BASE IS ACE! 2020 Mazda MX-5 Review
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- Опубліковано 26 лип 2024
- This Mazda MX-5 is a base model, which I’ve wanted to drive for a long time. No big brakes. No limited-slip diff. No sticky tires. The best part? No leather seats, either.
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We drive the base model Mazda MX-5 to find out whether base can be ace. What do you think?
Thoughts vs BRZ/86 ?
Hi Brian , wasn't sure I'd like this base model review but I loved it. I have the cloth seats in my 2016 MX-5 Club & agree they are very good. My only complaint would be more side bolstering but then again on long drives without really serious high speed cornering they might be less comfortable. Hell of a deal for the base model ! Every thing you need to put the grin on your face in that car. BTW my local Mazda dealer keeps sending my post cards in the mail saying how much they will give me for my 2016 Club to put me in a 2020 Sport every month. They are wasting the paper on me as I totally love my daily driving 2016 Club here just outside of Chicago , Illinois. Cheers Brian !
@@joro2 depends on whether you want to roadster or not! Check our last 86 review, it's a good one.
@@ag4allgood nice spec, Alan! Do you think your dealer is willing to do a straight trade? LOL
@@BrianMakse No straight trade unfortunately. The upgraded engine / andoid, carplay / adjustable steering column are not enough to make me pay for a 2020 MX-5. Really happy in my 2016 Club with the Brembo / BBS !
The more advanced other sports cars get the more I rewatch this review and think I really want to find this car in this exact spec and just have a simple car that’s fun to drive
I'm the original owner of a 2019 MX-5 Miata Sport in Soul Red. Couldn't be happier with the purchase. The next trim up (Club) was not worth another $3,500 to me when I ordered my car. It has everything I need, and I have never moaned the lack of an LSD in this 181hp vehicle. The 16" wheels are great for durability and soaking up imperfect roads.
Nice to find a like minded fellow! Hope you stick around.
Gr8 job as always! And always so encouraging to hear your preferrences for the base cloth interior since it's what my blue Club will have once it arrives sometime around August 27th.
I just had a new soft top put on my 2011 Sport model with cloth seats. It's what a sports car should be. No electric top, no steering wheel controls, etc. It does have an upgraded head unit but other than the radio, just plain fun to drive. I told my son (who drives it to school) when he buys it from me, I'm going to get an ND Club with the soft top to replace it. Great review.
That’s the spirit! Glad you enjoyed.
Great review Brian,I have owned a Pkg a 1990 Miata for 12 years and it's been my favorite car i've ever owned regardless of price which was 2500
Enjoyed your review! It's being very well received on the MX-5 Miata forum. Subscribed, and keep up the great work.
Thanks for the sub! Glad to hear others are enjoying it. What's the link?
forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.php?t=724543
Thanks! Sounds like a bunch of people I'd like to hang out with. Let 'em know the splitter guards an inside joke on our channel!
MX-5, the most fun you can have at street legal speed.
Exactly
Thanks for the video! Helped convince me to buy my red Sport, which I love. Thanks for reviewing the base trim!
Glad I could help!
Great review. You answered some questions I had but other reviewers didn't touch on well.
Thanks! We know how to drive on this channel.
Great review Brian. I am with you 100% on cloth seats. I just spent months trying to find a quality car with cloth seats and they are sooooo much better but so rare. Cheers
Thanks! Great minds think alike!
My previous two Miatas (NA, NC) were cloth and loved them. My wife was adamant about leather, so I was willing to try it out for ND-2. It's not as grippy as the cloth for sure - but goshdarnit, I've got a Miata so can not complain!
Leather all the time for me.
16 Club owner here. It rocks! A drivers car. Love the shirt👍
Great car! You can get the shirt at our merch store: teespring.com/save-the-manuals-november-2018?tsmac=store&tsmic=brianmakse&pid=369&cid=6513&sid=front
How did you capture the colour so PERFECTLY !?????
I thought I did a pretty crap job. Glad it came out.
@@BrianMakse I agree with Terence I really enjoyed this video because the red pops like it does in real life
Also cause of content lol. Nice driving.
Thanks for spending so many words on the differential. Not having spent a significant amount of time in the MX-5 I’ve wondered just how important a limited slip is in a car that surely can’t have a difficult time getting power down at speed. If anything in a car where you want to focus on maintaining cornering momentum that it might even be a distraction.
Thank you! Your appreciation of this is episode is why I do this.
If ever you want one cusco & os giken have lsd for mx5.
I am glad that the MX5 comes in a base sport model. I owned 2 of them, but I now drive GT’s. I did not think a bare bones would matter, but it did not work well for me.
Awesome review!!!!
Thanks! Tell your friends!
I own a 2017 MX-5 RF GT and I still love it. No LSD, which I would've preferred, but wasn't available for the GT for some reason. I have to agree, though, it rarely seems to make a difference. I do prefer the leather seats over cloth though. Top down or top up, I love to drive it, and the wind noise when the top is down doesn't bother me. At 155 hp I find I don't want to change the engine. While 180+ would be nice to have, I don't feel like I'm missing out, and mine gets 35 mpg. Since it's the daily driver, it's nice to have decent fuel economy and still have fun. My car has the Soul Red paint. So beautiful. You wouldn't believe how many compliments I get for my car.
You can get an OS giken for like $1500
More MX5 reviews !!! Great Job!
Thanks! Tell your friends!
I have a 2020 MX-5 Club RF, in Soul Red, and I love it. Her name is Maggie, since the women in my neighborhood say she's a chick magnet. A spectacular automobile!
It’s gotta be something other than the car. Sports cars are dude magnets.
Thankyou, I'm about to buy the Sold Crystal Red 2021 sport MX5 and what I needed to hear was how nice the base version is.
Do it!
Great Review!
Thanks!
I agree base is best and you do a great review explaining exactly why!
Thanks. Base is ace!
Nice review. I'm not much of a gadget guy, and I was thinking the base model was the best choice for me anyway since all the important bits are there. This review gives me confidence in my choice.
Base is ace!
Glad to see a Sport (base in US) model review. At least my wife prefers a base on than a Club because of a softer ride
That's another consideration I really didn't think about.
This looks like a club, with the front splitter and black alloy wheels.
nice to know someone besides me prefers the cloth. i test drove the leather, it made me sweaty. the cloth in my club is comfortable, even if sitting out in the sun, or at zero degrees. don't need seat warmers either. i do wish the seat was 1 inch lower; i sometimes have trouble seeing traffic lights. there is an after market seat bracket that does lower the seats, but for me, it's not bad enough to go to the trouble of putting those in and spending a few hundred bucks.
Seems like there are actually tons of like minded drivers here. Love it. And I love the breadth and depth of Miata aftermarket.
Just discovered your channel... Excellent review ! Well done.. Best
Thanks, Patrice! Hope you stick around!
@@BrianMakse Subscribed !! Cheers
@@pnaubry Thanks, Patrice! We really appreciate it!
Beg to differ re the seats. I specifically tested both variants before I bought and found the Recaros not only more supportive but more comfortable as well. They feel less "hammock-y". Besides: The Alcantara on the center bits will hold you in place very nicely (unlike a full leather seat) and is relatively easy to clean. They also make the interior look a little bit more special, IMO.
After 115,000 km and pretty much exactly six years of daily driving (and a reasonable amount of care), mine also seem to hold up very nicely. Leather looks as good as new, no wrinkles, rips or tears, just a tiny bit of abrasion on the red piping on the driver seat's left hand side side-bolster. I've used the car as an everyday driver and did quite a few long distance trips in it (500km +) and the seats are indeed very comfortable for this sort of stuff. At least for me and my fairly average build (1.81m, 78kg).
Whatever floats your boat! I still think base is ace.
It's only a matter of time before I have one of these in my garage where my Mustang is sitting now.
From the first minute you will miss the power, but the overall experience is ... well it's not a race but they're kind of the perfect little machine in all the ways. And the new engine revs properly like the originals in the NA... you keep thinking you broke it but it was just the limiter bouncing.
It's only a matter of time before i have one of these in my garage where my model 3 is sitting now.
I traded a 2007 Corvette for my Miata. The thing was fast, and the black paint looked beautiful after a wash and wax. With 400 hp you'd think I'd never get bored. First problem, automatic transmission. I didn't that would matter to me, but it did. Second, if the dealership hadn't have sold me a 2 year warranty, I would've had to spend thousands for all the problems that showed. I was concerned what other problems would come up after the warranty ended. At about 2 years after I get in a Miata for a test drive and I was giddy as a school girl. I thought I would've loved the 370z, and I did. The engine felt great. The Miata somehow still stole my heart. I was surprised.
I haven’t bought a nd because I thought I needed a club or better and I always want leather. Now after reading these reviews I realize I can have a base model and it will be fine. I can even lease one easily. Thank you for the info. Still I love leather look and feel . Will test a 2021 soon.
Happy to help!
Awesome car for those that understand who it’s intended for. Great presentation & channel! Sub’d 🍻
Thanks for the sub!
Tha is for the great video. I’m looking at buying a Miata for the first time but unfortunately there’s almost no stock in Atlantic Canada so no real opportunity to test drive the various trim levels. I was wondering specifically about the real benefits of an LSD and this video plus the comments gave me great insight.
I've heard the same thing about dealer stock on the east coast. Regarding the LSD, how are you going to use the car and what is your driving style? I just drove the GS-P/Club and I genuinely don't think you need it unless you drive like an idiot like me.
Love it. Brian's comments capture driver groups just right - track focused, traffic weavers, and the Vin Diesel's. He knows the road.
I may not know all of the roads, but I can wield a set of pedals.
I owned this car for two years. It’s very comfortable for long trips, has a great interior (though mine had a simple LCD radio). I would have tried to stiffen the suspension if I had kept it. Had to give it up because the clutch action caused me hip pain, so I’d get it with an automatic now. Modern automatics are very good and there’s no penalty in the ND like there was in the NC.
I love the idea of a simple radio instead of the goofy growth out of the dash. I thought the suspension calibration was lovely. I've never driven any Miata with an auto. I'm curious, but not that curious!
