When will the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata arrive in the US?

It’s all well and good that Mazda has started making the new Miata, but those are for Japan. When do we get the 2016 MX-5 here in the US?

Mazda announced that it began producing the new generation 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata at its Hiroshima plant March 5th. If you are a US-based customer hoping that means you will see the new car on dealer lots soon, don’t hold your breath. Although there are no more in production, Mazda is still marketing new 2015 model (NC, or 3rd generation) Miatas here in the US, and that may be the case through this spring and summer.

New 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata – Worth the Wait?
Yes, the new car is well worth the wait. Initial reports are that the new car remains a fun and tossable on-road car, and the track version looks so darn cool it must be as capable as the outgoing car. Our US car will have the familiar 2.0-liter SkyActiv engine with about 155 horsepower. Although that is down from the 167 hp of the outgoing car’s unique engine, Mazda has put the new engine through so much real-world testing in the Mazda3 and CX-5, at least we can take some solace in knowing it will be bullet-proof.

The new Miata also corrects one glaring error on Mazda’s part, that being the infotainment system. (If the current Bose audio can even be called such) On the new car, the system is similar to the outstanding system in the Mazda3. Say what you want about the Miata being a “Driver’s car”, this former owner knows that on a long road trip built-in Nav enhances the experience as you get lost on purpose and then explore.

Mazda has already begun taking orders for Japanese market cars and will soon be shipping cars. Our best guess as to the availability of the first few Miatas in the US market is August 2015 with dealer inventory being boosted by early October. This should work well. As every convertible owner knows, the best season for drop-top touring is fall.

Main story image courtesy of Patrick Rall