Look for Mazda to trundle its super-popular MX-5 Miata into 2015 with a few extra perks added to this sport-oriented third-generation compact 2-seat convertible. By far the most notable change for the upcoming model year is the introduction of the MX-5 Miata 25th Anniversary Edition that’ll be added to the trim lineup. This sexy new trim now sits at the top of a lineup that reprises the base Sport Convertible, the midlevel Club Convertible and the once-flagship Grand Touring Convertible. Unfortunately, only 100 of the up-featured 25th Anniversary Editions were produced for the U.S, and they sold out in 10 minutes through a lottery-style offering on Mazda’s web site that began (and ended) in May of ‘14. Thus for all but those lucky Centurions, the dream of owning a 25th Anniversary Edition MX-5 Miata convertible is just that.
Also new this year is a cloth convertible roof that replaces the vinyl roof of yore and that will remain standard on all trims except the power-hard-top-convertible-only 25th Anniversary Edition. Of course that power-opening hardtop convertible roof will remain available to each of the midlevel MX-5 Miata trims. Alas, stowing either drop-top cuts trunk capacity to a mere 5.3 cubic feet, so think long and hard before you offer to schlep Aunty Mabel and her luggage… and her little dog, too… to and from the airport.
Finally, there have been whispers that an available Suspension Package will also be introduced for 2015, but details are thus far nonexistent. In any case, all these cool runners will once again be delivered in only the traditional rear-wheel-drive (RWD) configuration and will continue to outmaneuver just about anything in the family-priced sports-car market.
Keeping in mind that these little rag-tops are just that, little, anyone over 250 pounds and above 6 feet tall will likely feel a bit cramped inside, especially with the top up. Nevertheless, this pint-size runabout packs a fair amount of bling. In the base Sport Convertible, you can expect, besides that new manually opening cloth convertible roof, standard 16-inch alloy wheels, cloth upholstery, power windows and door locks, and tilt-wheel steering. Standard air conditioning should also return, as should the leather-and-alloy steering wheel and the AM/FM stereo with its 6 speakers and auxiliary audio input.
The MX-5 Miata Club Convertible is expected back with the traditional 17-inch alloy wheels, remote power window operation and cruise control, while the Grand Touring Edition Convertible should retain 2014’s heated front seats, leather upholstery and remote garage door opener. Also look for the ex-top-dog (not Aunty Mabel's) Grand Touring to again sport climate control, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and a 200-watt Bose premium audio system flaunting 7 speakers.
Those fortunate 100 owners of the new 25th Anniversary Edition Convertible can look forward to standard satellite radio and Bluetooth hands-free calling, as well as upgraded 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, aluminum sport pedals and a unique Soul Red/Brilliant Black 2-tone paint job, along with distinctive Almond leather upholstery flaunting contrasting red stitching. Those editions sporting the 6-speed manual transmission are slated to come with standard Bilstein shock absorbers as well. Oh, and the lucky hundred also receive a complimentary Swiss-made Tourneau wristwatch.
Options, depending on the trim selected, include an Appearance Package with front air dams and a rear underskirt, as well as the Premium Package, flaunting high-intensity-discharge (HID) headlights, satellite radio, keyless entry and ignition, and a remote antitheft alarm. As mentioned, a new Suspension Package is also in the works for 2015, while the power hardtop again remains available to both midlevel trims.
For 2015, the sole engine offered in the MX-5 Miata lineup remains a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder (I4) that mates with either a 5-speed manual transmission that’s standard in the Sport Convertible trim or a 6-speed manual offered standard in all other trims. All trims, meantime, return (or debut) eligible to tote an available 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission. Anyhow, whatever the transmission selection, this peppy 4-banger is slated to put out 158 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque in the traditional trims, with the 25th Anniversary Edition tweaked for a few added ponies (167) bringing out some extra alacrity in the gas pedal. Mileage estimates should again run 22 mpg city/28 highway with the 5-speed stick-shift versions and 21/28 with either the 6-speed manual or the 6-speed shiftable automatic variants.
Standard safety features for the 2015 MX-5 Miata lineup, meanwhile, are expected to include 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, side-mounted airbags with head protection chambers and front fog/driving lights. Look for the remote antitheft alarm that’ll be standard in the 25th Anniversary Edition to remain optional for both the Club Convertible and the Grand Touring Convertible.
I have a new upper radiator hose to put into my 2015 Mazda Miata and have two questions: What is the unusual clamp that is on the rear engine end of the hose assembly? I haven't seen one like it before and I don't see how it can be tightened. How do you access the rear engine end of the hose? It is too tight to get a hand into the space, even with the center cowl remove.
2015 Mazda Miata MX 5 Grand Touring: first hint of a problem-the brake lights stayed on when the car was not running. Lifted the brake and the lights went out. Second indication: cruise wouldn't engage and car shifted weirdly-kept my foot under brake peddle and cruise worked and car ran normally; brake switch malfunction light was on. Replaced brake switch- ABS light and traction control light came on and cruise control engaged, but would not disengage when brake is applied. Suggestions?
Tying to replace door speakers and need to know how to remove the door panel. I have done this on a 2008 MX-5, but the door panels on the 2015 MX-5 are different. Do you have instructions for this?
This back right flange was clearly deliberately bent back over the adjustment cam. No scratches under the car, no embedded cement, this metal flange is behind the other which should have gotten hit also. Clean bends exactly over front and back cams. Thank you Mazda dealer service. What can I do. Mazda USA is no help, it's not a lemon law because it's deliberately done. Mazda dealer said they would fix it but instantly started to screw me around and I didn't want them to destroy more. Other dealers joined in on harming the car. By the time I was done what should have been a $24,000 trade in was $18,000 due to all the damage the Mazda dealers did to the car. Now my Mazda 3's struts are out and blows hot air when on vent, outside is 60 degrees and it smells like exhaust in my car. Never buy a Mazda!
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Side airbags: front with head protection chambers
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Door trim: vinyl · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Parking brake trim: urethane · Shift knob trim: urethane · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: with lighting · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.10
Engine
Alternator: 100 amps
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Headlamp bezel color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Halogen
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: soft top
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Kit: inflator kit
Steering
Steering ratio: 15 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7
Suspension
Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Tires
Type: summer performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: remote operation · Solar-tinted glass: front
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Door trim: vinyl · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Parking brake trim: urethane · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: with lighting · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.10 · Limited slip differential: rear
Engine
Alternator: 100 amps
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Headlamp bezel color: black · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure
Lights
Headlights: Halogen
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: manual
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Kit: inflator kit
Steering
Steering ratio: 15 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7
Suspension
Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Tires
Type: summer performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Solar-tinted glass: front
Air Conditioning
Sun sensor climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 7
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: locking · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.10
Engine
Alternator: 100 amps
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Headlamp bezel color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure
Lights
Headlights: Halogen
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: with wind blocker
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Kit: tire sealant
Steering
Steering ratio: 15 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7
Suspension
Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: summer performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: remote operation · Solar-tinted glass: front
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Door trim: vinyl · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Parking brake trim: urethane · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.10 · Limited slip differential: rear
Engine
Alternator: 100 amps
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Headlamp bezel color: black · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Halogen
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: with wind blocker
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Kit: tire sealant
Steering
Steering ratio: 15 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7
Suspension
Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Tires
Type: summer performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Solar-tinted glass: front
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Side airbags: front with head protection chambers
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 7
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: with lighting · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.10
Engine
Alternator: 100 amps
Exterior Features
Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Headlamp bezel color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure
Lights
Headlights: Halogen
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: power retractable hard top
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Kit: inflator kit
Steering
Steering ratio: 15 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7
Suspension
Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Tires
Type: summer performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: remote operation · Solar-tinted glass: front
Air Conditioning
Sun sensor climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 7
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Door sill trim: scuff plate · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: alloy · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: with lighting · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.10 · Limited slip differential: rear
Engine
Alternator: 100 amps
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Headlamp bezel color: black · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning
Lights
Headlights: HID
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: power retractable hard top
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Kit: inflator kit
Steering
Steering ratio: 15 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7
Suspension
Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: summer performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: remote operation · Solar-tinted glass: front