The 2010 Mazda MX5 Miata is a sleek and fun roadster that comes with either a soft-top or retractable hardtop. Prices range from $22,810 up to $28,250 for these delightful convertibles. The Miata reputation for spirited driving continues into its fifth decade now. Worldwide racing circuits all respect the engineering excellence that has consistently emerged from the Mazda teams.

The 2010 MX5 Miata from Mazda is available with your choice between three separate transmissions. There is a 5-speed and 6-speed manual as well as a 6-speed automatic offered. Automatic gearbox configurations come with sporty paddle shifters located on the steering wheel. Note that choosing the automatic option will result in a loss of five horsepower. The sole 2.0L I4 engine generates 167hp at 7000 RPM and 140 lb-ft at 5000 RPM.

There are five trim levels available for the 2010 Mazda Miata MX5: Sport, Touring, Grand Touring, Touring Hardtop and Grand Touring Hardtop. The Sport trim level was dropped from the hardtop lineup - and the SV trim was dropped from the soft-top lineup since last year. All are rear wheel driven and feature two doors. Of course, Miatas are notoriously small and lightweight. Dimensions in length, width and height are 157.3, 67.7 and 49 inches respectively. A 91.7 inch wheelbase carries the 2480 pound curb weight. The ground is cleared by 4.6 inches. The required turning radius is measured at 15.4 feet.

Engineers of the 2010 Mazda MX5 still want you to be comfortable though. Internal dimensions for both occupants include 37 inches of headroom, 53 inches of shoulder room, 51 inches of hip room and a very respectable 43.1 inches of legroom. You will find 5.3 cubic feet of luggage space in the boot.

The MX5 from Mazda experiences competition from the Pontiac Solstice, the Saturn Sky, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder and the MINI Cooper S to name a few. It brings to the table standard dual front airbags, an option for passenger airbag deactivation, anti-lock brakes, electronic traction and stability control systems, brake force distribution and tire pressure monitoring. Not bad. Delivering 21/28 MPG of fuel spent as estimated by the EPA, a full 12.7 gallon fuel tank will not need refilled for roughly 300 miles.

The 2010 Mazda MX5 Miata is the cumulative result of decades and decades of attentive engineering excellence. Don't let the small numbers fool you. Performance, power, handling and responsiveness are all presented in copious amounts. Expect serious driving stimulation when you are in command of the new MX5; you won't be disappointed.