“The MX-5 is a car that can make you feel like a hero, or a champion without breaking too many road rules.”

Los Angeles, California.

The Law of Attraction suggests that we invite things into our lives that we project – or “like attracts like.”

For instance, if we’re positive people, I believe positive people will then gravitate to us.

Perhaps it’s because of a long-standing history, or love of the Mazda MX-5, née Miata, that our lives were once again intertwined for yet another round of memory making.

It’s hard to wipe the smile off my face when I have this two-door as a companion on a journey along the sinuous and slender roads of southern California.

It sparked girlhood feelings of giddiness and excitement as I shifted through the gears of the new and lighter six-speed manual transmission; remembering the times when I rode shotgun with my mom in her red, 1990 Miata, when I would have rather been the captain.

It brought so much mirth into my life then and continues to do so today. With the introduction of the 2016 model, expect that merriment to be increased for MX-5 lovers. Ten-fold. Perhaps more.

One can look at the specs sheet, gripe about its 155 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque from its 2.0 L four-cylinder, and argue that’s not nearly enough power.

Through its renaissance, it loses 12 horsepower but gains eight 10 lb-ft of torque compared to the outgoing 2015 MX-5. Though I’d argue it can possibly convert even the blackest of hearts.

Less is more certainly applies in this case. I will agree that 155 horsepower isn’t a shocking number, and yes, it could have a little more gusto, but that doesn’t mean it’s devoid of flavour and flair.

The beauty of the MX-5 is that it’s still a driver’s car. And Mazda made sure that specific elements trickled down from generation to generation. Sure, specs, engines, transmissions, components would change, but at its core, it would stay the same.

That core involves the mantra of “from grandmas to Grand Prix drivers.”

Meaning, you can be from any walk of life and still have a blast behind the wheel.

That’s solidified with the fourth generation.

Without getting too technical, dimensionally, it has changed. It’s actually smaller – the overhangs in the front and rear don’t hang as much – yet space is used even more efficiently inside. The driver sits lower, and so does the engine.

I’m not a particularly tall individual, but my driving partner, an above average height male, didn’t find himself as cramped as he thought he would be. Even when we put the top up, claustrophobia was nowhere to be found.

And speaking of top up driving, cabin noise is reduced significantly. Thanks to an aluminum front panel and insulating headliner, wind noise is cut by 40 percent.

With the top down, engineers have used their wizardry – or in this case, scientific knowhow – to keep cabin wind at bay and to allow conversations to be carried on without having to yell. And without too much hair being blown around. Side note: ladies, bring a hair tie just in case.

Perhaps MX-5 admirers should also bring their sunglasses, because this front-engine, rear-wheel drive car is hot. Hot meaning sexy. And sexy in regards to its styling.

The MX-5 fully embraces the Kodo or “Soul of Motion” design language that inspires clean and crisp lines on new and future Mazda products.

You won’t find hard edges on this car, but you will find a flowing form that is highly attractive at a standstill.

While the looks of a car are essential, it’s not what the MX-5 relies on for its cult-like following. It’s the drive. The MX-5 is a car that can make you feel like a hero, or a champion without breaking too many road rules.

It’s a car whose steering, suspension and transmission work so seamlessly together with the driver that it requires effort not to enjoy yourself.

If the Laws of Attraction are yet again on my side, the 2016 Mazda MX-5 and I will cross paths again. Hopefully sooner rather than later.

The 2016 Mazda MX-5 (the GX trim) has a starting MSRP of $31,900. The GS has an MSRP of $35,300 and the GT of $39,200. All three trims can be outfitted with the six-speed manual or the six-speed automatic for the same price.

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Visit www.mazda.ca for more information.

Contact the writer at alexandra [dot] straub [at] drivewaybe [dot] ca