The 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata was named among the 10 Best Road Trip Cars in this year’s Kelley Blue Book list. Also, earlier in the year, MX-5 was the recipient of another Kelley Blue Book distinction – the inaugural Total Cost of Ownership Award in the Sports Car category.

According Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com, MX-5 earned its spot because “whether tracing sinuous back roads or circling simple freeway on-ramps, few cars can better transform those arcs into pure joy than the Mazda MX-5 Miata.” This is MX-5’s second appearance on the 10 Best list, previously being named in 2007.

“Time and time again, the MX-5 Miata proves why it is the best-selling two-seat roadster in the world and Mazda is proud to receive this recent honor from kbb.com,” said Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO). “Not only can the vehicle handle the Point A-to-Point B needs of a daily driver yet still offer the performance and athleticism demands to be a road racing champion, but all drivers can enjoy getting behind the wheel of a genuine sports convertible that is safe, dynamic, luxurious and attainable.”

Available in four trims, the MX-5 is a lightweight, low-slung, rear-wheel-drive sports car with happiness-inducing handling, features and pricing. With a slender starting curb weight of 2,447 pounds, all MX-5s are equipped with a 2.0-liter gasoline engine and produce 167 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque.