The New England Motor Press Association (NEMPA) gathered at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology for its annual awards banquet this past week. For three decades the group has been choosing its favorites in a variety of categories based on thorough testing by professional journalists in the unique New England climate. The group has again chosen the Mazda Miata as its favorite value convertible.
Rich Taber of NEMPA called the 2017 Mazda Miatanailed the essence of the Miata, saying, "People like the Miata for its beauty, simplicity, and pure driving pleasure." He went on to say that "this fantastic fusion of fun and sun on four wheels doesn't cost a chunk of your retirement portfolio."
During the past year, NEMPA members tested the 2017 Mazda Miata soft top, Mazda Mita RF Grand Touring, and the distant relative, the Fiat 124 Spider.
Members tested the Miata in all weather, including in a snowstorm and concluded that this car has that special something that makes it at home in all of New England's four seasons.