous car, like a WRX STI, the steering rack telegraphed a wealth of information to the hands. The 2016 Mazda Miata’s steering, while competent for its intended purpose, presents an area for potential enhancement in future iterations. Its inherent balance is almost a saving grace, as the limited feedback from the steering could otherwise leave drivers less prepared for sudden vehicle reactions, relying more on ingrained muscle memory than intuitive adaptation.
However, the overall size of the 2016 Mazda Miata is perfect as is. Its compact and nimble dimensions are a genuine delight, especially when navigating congested urban environments. The car’s ability to effortlessly slot into tight spaces and exploit shortcuts inaccessible to larger vehicles consistently brings a smile to any driver’s face. Imagine a scenario where a conventional car is stuck in traffic, unable to make a right turn on red due to surrounding vehicles; the MX-5 can simply slip through on the side, no problem. The ultimate satisfaction comes from discovering street parking spots nestled between buildings, spaces that only a car the size of a Miata, or smaller, can occupy.
It’s easy to become that driver in a parking garage whose parked car looks like it has left an empty spot between other vehicles due to its diminutive size.
Of course, these small dimensions come with certain drawbacks. Not only are vehicles generally increasing in size, but the popularity of sports utility vehicles means the 2016 Mazda Miata faces a considerable size disadvantage on the road. The ND Miata can practically disappear into the blind spots of many larger vehicles, necessitating frequent evasive maneuvers to avoid accidents. Countless times, drivers, failing to perform proper head checks and assuming lanes were clear, have begun to merge directly into the Miata’s lane.
The potential consequences of a collision with a typical modern car are sobering to contemplate. Thankfully, such an encounter has been avoided.
Blind spot monitoring systems are genuinely life-saving technologies, particularly relevant for smaller cars like the 2016 Mazda Miata navigating today’s roads dominated by larger vehicles.
