Mazda Announces 2016 MX-5 Miata Pricing in Japan, Starts at $20,600

The first thing that got our attention is the fact that prices start at about 2.5 million yen, which is the equivalent of only $20,600 right now. That would make the Miata much cheaper than the Scion FR-S, but we're not sure the two can be compared.

The 1.5-liter Skyactiv engine under the bonnet which will be offered in Europe as well makes a very respectable 131 PS and 150 Nm of torque. It can be matched to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic in Japan, in which case the customer has to pay about 110,000 yen more. That's only $900, probably the cheapest auto option in the segment.

The new Miata is also incredibly economical, not just by sportscar standards, but that's mainly due the small displacement of the engine and the 990 kilogram total weight. With the 6-speed manual and optional i-ELOOP system, Japanese buyers can expect to get as much as 18.8 kilometers per liter of gas, which is equivalent to 5.3 l/100km or 44.4 mpg US. Wow, that's good!

The most expensive MX-5 in the range is the S Leather Package, which as the name implies comes with full leather seats and some nice satin chrome interior trim pieces. It costs 3,142,800 yen, or the equivalent of $26,000. We also want to point out that the navigation system is very similar to the Mazda3 and the blue dials are a nice touch.

In total, there are 7 color options available (check them out in the gallery below): Ceramic Metallic, Soul Red Premium Metallic, Meteor Gray Mica, Jet Black Mica, Crystal White Pearl Mica, Arctic White, Blue Reflex Mica. All models seem to come with the same 16-inch black alloy wheels which are wrapped in 195/50 R16 84V tires.