MOTOR RIVALS

Mazda Motor Corporation celebrated the unveiling of the fourth generation Mazda MX-5 (known as Roadster in Japan). The all-new MX-5, which adopts both SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY and Mazda’s KODO—Soul of Motion design language, will be rolled out to global markets starting in 2015.

The MX-5 is an iconic model representing Mazda’s vehicle-engineering philosophy—the pursuit of driving pleasure. “Innovate in order to preserve” was the motto for the fourth generation, as the development team searched for innovations that go beyond simple evolution. Environmental and safety demands are much more stringent than they were when the first generation MX-5 was introduced 25 years ago, but the fourth generation stays true to the model’s original aim of offering the pure driving fun that only a lightweight sports car can. It achieves this through the adoption of SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY and refinement of its appeal to the senses and sensations through which people enjoy cars.

Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) announced that the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata will start at $24,9151 in entry-level Sport trim. Mazda has instilled the latest MX-5 with the pure driving experience that has won worldwide fanfare since the arrival of the first-generation MX-5 in 1989 as a 1990 model.

Yet, the fourth-generation MX-5 provides Mazda's latest safety features and technologies and maintains an inflation-adjusted price close to that of the original roadster. The 2016 MX-5 launches this summer and will be available in Sport, Club and Grand Touring trim levels.

Infused with SKYACTIV®2 TECHNOLOGY and KODO—Soul of Motion design, the 2016 MX-5 is smaller, lighter and more aggressive than its predecessor, with the base MX-5 Sport expected to outperform the sportiest previous road-going variants. However, even with its focus on delivering maximum driving enjoyment, the 2016 MX-5 boasts more creature comforts and a more functional interior than the vehicle it replaces.

For the first time, a six-speed manual transmission will come standard as well as LED headlights, USB audio input, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, a leather-wrapped shift knob and power door locks.

Subaru of America, Inc. announced pricing for the 2016 BRZ line. Starting at $25,395, the BRZ, powered by a 200-horsepower 2.0-liter BOXER engine, marks a return to the fundamentals of sports car design, emphasizing low vehicle weight, an ultra-low center of gravity and precision steering.

Available in Premium or Limited trim, BRZ models boast performance features, such as the sport-tuned suspension with front strut brace and TORSEN limited-slip differential.

For 2016, the BRZ receives the SUBARU STARLINK 6.2” Multimedia System with a 6.2-in. single-touch gesture display, AM/FM stereo with HD Radio®, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Radio Data Broadcast System, single-disc CD player, Bluetooth® hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming, iPod® control, iTunes® Tagging, a USB port and an auxiliary input jack. Smartphone integration features Aha™ and Pandora®, along with STARLINK cloud applications iHeartRadio®, Stitcher, Calendar, Music Player, News and Weather. New for 2016, the BRZ receives standard rear vision camera.

Limited trim models receive a body-color trunk spoiler, fog lights and Alcantara trimmed interior and Keyless Access. The seats are upholstered with Alcantara inserts and leather bolsters. 6-speed manual BRZ Limited models begin at $27,395, down $300 from the previous model year. An optional 6-speed Electronic Direct-Control automatic transmission priced at $28,495 and offers steering wheel paddle-shift controls.

The BRZ Limited substitutes a dual-zone automatic climate control for the Premium model’s manual HVAC system, and its standard All-Weather Package includes dual-mode heated front seats and heated side mirrors. In the Limited, the dual visor vanity mirrors are illuminated, and front door courtesy lights illuminate when the doors are opened.