The brand-new 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata will reach dealerships this summer with base price of $24,915 in its entry-level Sport trim option, according to a company media release.

The fourth-generation model is about $945 more than the 2015 base Miata Sport trim level ($23,970) due to Mazda's updated and new features.

A six-speed manual transmission is standard for the new Miata, which is a first, along with Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, a leather-wrapped shift knob and USB audio input.

The current model comes with a five-speed manual, but a USB port is not available for any current Miata and Bluetooth is standard for just the Grand Touring option, according to the Mazda website.

"As we get closer to the MX-5's summer on-sale date, we're seeing a surge in interest and excitement from enthusiasts and journalists," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, MNAO, in a company statement. "Already, early MX-5 reviews have been overwhelmingly positive, and we expect the momentum that MX-5 has garnered to continue to build as drivers get behind the wheel of our fourth-generation sports car."

Mazda previously confirmed that the 2016 Miata will come standard with a 2.0-liter SKYACTIV four-cylinder engine and 17-inch wheels in North America.

Complete pricing information, the official release date and more specifications will be announced closer to the Miata's release date, according to the automaker.

The 2016 MX-5 Miata will reach dealerships this summer and will be available in Sport, Club and Grand Touring options.

We don't know how much the Club and Grand Touring options will cost yet but the current models go for $27,725 and $28,370 each, respectively. So expect both of those prices to go up a bit for the 2016 options.

We also expect the latest Mazda MX-5 Miata to compete for sales with the Volkswagen Golf GTI and the Buick Cascada.

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