2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata, MX 5 RF Full Review New

To call the 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata an icon is to understate its significance. In 1989, when it made its debut, the convertible compact sports car re-invented its market segment. Since then, its performance and handling have only improved, making it one of the most entertaining four-wheeled objects available.

For over three decades, the MX-5 Miata has demonstrated that a sporty roadster does not have to be prohibitively expensive. The most recent iteration of the iconic two-door made its debut in 2016 and has received regular updates since then, including a power increase for 2019 and handling-improving Kinematic Posture Control for 2022. The inexpensive convertible for two passengers has no direct competitors, but it competes with sport compacts such as the Toyota GR86 and Honda Civic Si.

All models are powered by a revvy 181-hp four-cylinder engine and come standard with a six-speed manual transmission, a combination reminiscent of the sports cars of the past. This lightweight two-seater is offered with an automatic transmission, but the manual makes for a more engaging driving experience. It’s not the best option for daily commuting or long road trips, and tall drivers will find the cabin a bit cramped, but the Miata is equipped with the essentials, and its chassis is tuned for maximum fun.

What’s Different in 2023?

The only modification to Mazda‘s most entertaining model for 2023 is a new paint color called Zircon Sand.

The Club trim, with its 17-inch wheels, limited-slip rear differential, heated seats, and nine-speaker Bose stereo system, strikes the best balance between features and performance in this vehicle. Although the Miata is available with an automatic transmission, it is by far superior when equipped with the six-speed manual transmission that is exclusive to the Club trim.

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2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata Powertrain, Engine, and Performance

The 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata engine revs eagerly and is sufficiently powerful to provide thrilling acceleration. The direct, simple-to-shift manual transmission encourages exploitation of the engine’s high-revving character. Even the available automatic transmission impresses with its quick shifts and sporty programming. In our testing, the soft-top model reached 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds, while the slightly heavier hard-top RF model required 5.8 seconds.

Miatas have a taut ride and can become bouncy over a rapid succession of bumps. The Club’s shocks and springs provide the stiffest ride in the lineup, despite the fact that no Miata rides poorly. The maneuverability is brisk, eager, and playful. We particularly enjoy the steering’s lightness and feel; it cuts like a great running back and keeps the driver informed of the front tires’ motion. This vehicle is enjoyable, plain and simple.

Engine

There are no changes under the hood of the MX-5, which retains the 2.0-liter gasoline engine with natural aspiration. The four-cylinder engine continues to generate 181 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 151 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm despite the 2019MY introduction of the ND2. Depending on the trim level, the NA engine is paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission.

In other markets, Mazda continues to offer its popular convertible with the 1.5-liter engine that was originally intended to be the sole option for the Miata. Later in the development process, the company determined that Americans would not purchase a vehicle with such a small engine, so it installed a 2.0-liter engine and upgraded it a few years later.

As far as pricing is concerned, the MX-5 Miata Sport with a six-speed manual transmission begins at $28,050. The base trim level is only available with a black soft top and now costs $400 more than before. The RF starts at $35,350 if you prefer the added sophistication and comfort of the hardtop model.

Is an Electric Miata in the Works?

True and no. Mazda has stated that, by 2030, its entire lineup will be electrified (full electrics and hybrids), and that the Miata will survive this transition. However, more recent data indicates that a next-generation MX-5 is not likely until closer to the end of the decade.

In 2024, we anticipate a substantial redesign of the current Miata with combustion power. If we give it a 10-year generation (consistent with previous Miata life cycles), that could mean a midcycle refresh around 2029, at which point a hybrid powertrain would likely be introduced.

2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata Energy Efficiency and Real-World MPG

A “W” is added to the Miata’s column for its low weight. With such a small vehicle to move, the 2.0-liter engine achieves relatively high EPA fuel economy ratings of up to 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. On our 200-mile highway fuel economy test route, a Grand Touring model with a soft top achieved 36 mpg and an RF Club model with a hard top achieved 37 mpg, both equipped with a six-speed manual transmission. To learn more about the Miata’s fuel economy, please visit the EPA’s website.

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2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata Cargo, Comfort, and Interior

You don’t so much sit in a 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata as you wear it. The cabin is suitable for two adults and contains only the bare necessities. Glass-half-full types (such as ourselves) appreciate the businesslike prioritization of the steering wheel, pedals, shifter, and tachometer, as well as the refreshingly basic accommodations. With few storage compartments and a small trunk, the Miata barely acknowledges the need to transport personal belongings.

