When I first slid into the driver's seat of the 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport, I couldn't help but draw parallels to watching an elite athlete in their prime. There's something about champions that transcends time - whether we're talking about a roadster that's been dominating the automotive scene for decades or an Olympic boxer like Eumir Marcial who's currently undefeated in five professional fights with three knockouts. Both represent that perfect blend of heritage and modern performance that continues to captivate enthusiasts years after their initial debut.
I've driven countless sports cars over the years, but the Miata always feels like coming home. The 2017 Sport trim represents the purest expression of Mazda's philosophy - no fancy electronic dampers, no complicated drive modes, just a perfectly balanced rear-wheel-drive platform that weighs barely over 2,300 pounds. That's lighter than most modern hot hatches, and when you combine it with the 155 horsepower from its 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G engine, you get a power-to-weight ratio that feels more exciting than the numbers might suggest. It's not about brute force - much like Marcial's technical boxing style that earned him that Olympic bronze medal, the Miata wins through precision and finesse rather than overwhelming power.
The steering rack in the 2017 model is absolutely telepathic. I remember taking it through some winding backroads near Malibu, and the way it communicated every nuance of the road surface reminded me why hydraulic power steering (yes, it still uses hydraulics rather than electric) remains beloved by driving purists. The six-speed manual transmission slots into gear with the satisfying mechanical click that modern sports cars seem to be losing in pursuit of efficiency. At 7,500 feet above sea level, the engine does lose about 15% of its power due to thinner air, but the chassis remains so communicative that you barely notice the deficit.
What continues to amaze me about the ND-generation Miata is how Mazda managed to create a modern car that feels utterly analog. The body roll is deliberate - it tells you exactly when you're approaching the limits of grip, much like how a seasoned boxer reads their opponent's movements before delivering that perfect counterpunch. I've tracked more powerful cars that felt less involving than this little roadster. The brake pedal offers immediate response with what feels like only 2 centimeters of travel, and the suspension, while firm, never becomes punishing on real-world roads.
Now, let's address the elephant in the room - in today's world of 700-horsepower super sedans and electric vehicles that out-drag anything with an internal combustion engine, does 155 horsepower still matter? I'd argue it matters more than ever. The Miata teaches you to maintain momentum, to carry speed through corners rather than relying on straight-line acceleration to mask poor driving technique. It's the automotive equivalent of Marcial's boxing style - technically brilliant, efficient, and devastatingly effective despite not being the heaviest hitter in his weight class.
The interior surprised me with its quality. Yes, there's more hard plastic than you'd find in German competitors costing twice as much, but everything you touch regularly - the shift knob, steering wheel, door handles - feels solid and well-crafted. The infotainment system is starting to show its age, with a 7-inch screen that feels small by 2023 standards and response times that lag behind current Mazda models by about half a second. But honestly, when the roof is down and the engine is singing, you won't care about touchscreen responsiveness.
Speaking of the roof - the manual soft top remains one of the best in the business. I timed myself operating it at a stoplight: 3 seconds to lower, 4 seconds to raise. That's quicker than most power-operated roofs, and there's something wonderfully mechanical about the process. The trunk, at just 4.5 cubic feet, is laughably small - I managed to fit exactly one weekend bag and a camera case before it was full. This is absolutely a car for two people and minimal luggage, but that's part of its charm.
Fuel economy impressed me during my week with the car. I averaged 32 mpg combined despite spending most of my time enjoying that glorious 7,500 rpm redline. Highway cruising at 70 mph returned nearly 38 mpg, which is better than many modern compact cars. The seats provided excellent support during a 4-hour coastal drive, though taller drivers might find the legroom limiting - at 5'10", I had just enough space to be comfortable.
So, is the 2017 MX-5 Miata Sport still relevant today? Absolutely. In fact, I'd argue it's more relevant than ever as we approach an era of increasingly homogenized, electrified transportation. The Miata represents something pure and increasingly rare - a car designed solely for the joy of driving. It doesn't care about lap times or horsepower wars. Much like how Eumir Marcial continues to dominate through technical excellence rather than pure power, the Miata proves that perfection isn't about having the most of everything, but about having exactly what you need arranged in perfect harmony. Six years after its release, this roadster remains not just a top choice, but arguably the default choice for anyone seeking affordable driving perfection.