Hagerty Test Drive: The purest sports car closes in on perfection

Through three generations since 1989, Mazda built nearly a million MX-5 Miatas and long ago ran out of shelf space for the awards the car hauled home. As time approached for a top-to-bottom redesign, the main issue was how to update this beloved roadster without hopelessly screwing it up.

Somehow, against the odds, Mazda has succeeded. The new MX-5 is 3 inches shorter and some 150 pounds lighter than its predecessor — a welcome departure from the usual size creep — with weight and dimensions close to the first generation’s. The engine is still eager and high-revving, but gets much better mileage and despite less horsepower, moves the car quicker.

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