2013 MAZDA MX-5 MIATA NAMED A 10BEST CAR BY CAR AND DRIVER MAGAZINE

- The World's Best-Selling Two-Seat Roadster Makes Its 14th Appearance on the 10Best List -

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Dec 05, 2012, 09:16 ET

IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata has been named to Car and Driver's 10Best Cars list for the eighth straight year and 14^th overall since the vehicle made its global debut in 1989. With a nearly 50:50 weight distribution, the small-in-size MX-5 offers a hefty dose of road-hugging handling and superior driving dynamics, making the roadster a favorite among weekend warriors and daily drivers alike.

"The MX-5 Miata sets the bar high on sports car performance and driving pleasure, which is not lost among its increasing fan base as the vehicle continues to be a world record holder as both the most popular two-seat roadster ever built[1] and the most raced nameplate in motorsports," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO). "Sleek, stylish and sporty – the MX-5 remains an uncomplicated sports car with such a visceral driving experience you won't want to take your hands off the steering wheel."

According to Car and Driver, "What keeps the [MX-5] triumphant is not raw performance but a balanced chassis that communicates every nuance to the driver through perfectly calibrated controls." The MX-5 first landed a spot on the 10Best list in 1990 – its first model year – and has made regular appearances ever since.

Powered by an MZR 2.0-liter engine, which produces up to 167 horsepower, delivers 140 lb-ft of torque and redlines at 7,200 rpm, the 2013 MX-5 is available with a soft top or industry-leading 12-second-operation Power Retractable Hard Top, and is on sale now.

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through nearly 700 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at www.mazdausamedia.com.

[1] According to Guinness World Records

SOURCE Mazda North American Operations