Five Things You Need to Know About the 2016 Mazda MX-5

4. Oh So Familiar

Sitting behind the wheel of the new MX-5 will be instantly familiar to anyone who has owned a Miata in the past, especially the 2006-2015 models. A round, non-telescoping steering wheel sits in front of the driver with a short-throw six-speed manual at perfect arm’s length. The belt line of the new MX-5 does feel a bit higher than the previous car.

SEE ALSO: 2016 Mazda MX-5 Chassis Reveals a Lighter, Smaller Next-Gen Miata

There is now a color display screen protruding from the dashboard, similar to the one found in the Mazda3. Along with the new screen there are a host of new buttons and dials to control the MX-5’s infotainment unit.

Two features have changed for the 2016 MX-5. The power window switches have been relocated to the doors now and the cup holders sit above the center tunnel, far back between the seats. The latter is a great feature as even moderately sized cups interfered with gear shifts in the current MX-5.