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2008 Mazda MX-5 Grand Touring PRHT
The 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid


Base price: $26,760
As tested: $29,575

166 horsepower
2.0L 4-cylinder
6-speed manual transmission

21 city / 28 highway

More info:
www.mazdausa.com



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2008 Mazda MX-5 Grand Touring PRHT
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A soft-top convertible’s great in the year-round sun of L.A.; it’s not so fun mid-December in Chicago. But inclement weather won’t turn the Mazda MX-5 PRHT convertible ("PRHT" stands for "power retractable hardtop") into a mobile icebox. Tool around like Austin Powers until the weather turns, and then flip up the hardtop for coupe comfort in 12 seconds flat—even Seattle rainstorms don’t come on that quick. A wide stance, 17-inch rims and bulging front fenders give this little roadster enough of a brawny edge to keep your date from laughing when you pull up.

Driving the MX-5’s old school black-and-tan retro cabin is like sliding into an old British Triumph, but with all the modern creature comforts. Our Grand Touring model came with heated, tan-leather-trimmed seats, leather-trimmed shift knob, a three-spoke steering wheel and a booming Bose audio system. One caveat: Any guy who’s NFL QB size would look like he’s riding a Big Wheel sitting inside the cozy cockpit.

Playboy sponsors an MX-5 race team, and the production vehicle’s agility and responsiveness to the road reflects that track heritage. Don’t be misled by the raw stats on the MX-5’s 2.0 liter engine (four cylinders, 166 horsepower, 140 lb-ft of torque). With a lightweight aluminum hood and engine, the MX-5 barely cracks 2,400 lbs, so it’s plenty fun on twisty roads or tooling along the highway. Just don’t show up on Pinks racing any real sports car, or you’ll be handing over the keys.

—by Sam Jemielity

WHEELS REVIEW ARCHIVE