There is just no other car like the Mazda MX-5 Miata. Pleasure is part of its DNA, and the re-engineered 2016 model, the fourth-generation MX-5, is no exception.

This little roadster was a charmer when it debuted in the U.S. in 1990. Its Miata magic is still quite apparent, and possibly even more enjoyable now. Its lightweight, rear-wheel-drive performance, which creates the "oneness of horse and rider," has been its guiding light.

Though I always say another 50 horsepower would put more kick in the giddyup, it is not really necessary. Mazda likes to say that it's about the driving experience; don't let the numbers fool you. It did, however, make the 2016 Miata 150 pounds lighter than before by using more aluminum in the top structure and body, including the fenders, roll hoop, bumpers and reinforcement panels.

The footprint is smaller on the outside, but bigger on the inside — there's a bit more headroom and legroom. Plus, the vehicle is quicker to 60 mph by a second and more fuel-efficient.

The exterior styling is more intense, but harmonious as a sports car, though some will say the rear-end treatment is a knockoff from the Jaguar F-TYPE. (Is that bad?) The front end is shorter, and the hood is longer and broader, reaching to a shorter roof. The wheels are pushed to the corners for a sturdy stance.

Under the skin, the MX-5 is a lesson in efficiency. The car was developed from the driver's seat outward. The pedals and steering wheel are now aligned (they were previously offset). The steering wheel is smaller, and the driver sits lower and closer to the center of the car. The hood was lowered by an inch, which helps driver visibility going into a corner.

The seat design was completely rethought, partly for comfort and partly to decrease weight and achieve a lower position. The seats do not use conventional foam or springs, but they have three layers of high-tension cloth inserts. The seat conforms to the driver without bolsters, Mazda says. They just felt like good seats to me; there was no butt-shimmy needed to get across a steep side bolster. And there is enough headroom and legroom for six-foot-plus drivers.

The suspension is compliant — soft, even — with a little body roll. But the ride height is so low that the double-wishbone suspension keeps the tires in contact. Every corner becomes an apex to hit and grin. The ride quality is far superior for those who take weekend trips. No more cast-iron butt required.

A known Miata benefit has been its easy-folding soft top. And this one has a Z-fold aluminum frame that drops and flops into position with an easy click to secure. Hit the release tab, and the top pops up a few inches for an easier reach to cover the cabin. No retractable power hardtop model is planned, but there will be a new targa-top-like roof model called Retractable Fastback.

The one and only powertrain is a 155-horsepower, 2-liter, four-cylinder engine with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. There is good range from the power, and it only has to push 2,332 pounds (plus the occupants). Gear ratios for the manual transmission were adjusted to get more midrange power, so there is much less shifting needed to stay in the power band. The gearbox is bolt-quick and the gears slot with precision. A hill-holder takes away the apprehension on uphill starts, which all but makes the automatic transmission ($1,075) an unnecessary expense.

Fuel economy is 27 mpg city, 34 highway and 30 mpg combined for the manual, or 27/36/30 for the automatic, using the recommended premium fuel. I was averaging around 35 mpg.

The two-seat, rear-wheel drive Miata is sold in three trim levels: Sport, Club and Grand Touring. Starting prices range from $25,735 to $31,000, including the $820 freight charge from Japan.

Today's tester, a Club with manual transmission, was $33,120 with the Brembo brakes and BBS wheel package ($3,400). Soul Red paint would add $300. The Club model is a leaner choice with 17-inch wheels and an appearance package of front air dam, rear-lip spoiler, rear-bumper skirt and side-sill extenders. The Club model with manual trans also adds a sport-tuned suspension, Bilstein shock absorbers, a shock tower brace, limited-slip differential and an engine sound-enhancer.

As enjoyable as the Miata is, there are some odd placements: The cup holders are all but useless; the 12-volt plug is way up under the dashboard on the passenger side (although there are two more handy USBs in the console); the console controller dial for various cabin functions is in the way; seat heaters are not an option for the Club model; and a big hump in the passenger floor elicited several questions asking, "What's this?"

Re-creating the Miata recipe could not have been easy, yet the result is revolutionary, while still being familiar.

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club

—Body style: compact, two-seat, rear-wheel-drive roadster

—Engine: 155-horsepower, direct-injection 2.0-liter 4-cylinder; 148 foot-pounds torque at 4,600 rpm

—Transmission: 6-speed manual

—Fuel economy: 27/34 mpg city/hwy; 91 octane

SPECIFICATIONS

—Fuel tank: 11.9 gallons

—Trunk space: 4.6 cubic feet

—Front head/leg/shoulder room: 37.4/43.1/52.2 inches

—Length/wheelbase: 154.1/90.9 inches

—Curb weight: 2,332 pounds

—Turning circle: 32.9 feet

FEATURES

—Standard equipment includes: smart-key locking with push-button ignition, 9-speaker Bose audio system with auxiliary jack and two USB ports, 7-inch color touchscreen, air conditioning, carpeted floor mats, leather shift knob and hand brake, power windows and mirrors, LED headlights and running lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, high-performance Bridgestone S001 tires, front and rear stabilizer bars, limited-slip differential, front shock tower brace and glass rear window with defroster

—Safety features include: 4 air bags, stability and traction controls, brake-force distribution and brake assist

PRICING

—Base price: $29,420, including $820 freight charge; price as tested $33,120

—Options on test vehicle: Soul Red paint, $300; Brembo brakes and BBS wheel package, $3,400

—Assembled in Japan.

—Warranty: 3-years/36,000-miles bumper to bumper with roadside assistance; 60-months/60,000-miles powertrain

The fourth-generation MX-5 Miata was designed from the driver's seat outward.

The 2016 Miata is 150 pounds lighter than before.

Mark Maynard is online at [email protected]. Find photo galleries and more news at Facebook.com/MaynardsGarage. To find out more about Mark Maynard and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.