What’s New?
The MX-5 Miata not only gets two new colors—Stormy Blue Mica and Highland Green—and a one-touch power-down passenger-side window for 2007, but a second model—the PRHT, or Power Retractable Hard Top—also joins the lineup. Mazda says the new top is the fastest power-operated retractable roof available in the United States, opening or closing in 12 seconds, and when closed it doesn’t compromise the MX-5’s 5.5 cubic feet of trunk space.

Overview
Mazda, a Japanese automaker, reinvigorated the venerable British-style roadster in 1989 when it launched the Miata. In 2006, the now-classic Miata underwent its second design and technology update. For the 2007 model year, the two-seat roadster gets a second version, this one with a power-retracting hardtop instead of the traditional manually operated canvas convertible top. Officially, Mazda calls it the Power Retractable Hard Top, or PRHT, and considers it a separate model. Most people simply will call it a Miata and accept that it now comes with a canvas or a power metal roof. Either way, the MX-5 Miata is a nimble sports car with impressive driving dynamics.

Both soft and hardtop versions are available in Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring trim, and there’s a lower-cost SV (Special Value) version of the soft top as well. Energy is supplied by a 166-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine linked to either a 5- or 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic. The SV has a 5-speed manual, 16-inch wheels, power mirrors and windows, an AM/FM/CD audio system, front and side air bags, and dual exhaust. The Sport model adds a 6-speed manual, 17-inch wheels, air conditioning, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Touring trim adds fog lamps, cruise control, keyless entry, and cruise and audio controls on the steering wheel. Grand Touring models get heated leather seats and a Bose audio system. Options include a keyless starting system, red or black leather, a special chrome grille and trim, and stainless steel scruff plates.

The Competition
The Mazda MX-5 Miata competes in the Compact Sporty segment, which consists of 10 models. Buyers in this segment look for exterior styling, fuel economy, and performance, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Avoider Study^SM and the Escaped Shopper Study.^SM

The top sellers in the segment during calendar year 2006, according to the J.D. Power and Associates Sales Report,^SM were the Scion tC (79,125), Subaru Impreza (41,148), and Mitsubishi Lancer (23,167). The Mazda MX-5 Miata sold 16,897 units in 2006, an increase of 215.2 percent compared to the previous year. Other models offered in the Compact Sporty segment include the Pontiac Solstice, Hyundai Tiburon, Saturn Sky, Volkswagen Eos, and Subaru Outback Sport.