The combined city/highway fuel mileage rating by the federal government is as high as 28 miles per gallon for a 2015 Miata with manual transmission. With a starting manufacturer's suggested retail price, including destination charge, of $24,765 for a base 2015 Miata Sport with soft top and manual transmission, the Miata is one of the most affordable 2015 convertibles in the United States. The only new convertible with a lower price is the Smart fortwo Passion Cabriolet which carries an $18,680 starting retail price that includes destination charge. Standard equipment in every Miata includes the basics such as air conditioning, power windows, six-way adjustable driver seat, glass rear window, manually raising mesh wind blocker for when the top is down, lockable glovebox, 16- or 17-inch wheels and tires, fog lights, carpeted floor mats and AM/FM/CD/MP3 player. All Miatas come with standard safety equipment that includes side and frontal air bags, antilock brakes and electronic stability control. The Miata's responsive rack-and-pinion steering was a relief compared with the loose steering feel of some other vehicles that required constant driver corrections at the steering wheel. The short-throw, six-speed shifter in the test car was enjoyable to use, and while the clutch pedal needed some weight to activate, it was not enough to fatigue a left leg in stop-and-go, congested traffic. Note the Miata's six-speed automatic comes with paddle shifters so drivers can manually shift through gears without using a clutch pedal.