Review: Mazda Miata PRHT Special Edition 2012

Mazda has recently released a special edition of its Mazda Miata called as the ‘2012 Mazda Miata PRHT special edition’ (2012 Mazda Miata). The Hardtop Grand Touring model is the inspiration for the 2012 special edition of Miata. Originally introduced in Chicago Auto Show in 1989, the Mazda Miata has been in continuous production for 23 years and millions of Miata’s are rolling on the roads all over the world. The original Mazda Miata was designed by Mark Jordan at the Mazda design studio in Southern California and the concept was approved in 1983. There will be just 450 of the 2012 Mazda Miata’s that will ever be seen on the American Roads.

Mazada Miata PRHT

What does it Offer?

Apart from the great driving experience commonly attributed to Mazda Miata, the 2012 Mazda Miata offers a unique color scheme and some stop gap tech upgrades coupled with the rarity of a special edition. The 2012 special edition retains all the unique design elements of the original Mazda Miata. It is a small and light weight two-seater roadster with a very minimal mechanical complexity limited to legal and safety requirements.

The Beauty

The 2012 Mazda Miata looks as stunning as the original Miata. Even though technologically superior, the 2012 Mazda Miata is a direct descendant of the small British roadsters of the 1960s and retains that look. Changes to the design can be called minimal at the best. The cabin of the 2012 Mazda Miata looks superb with a Gloss Black dashboard, alloy sport pedals, and black trim on shifter, steering wheel, and brake lever.

Miata interior

The Powertrain

The 2012 Mazda Miata is powered by a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine. It is available in six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The power of the engine is rated at 167 horsepower (158 hp with the auto) and a torque of 140 pound-feet. The 2.0-liter engine is sufficient for a roadster with a curb weight of just 2,593 pounds to zip past the traffic lights with ease. Even though its power does not compare anywhere even with the base Mustang, the 2012 Mazda Miata scores well on its light and dexterous chassis. The grippy chassis ensures that you need not sacrifice much speed when you are taking a turn. The 2012 Miata has an optional suspension package and got other upgrades like Bilstein shocks, limited-slip differential, and Mazda springs which are sport-tuned. These new upgrades when coupled with Miata’s standard specs like excellent stabilizer bars (front and rear), disc brakes, and tires which offer good-performance give one of the best driving experiences that you will ever have.

Miata Steering wheel

The Thrill

The 2012 Mazda Miata reaches a speed of 60mph in 6.5 seconds and can finish a quarter-mile run in 15 seconds flat at 90.2 mph. It has an observed fuel economy of 24.4 mpg in test drives (EPA fuel economy is: 21 mpg in city and 28 mpg on the highway).

Miata Wheel

Interiors

The features of the special edition which stand out include heated leather seats, automatic climate control, and the Bose Audio System. Apart from these features, most of the optional packages of the standard Mazda Miata including the Sport Suspension package are available as standard features with the special edition. The 2012 Mazda Miata lags behind in dashboard tech. It has a six-disc in-dash CD changer, SiriusXM Satellite, AM, and FM Radio with a seven-speaker, Bose premium audio system. The Bluetooth hands-free calling provided can at best be called rudimentary. A premium version adds other features like key-less entry and start system along with an anti-theft alarm. Some common infotainment features like a navigation system, Bluetooth audio streaming, and an USB port which are commonly found even in entry level hatchbacks these days are missing. All said, the future models of Miata desperately need a serious tech upgrade.

Mazda Miata Glossy Black Special Edition

Exteriors

The 2012 Mazda Miata retains the minimal design of the original Miata. It is available in two unique colors viz. Crystal White Pearl and Velocity Red with a contrasting black roof. The alloy wheels of the special edition are colored in Gunmetal Black. But, the special edition will not come with the chrome trim on the grille and door handles like the PRHT GT Miatas. The side mirrors too are left out black.

Mazda Miata Velocity Red Special Edition

Should I buy one?

Despite the minor upgrades that the 2012 Mazda Miata got, it offers one of the best driving experiences available in a modern car. It offers good fuel economy even when you are driving with zest. It has a good braking system and needs just 108 feet for a complete halt from 60mph. The outdated tech specs like the lack of Navigation and Bluetooth A2DP streaming make it a little bit archaic when compared with other modern cars. Overall, you should buy the 2012 Mazda Miata for its great riding experience and for its exclusivity being a limited edition.

Mazda Miata Crystal White Special Edition

Price and Availability

The 2012 Mazda Miata special edition is available for a base price of $ 31,225. It is available for booking from June 4, 2012.