Nonetheless, its diminutive size offers little in the way of functionality. If you pack lightly, the trunk can fit two people’s weekend essentials. When it comes to cargo space, the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR 86 twins surpass the Miata; their folding rear seats allow owners to transport up to four full-size wheels and tires (for a track day, for example) between the trunk and the cabin.

2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata Informational Entertainment and Connectivity

The touchscreen infotainment system in the Miata is enhanced by an easily accessible control knob and physical buttons on the center console. Every Miata includes Bluetooth connectivity (for both phone and streaming audio functions) and a CD player as standard equipment. Navigation is standard on the Grand Touring and a dealer-installed option on Club models; a Mazda SD card is used to add the feature. In addition, HD radio compatibility is included. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard on all models.

2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata Price

The vast difference between the two is explained by the fact that the RF is not available in Sport trim because it begins as a Grand Touring with more standard features. As in the past, the automatic transmission is exclusive to the upscale Grand Touring and costs $33,550 for the soft top and $35,900 for the RF. A Terracotta Nappa leather interior is available for an additional $300 for this trim level.

The most expensive model is still the manual-only Club with Brembo BBS Recaro Package, which costs $36,050 for the soft top and $38,400 for the RF. Destination and handling are an additional $1,275, or $1,320 for Alaska residents. The Brembo BBS Recaro Package for the MX-5 Miata Club RF will set you back just under $40,000.

2023 Mazda MX 5 RF

The 2023 Mazda MX 5 RF has been effortlessly reinvented over the past year, becoming smaller, lighter and more efficient compared to its beloved predecessor. What they didn’t spend was the very thing that was manipulated to gain acceptance when it launched nearly 30 years ago. The car’s agile and lively driving style did not help create a man with a smile at heart. Extended turned out to be similar to the real Miata. Mazda has improved the formula to make it an updated working time car.

2023 Mazda MX 5 RF Redesigned
Exterior

Compared to the previous contrast, the 2023 Mazda MX 5 RF from the fourth period is easily the most important thing you leave behind from your base Mazda Miata, mainly due to the bulbs having previously disappeared in the later car. The latest 2023 Mazda MX 5 RF is just over 150 inches long, which is actually a few inches faster than its last average. The illumination of the small entrance is a light-emitting diode, as are the taillights.

They are similar to miniature versions of the Jaguar F-Type. The data helps keep your regular outdoor patio/extended canopy measurements easy. With the basic in place, the MX 5 RF is a truly elegant coupe. As powerful as central solar cell technology is, it feels small and entirely new to the world over the current Porsche 911 Targa.

2023 Mazda MX 5 RF interior

The 2023 Mazda MX 5 RF has a complete interior that is comfortable and stylish. It’s basically the same as the Mazda3 sedan and hatchback and comes with an updated infotainment display related to your dashboard and the option to change a button to start, as well as the surprising number of chime sources. Mazda claims to have the car right in front of the driver’s eyes, and the MX 5 offers excellent steering wheel pedals and a gear shift position.

You want the handles to be staggered and tiltable. Despite its small size, the handle is surprisingly easy to use enough for even the toughest of people with plenty of head space. In addition, it has an excellently stepped trunk, but in comparison with the design of the previous generation, the interior is of the highest quality.

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2023 Mazda MX 5 RF engine

The only engine found in the latest 2023 Mazda MX 5 RF is a 2.0-liter 4-pipe that produces 155 horsepower. It’s like a base with an advanced 6-speed manual transmission, and if you have no idea how to get a stick to move, it’s important to study the process of making use of it. Movements are light and changes are obvious, and the way the conduction system works is region specific. If you need, buy a car for the price of 6, it can be located and is the only component that is incredibly old-fashioned.

In addition, it provides a large amount of body fat. However, despite the manual transmission procedure, many people think that it is worth getting the manual. Whatever you decide to do, you can add it with high quality unleaded fuel, but with a 35-mile range of fuel in the area, it may not often get the job done.

2023 Mazda MX 5 RF Release Date and Price

The latest 2023 Mazda MX 5 RF starts around $32,000, after applying the Grand Touring RF to around $33,500. Automatic transmissions can cost anywhere from $700 to $1,500 depending on the model. The most expensive competitor to the MX-5, the MX-5, based on the Fiat 124 Spider, has a more traditional look and a 1.4-liter turbo engine.

Source : http://mazdausa.com