Up to 30 mpg in combined city and highway driving
Although Mazda is adding 26 more hp to the Miata, fuel economy will remain similar to last year’s numbers. According to FuelEconomy.gov, the 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata is estimated to achieve 26/35/30 mpg with the six-speed automatic, compared to 26/35/29 mpg from last year. The six-speed manual nets 26/34/29 mpg, ahead of last year’s 26/33/29 mpg.
If you opt for the automatic-equipped Miata, you’ll pay $750 more in fuel costs over a five year period compared to the average new vehicle, the website says. With the manual, you’re expected to pay $1,000 more.
As we reported earlier, the Miata now makes 181 hp from its 2.0-liter engine. Torque has increased from 148 lb-ft to 151 lb-ft, and redline has jumped from 6,800 rpm to 7,500 rpm.
For the new model year, Mazda made a number of mechanical changes to improve both performance and efficiency. These updates include lighter pistons and connecting rods, in addition to reconfigured intake ports and higher-pressure fuel injectors. To reduce exhaust loss, Mazda updated the engine with an increased valve opening angle and valve lift height, and it increased the inner diameter of the exhaust manifold. A low inertia, dual-mass flywheel promises increased responsiveness over the old single-mass flywheel.
The Miata’s fuel economy is competitive with rivals. The 2019 Fiat 124 Spider tops out at 26/35/30 mpg, while the 2018 Subaru BRZ can get up to 24/33/27 mpg.
Source: FuelEconomy.gov