MAZDA HIT'S 1,000,000th MX-5 MIATA MILESTONE'S

Mazda's brave little MX-5 Miata, an auto birthed unto the world in 1989 as a dependable, well-made remaster of the great British roadster recipe, might be little, yet its creation numbers have been huge. All things considered, huge for a two-seat roadster that has been in constant creation for a long time. All things considered, this is an auto particularly ailing in the widespread bid (and nameplate life span) of autodom's untouched deals pioneer, the Toyota Corolla. However on April 22, the Miata's creation number odometer clicked over to another point of reference when the 1,000,000th Miata moved off the generation line in Hiroshima, Japan. 

Found the middle value of out, this creation point of reference implies that Mazda has sold 37,040 Miatas universally every year since 1989, numbers that in their own privilege won't not sound that noteworthy. A year ago, for instance, Ford sold 780,353 F-arrangement trucks. In any case, consider that the Miata is little, can just hold two people and maybe 75 percent of their baggage, and has a collapsing rooftop. Gracious, and it has just been completely upgraded three times following 1989. The main other present day vehicle with comparable enduring force between broadly dispersed overhauls is the ever-prominent Jeep Wrangler. 

Mazda's Miata creation crossed the 532,000 imprint in 2000, the year it was pronounced the world's top of the line roadster ever, which means it's taken around five years longer to assemble the most recent half-million Miatas than it did the principal clump. Some may think about that as an indication of disappearing enthusiasm for the games auto. We'd call that the Miata subsiding into its business sector corner. Simply think: Back in 1989, Mazda had individuals clamoring for the then-new Miata, and merchants set apart up costs over the MSRP.  The car was a sensation, and while subsequent versions would cause less of a stir by following the same basic format, the cult following the Miata had created, as well as the little sports car’s continued excellence, established the Miata as something here to stay.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     And that’s really the significance of the 1,000,000th Miata: The car’s continued existence, not its sales figures, is what matters in a world rapidly turning toward larger, more complicated cars with turbochargers and the ability to drive themselves. Mazda, a company that until recently was struggling financially after being dropped from Ford’s roster of global brands, didn’t need to burden itself with redesigning a $25,000, rear-drive sports car that sits on a dedicated chassis shared with nothing else in its lineup, but it went ahead and did it anyway. Not only that, the company somehow kept the car legal, meeting all safety standards worldwide, while removing weight and making it quicker and smaller. For this effort, it charged customers an inflation-adjusted few hundred bucks more for the fourth-generation, 2016 MX-5 Miata than it did for the original 1990 model. Does Mazda make any money each Miata it sells? Does it matter?

It helps that the Miata has become inextricably linked to Mazda’s sporty image. As a uniquely attainable halo car, it’s also a rolling microcosm of Mazda the company. Buy any Mazda, and you receive a car that’s been given an uncommon attention to driving dynamics spiritually on par with what you’ll find at Porsche or BMW, but for regular dollars. You’re likely the only Mazda owner on the block.

Indeed, Mazda’s U.S. sales are unimpressive to the point of accidental rarity, the automaker being outsold in every segment in which it competes save for the one it owns: the roadster. So is 1,000,000 examples of a single nameplate in just under 30 years worthy of praise? Everything’s relative, but if Mazda can keep the Miata an analog device that cranks a driver’s lips into a smile—and continue to distill that sense of fun into every car it makes—we have no doubt it’ll keep racking up milestones.

2014 INFINITI QX60 HYBRID-ELECTRIC

Although Infiniti’s previous hybrid-electric offerings have been sporty sedans such as the new Q50S hybrid, this 2014 QX60 luxury crossover is the brand’s latest model to gain electric assistance. Freed from the burden of range-topping power and lofty performance promises, the hybridized QX—a model previously known as the JX35 and sometimes described as a gussied-up Nissan Pathfinder—follows a path of sensible expectations for buyers simply wanting greater fuel economy for a few extra grand up front.                                                                                                                                                                                             Changes in the second year of Infiniti’s JX35 include a name change to QX60 and the addition of a hybrid. The combo of a 2.5-liter supercharged four-cylinder engine, electric motor, lithium-ion battery pack and continuously variable transmission delivers a combined fuel economy estimate of 26 mpg. That’s just 4 mpg better than the lower-cost non-hybrid that continues to employ a smoother 3.5-liter V-6. Both models offer AWD, curvaceous styling,  luxury plus seven-passenger seating.

Similar to the also-new Nissan Pathfinder hybrid, the seven-seat QX60 hybrid ditches the venerable 265-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 for a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder with a belt-driven supercharger and Atkinson-cycle combustion. The blown four only produces 230 horsepower on 11 psi of boost yet pumps out V-6 levels of torque: 248 lb-ft at 4400 rpm. Nissan’s CVT still handles the power transfer and is fitted with a 20-hp electric motor sandwiched between two clutches, upping the system’s total output to 250 horsepower.

A 0.6-kWh lithium-ion battery rests neatly beneath the QX60’s third row of seats and takes up only a small portion of underfloor storage space. An EPA highway rating of 28 mpg is 4 mpg greater than the nonhybrid front-driver’s and 5 mpg better than that of an AWD model with the V-6.

Our initial time behind the wheel of the hybrid QX60 was brief and limited to a few miles of roads surrounding the Nashville Superspeedway. But we can report that the ute drives about the same as did the last JX35 we tested, which Infiniti says was the goal. The electric power steering is rather mute, and the ride felt around-town pleasant on the $1600 20-inch wheels (18s are standard fare). Weight gain is claimed to be minimal, and Infiniti predicts straight-line performance will shadow that of the nonhybrids. Expect 0­-to-60  

around eight seconds. The brake pedal is relatively smooth for a hybrid’s, and regenerative braking will recharge the modest battery, which can be monitored via digital readouts dashbroad. The lithium-ion battery lacks the juice to accelerate such a heavy vehicle on electricity alone, but the QX60 can coast with its engine off at speeds up to about 50 mph.

Although the new four-cylinder emits a faint thrum on startup and an occasional whine from the supercharger, the sound is generally pleasant and remote in normal driving. But accelerate the two-plus-ton QX60 up to highway speeds, and the CVT makes the engine drone as expected. A dial on the console engages Snow and Eco modes, as well as Sport. The latter sharpens the throttle responses, and the transmission simulates the stepped gear ratios of a conventional automatic.

 Front-drive QX60 hybrids start at $45,545, some three grand more than the V-6 model. Adding all-wheel drive tacks on another $1400, with options capable of pushing prices over 60 large. One content-packed bundle is the $4600 Premium package (everything from navigation and a heated steering wheel to Infiniti’s Around View monitor), which you first have to select if you want the even-grander $6050 Deluxe Technology package (two power sunroofs, an upgraded Bose audio system, 20-inch wheels, all of Infiniti’s big-brother sensors and warnings, and more.) The $1700 Theater package, with its rear-seat entertainment system.

TOP 3 CHOICE CONVERTIBLES UNDER $30,000

In America, the open road calls to you, and there's no better way to experience the thrill of travel than the convertible. Peel back the roof, feel the wind in your hair and sun on your face. Ironically, the appeal of the modern convertible rests on its ability to deliver practical transportation as well as playful recreation. Convertible hardtops deliver the security of a folding metal top, although at the price of extra weight. Traditional fabric tops now afford multiplayer insulation from both weather and road noise. Forget the days of clumsy, manually operated tops and unwieldy covers. Thanks to the choice between folding hardtops and tight-fitting soft tops, life with a convertible can be just as comfortable as with a coupe.

Our top pick here is the Mazda Miata, which embodies the pure spirit of the roadster: precise handling, superior steering and a rev-loving engine. Its virtues also include a low cost of entry. For example, in the top trim levels you can opt for a power-retractable hardtop and still not bust the budget. Maintenance costs are low, too. This car is snug for average-size drivers, and taller people may find they can't slide the seats back enough. The trunk is small. The sound system disappoints. But if you came for the driving, this is your car.

The Ford Mustang V6 convertible is an iconic American pony car and a marvel at this price. Even better, the 2013 model has updated exterior styling and a new gauge cluster. An automatic transmission with manual shift control is new, but the authentic manual is a better choice. As always, what draws us is the Mustang's ability to be both a daily driver and a weekend romper. There are a few flaws here, including some interior trim executed in cheap plastic, no telescoping steering wheel and less trunk space than the coupe. But don't let these cavils stop you.

There's no trading down with the BMW 1 Series convertible, the scrappy entry-level soft top in the carmaker's line. The inline-6 engine is the one you find in the BMW 3 Series. You get the responsiveness, handling and in-cabin refinement found in higher-math Bimmers. Of course, there's less trunk space here than in the coupe, and the backseats are from Lilliput. Options can bust a budget. But you can choose some things that will enhance the big-sky experience, such as optional leather upholstery that comes with a sun-reflective treatment. Thoughtful convertible-centric things like that make the car a winner.

A complete redesign takes the already popular Porsche Boxster up several notches, making it this segment's top pick. The new base engine is more powerful and achieves better fuel economy. The car looks sharper and handles better, with an interior that accommodates taller drivers and offers more occupant space overall. You'll see Porsche Panamera inspiration in the gauges, dash and center console. The power-operated soft top folds in 10 seconds. But there are some downsides. The Boxster's options are virtually endless, so costs can escalate. There are two trunks, but together they offer just about 10 cubic feet for cargo.

Audi likes to carve its own path, and that's evident in it the Audi A5 Cabriolet. The car is powered by a spirited turbocharged four-cylinder engine, not the six-cylinder you'd expect. There's no retractable hardtop on offer. But there are upsides here. The four-cylinder engine is more fuel-efficient, and powers a car that's taut and crisp on the road. The soft top is light, raises or lowers in 15 seconds and leaves good trunk space when stowed. The A5 has a handsome, feature-rich interior. Although the rear seats are best for shorter passengers, they do fold down, which comes in handy.

The BMW 3 Series hardtop convertible is our third pick. BMW has redesigned the 3 Series sedan and wagon, but not the convertible (yet). It retains the previous-generation body style and naturally aspirated inline-6 engine. The car has excellent ride and handling balance, an upscale cabin and convertible-specific safety, convenience and comfort features. Even with the elegant top stowed, the trunk will hold a standard roller suitcase. Just as with the BMW 1 Series, option packages and à la carte choices are close to overwhelming and can kick up the price. But you'll get plenty of car for the money.