Affordable Mazda MX-5 roadster perfect for all ages

The 2016 Mazda MX-5's new 2.0-liter four-cylinder won't break any speed records, but it also won't let drivers go broke while cruising across the country.

Lance Bierke, Internet sales manager at Planet Mazda of Las Vegas, said the 2016 Mazda MX-5 features a brand-new design that includes an engine and transmission that are the first of their kind.

"It's a brand-new design all the way across," he said. "It's been the best-selling roadster for the last 25 years."

The base price for the two-door roadster is $25,700. It features a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive and six-speed manual or six-speed automatic with steering-wheel mounted manual shift paddles.

The Mazda MX-5 gets 27 mpg in the city and 34 on the highway.

The model includes Mazda Connect, a 7-inch touch screen that controls the radio, Bluetooth connectivity and text message display, which can be controlled from the steering wheel as well.

Compared to the outgoing Miata, the 2016 edition is considerably sleeker from grille to trunk lid. The fenders now bulge aggressively out from the body, the grinning air intake has thankfully been toned down, and the truncated rear deck evokes thoughts of BMW's Z4 two-seater.

The headlights appear influenced by Siamese cats' eyes. Mazda's stylists trimmed the overall length by more than 3 inches and reduced the distance between the front and rear wheels by nearly an inch. A full-court press aimed at weight reduction has also yielded a not-insignificant 150-pound decrease, with the help of aluminum body panels and lightened components.

The completely revamped cockpit is as clean as they come, including a trio of clearly marked gauges and oversized control knobs for the ventilation system. The slick nonpower soft-top (a power-operated retractable hardtop is not offered) takes only one hand to unlatch or secure in place.

The MX-5's 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is identical in displacement to the previous 2.0, but its peak horsepower is less (155 versus 167 horsepower), though 148 pound-feet of torque beats the older engine's 140 rating.

The base MX-5 Sport arrives with air conditioning, a six-speaker stereo and push-button start, while the Club adds a sport-tuned suspension with Bilstein-brand shocks, limited-slip differential, front suspension brace (manual-gearbox models only), front and rear spoilers, Bose audio system with headrest speakers and 17-inch wheels (16-inch are standard).

The top-level Grand Touring's upgrades encompass climate control, heated leather seats, navigation system and an insulated cloth-lined top. Extra Grand Touring safety features include lane-departure warning (for the inattentive driver) and blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert (warns when other vehicles are approaching from behind on the highway and when you're backing up).

Bierke said the MX-5 is for all ages and lifestyles.

"Everyone will like it, including young people and older buyers," he said. "They love the responsiveness of the vehicle, and it's exactly what you feel when you drive a go-kart but without any of the hiccups."

— Reporter Ann Friedman contributed to this story.