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Mazda roadster in Guinness World Records | Mazda of Lake Lanier

Driving the 2015 Mazda MX-5 Miata roadster is like letting loose of heavy burdens.

The smartly styled, 13-foot-long two-seater is so efficient in design, there's not a lot of room to carry extra baggage.

The car, itself, weighs less than 2,600 pounds and is energetic and eager to dash down the roads in a lighthearted and sprightly manner.

Heavy thoughts and responsibilities go out the windows as the Miata, with close to 50-50 front-to-rear weight balance, takes curves as if it's on rails.

Put down the Miata's soft- or hard-top roof and the drive can be a tonic — full of sun, warmth and energy.

No wonder the rear-wheel drive MX-5 Miata, now in its 25th year, is in the Guinness World Records as the best-selling two-seat roadster on Earth. More than 900,000 of the cars have been built. U.S. models come from Mazda's Hiroshima auto manufacturing complex.

The Miata isn't just a record holder or therapy for driving enthusiasts. It is practical, too.

It's a recommended buy of Consumer Reports, where its reliability is rated at average.

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. This figure isn't farfetched, judging by the test car with six-speed manual and power hard top that averaged 27 mpg in city/highway travel.

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.