If a sedate drive makes your day, don’t even consider buying the Mazda MX-5 Miata. Minutes into a seven-day test drive, this driver found the 2017 MX-5 simply irresistible. Just a slight steering wheel movement, and this rear wheel drive sports car’s pristine handling was in full bloom during expressway lane changes. It was a gem on curves, and the fun factor went up when the soft-top went down. If you’re a pack-mule traveler, pare down the expectations. Storage locales are slim with only 4.59 cubic feet of trunk space and very limited cabin stow spots.

Powering the 90.9-inch wheelbase MX-5 is the Skyactiv-G 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that produces 155 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 148 pounds-feet of torque at 4600 rpm. Engine mates to a 6-speed manual transmission with short-throw shifter, or a six-speed automatic transmission. The fourth- generation MX-5 is about 150 pounds lighter than the predecessor, which was introduced in the 2016 model year. Mazda MX-5 Miata soft-top is offered in three trims: Sport, Club, Grand Touring. Test driven MX-5 Miata Grand Touring with manual transmission collects estimated mpg of 26 city/33 highway and carries a MSRP of $30,065.