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Top down. Sun out. Ignition on. Clutch in. First gear. Start moving. Shift gears. Repeat.
That's driving awesomeness -- or at least it's driving the 2013 Mazda MX-5 GS. With its True Red exterior paired with a Brilliant Black retractable hardtop, 17" dark gunmetal wheels and more, looking good in the roadster is easy. Feeling great is even easier.
What is the Mazda MX-5?
If you haven't heard of the MX-5 before -- previously known as the Miata -- you have probably been living under a rock. Or don't have the internet. Just kidding. Since its introduction in 1990 as a 1991 model, it has sold millions of units worldwide, earned a place in the Guinness Book of World Records, and is raced on tracks around the world.
2013 Mazda MX-5 GS Price and Specs
The front-engine, rear-wheel drive MX-5 is the essence of what a sports car should be.
With a sport-tuned suspension complete with Bilstein shocks, a limited slip differential, and a 6-speed manual transmission, it's a recipe for a good time.
There's 167 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque generated from the 2013 Mazda MX-5's 2.0L, 4-cylinder engine. While it might not look that impressive on paper, the MX-5 only weighs 1,182 kg (2,606 lbs.), therefore it has a swiftness to it.
Moving through the close-ratio, 6-speed manual also proves to be one of the shining attributes of the tiny two-door's persona.
Where the MX-5 falls short is in standard equipment. Better yet, stuff people look for in cars these days. Particularly a Bluetooth system. With most Canadian provinces employing a handsfree policy, Bluetooth is high on the list of features drivers seek. It's a quick fix if you have a headset, but I wish it came, especially with the $36,045 price tag of the 2013 Mazda MX-5 GS. It is, however, standard equipment on the top-of-the line GT trim.
Driving the 2013 Mazda MX-5 GS
It's peppy, without the drama. Shifts are smooth, the clutch isn't too hefty to push in and it has a spring in its step. Whether going for a joyride or driving with a purpose in mind, the 2013 Mazda MX-5 makes it enjoyable -- top up or down.
Speaking of putting the top down, it's fairly straightforward. Undo the latch where it says "release," push the button on the centre stack and, within seconds, the world opens up. To reverse the process, hold the button down with the "top up" icon, wait a few seconds and then do up the latch.
Life is good.
When it comes to fuel economy, it's rated at using an estimated 9.7L/100km in the city and 7.1L/100km on the highway. Mazda does recommend filling it up with premium fuel. The 2013 Mazda MX-5 GS is a performance machine, after all, but that's your call to make if you want to go with a lower octane.
Inside and Out of the 2013 Mazda MX-5 GS
With room for two inside, don't expect much more. Granted, there are a couple of nooks for some personal items, but it's pretty tight inside.
Taller people could find it somewhat cramped, even with the seats extended all the way back.
Plus, this roadster has ground-hugging attributes, so it sits very low. Ingress and egress requires some effort; effort I'm willing to put in.
Don't get too excited when you I say there's only 150 litres of trunk space. Let's face it, that's not a lot. On the bright side, when the top is down, the retractable roof doesn't encroach upon the meagre trunk space.
Then there's the USB plug, or lack thereof. For those who enjoy listening to their tunage from their MP3 players or listening to audio books or anything in between, you'll either have to dig out your aux cord or get it on a CD. You remember those round things that hold music files?
Are these make-or-break qualms in regards to the MX-5? Not at all.
Comparing the 2013 Mazda MX-5 GS
Currently, the MINI Roadster can be pinned up against the MX-5. That said, the MINI comes with a front-wheel drive configuration, not rear-wheel.
However, both these pint-sized vehicles still dish up a healthy dose of fun.
That's driving awesomeness -- or at least it's driving the 2013 Mazda MX-5 GS. With its True Red exterior paired with a Brilliant Black retractable hardtop, 17" dark gunmetal wheels and more, looking good in the roadster is easy. Feeling great is even easier.
What is the Mazda MX-5?
If you haven't heard of the MX-5 before -- previously known as the Miata -- you have probably been living under a rock. Or don't have the internet. Just kidding. Since its introduction in 1990 as a 1991 model, it has sold millions of units worldwide, earned a place in the Guinness Book of World Records, and is raced on tracks around the world.
 |
2013 Mazda MX-5 GS Price and Specs
The front-engine, rear-wheel drive MX-5 is the essence of what a sports car should be.
With a sport-tuned suspension complete with Bilstein shocks, a limited slip differential, and a 6-speed manual transmission, it's a recipe for a good time.
There's 167 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque generated from the 2013 Mazda MX-5's 2.0L, 4-cylinder engine. While it might not look that impressive on paper, the MX-5 only weighs 1,182 kg (2,606 lbs.), therefore it has a swiftness to it.
Moving through the close-ratio, 6-speed manual also proves to be one of the shining attributes of the tiny two-door's persona.
Where the MX-5 falls short is in standard equipment. Better yet, stuff people look for in cars these days. Particularly a Bluetooth system. With most Canadian provinces employing a handsfree policy, Bluetooth is high on the list of features drivers seek. It's a quick fix if you have a headset, but I wish it came, especially with the $36,045 price tag of the 2013 Mazda MX-5 GS. It is, however, standard equipment on the top-of-the line GT trim.
 |
| There's 167 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque generated from the 2013 Mazda MX-5's 2.0L, 4-cylinder engine. (Photo: Alexandra Straub) |
Driving the 2013 Mazda MX-5 GS
It's peppy, without the drama. Shifts are smooth, the clutch isn't too hefty to push in and it has a spring in its step. Whether going for a joyride or driving with a purpose in mind, the 2013 Mazda MX-5 makes it enjoyable -- top up or down.
Speaking of putting the top down, it's fairly straightforward. Undo the latch where it says "release," push the button on the centre stack and, within seconds, the world opens up. To reverse the process, hold the button down with the "top up" icon, wait a few seconds and then do up the latch.
Life is good.
When it comes to fuel economy, it's rated at using an estimated 9.7L/100km in the city and 7.1L/100km on the highway. Mazda does recommend filling it up with premium fuel. The 2013 Mazda MX-5 GS is a performance machine, after all, but that's your call to make if you want to go with a lower octane.
 |
| It's peppy, without the drama. Shifts are smooth, the clutch isn't too hefty to push in and it has a spring in its step. (Photo: Alexandra Straub) |
Inside and Out of the 2013 Mazda MX-5 GS
With room for two inside, don't expect much more. Granted, there are a couple of nooks for some personal items, but it's pretty tight inside.
Taller people could find it somewhat cramped, even with the seats extended all the way back.
Plus, this roadster has ground-hugging attributes, so it sits very low. Ingress and egress requires some effort; effort I'm willing to put in.
Don't get too excited when you I say there's only 150 litres of trunk space. Let's face it, that's not a lot. On the bright side, when the top is down, the retractable roof doesn't encroach upon the meagre trunk space.
Then there's the USB plug, or lack thereof. For those who enjoy listening to their tunage from their MP3 players or listening to audio books or anything in between, you'll either have to dig out your aux cord or get it on a CD. You remember those round things that hold music files?
Are these make-or-break qualms in regards to the MX-5? Not at all.
 |
| This roadster has ground-hugging attributes, so it sits very low. Ingress and egress requires some effort. (Photo: Alexandra Straub) |
Comparing the 2013 Mazda MX-5 GS
Currently, the MINI Roadster can be pinned up against the MX-5. That said, the MINI comes with a front-wheel drive configuration, not rear-wheel.
However, both these pint-sized vehicles still dish up a healthy dose of fun.