If you’re looking forward to hitting the road in the new Miata, Mazda just announced that we won’t have to wait much longer. Production has officially begun for U.S.-bound next-generation 2016 MX-5 Miata roadsters, which Mazda says will arrive in dealerships in late summer.
Related: Starting Price of 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Set at $25,735
The first 1,000 cars will all be top-spec Launch Edition roadsters. The Launch Edition will only come in red exterior paint with a tan leather interior, and it will be loaded; the only available option will be a six-speed automatic transmission. It starts at $31,315 for a manual (all prices include an $820 destination charge, although that goes up to $865 if you’re in Alaska), with the automatic version going for $32,390. The model is available for reservation by going to a special website [JLB2]where you can register for an emailed reminder to actually place the order on May 5. A $500 deposit will be required when you place that order.
Once the Launch Edition sells out (which it’s likely to do very quickly), you’ll have three other trims to choose from. The base Sport model starts at $25,735 and will have more standard features than the prior Miata, including 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, LED headlights and taillights, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, power locks, a USB interface and a leather-wrapped shift knob. An automatic transmission is a $1,075 option across the board for all trim levels, and includes keyless entry (a $130 option on manual transmission cars).
Moving up in content will bring you to the Club trim, starting at $29,420. It adds 17-inch wheels, an air dam and trunk spoiler, piano black interior and exterior trim, a 7-inch multimedia screen with Mazda Connect and a nine-speaker Bose audio system with satellite radio. If you stick with the manual transmission, you’ll also get a limited-slip rear differential, Bilstein shocks and a shock tower brace. An upgraded performance package that adds lightweight 17-inch BBS wheels, Brembo front brakes with painted front and rear calipers, and an aero kit is available.
Top of the line is the Grand Touring, which adds 17-inch wheels, leather seats, automatic climate control, rain-sensing wipers and adaptive headlights. The i-Activsense electronic safety suite is also standard, featuring blind spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert and lane departure warning. The Grand Touring starts at $30,885.