Hi Brian, great review of MX-5. I have a slightly used 2019 GT I purchased last October for the price of the base model. Fun car. Btw where did you film your test drive. I would love to drive my miata. I live in Toronto.
Nice work, great choice, Gaetano. I hate to say it, but we’ve gotten really good at making crappy Ontario roads look decent. There’s not much around, unless you get way out of the city.
Great review for a great car.
Thanks, Vito!
Great review 10/10 👍D
Don't tell us, tell your friends. We already know.
l love my 2016 ND Grand Touring AT! I drive it like I just stole it. It has an aftermarket Roadster Sport suspension, adjustable Koni shocks and performance springs from Goodwin Racing. That package lowers the car about an inch and a half. Goodwin racing front and rear sway bars, a Shock Tower brace that does not come with the 2016 GT model. That combination in the suspension takes out virtually all the body roll. Wilwood 6 piston front brakes slow the car just enough to carry speed into the corners. Roadster Sport Super Street Twin Tip axle back exhaust gives the car an AWESOME exhaust note. The 17X8 4X100 Koenig Hypergram wheels matched with General GMAX AS05225/45/17 tires give the car great street and track performance and an AWESOME profile. I put a Versa Tuner tune on it that enhances the torque up to the 7200rpm range. Yep, it pushed the rev-limit into the range of the 2020. I drive it in manual or manual sport about 99% of the time. The AT doesn`t have the manual`s launch just all the fun and equal handling in the mountains without all the clutching. The car way out performs my ability to drive it! I have ridden with AUTOCROSS instructors driving my ND to prove it! My buddy has the same car with a header for performance on the track. We both AUTOCROSS our cars. Don`t knock it until you try it!!
Sounds like you’re ready for a good driving school or two!
I ordered this car’s 2023 sibling last night 😍
Congrats!
@@BrianMakse but now I'm torn between Soul Red and Snowflake White. I won't PPF it immediately and I love the black bits of a GS on white.
I was torn between choosing this or the WRX as my new car but thanks to this video. I'm now sure.
Buying my MX5 on September RF manual. Called the dealership and they said I have to wait 5 to 6 months for a Manual RF to arrive. Can't wait!
Last year I bought the only manual mazda miata (in a soft top) in my whole city according to the dealership (tucson az), i love my mazda miata 2020 sport so much, I have to drive it more tho (not a lot of free time) I only have 8500 miles and ive had the car for over a year now.
I just bought one of these identical the sport in red 2021 and it's as much car as I wanted it to be, I did test drive the Club edition and those brembos are truly amazing but i'm very happy with my sport.
Congrats!
Thanks, I've owned a lot of nice cars but this one makes me feel truly lucky to own it. It's all you said it was in your excellent review and more.
Thank you for a great review. First time I’ve seen the skyactive-g explained. Got a 2020 Sport 6 months ago and your reasoning matches what I was thinking at the time. Only wish it had apple CarPlay here in the US.
Thank, Peter. Can you update your 6 at the dealer? I know you can with other Mazdas.
@@BrianMakse Sorry for the confusion, I got a 2020 Miata Sport six months ago. Yes you can at the dealer, was going to find out the cost when I take it in for the 5k this Friday. My understanding it's $200 for the part and 2hrs labor so it can be over $400 total depending on the dealer. Apparently there is no consistency in pricing, I've read stories on Miata.net about deals and offers that make it $200 to $500. Didn't really want it till I saw it in my wife's new 2020 Hyundai Kona SEL-Plus (they had great end of year deals due to a backlog of inventory when the 2021 hit the dealers). I will reply to this comment when I have an actual dollar amount.
Also bought a sport in the states a week ago. Took me about two hours and $150~ to replace the wiring and the usb hub, taking my time not to damage anything. Check out the forums for more info on it, it's plug and play with 2020 models!
So it’s $412 after taxes parts and labor. I’ve watched the videos. Just requires removing more panels than I’m comfortable with.
@@petermount4752 I had the dealer add it on my new 2019 RF GT that I bought new a few months ago. They quoted $400, but when I picked it up and paid for the car, it looks like they forgot to charge for it! The other great thing is that the car listed for $36k and change and I got it for $29k and change! I think they were trying to get rid of the 2019's! Love the car.
Great Canadian content 🇨🇦on the base miata. What should be standard on Canadian cars is heated steering wheel and seats on those very cool spring and autumn weather drive with the top down.
Stay tuned...we’re already scheduled for a winter test in the MX-5.
I absolutely love the MX5 I had the first one out and kept it for 20 some years had three hundred thousand miles on it still ran like a trooper but at my age I needed something more reliable traveling. Now I'm looking for a 2014 automatic silver with cloth seats
Nice work, Judy! Hope you find exactly what you’re looking for!
If you can stretch the budget, I would suggest looking at an ND. I have driven all but the NB and it is unbelievable how much better the ND feels than the NC. Regardless they are all excellent cars!
Average Japanese body type tends to be longer torso in relation to limbs. When I adjust the seat in most cars here in Japan for my legs (I'm only 5'9" a nice size for MX-5) I am quite far from the wheel. If they lower the seat engineers have you go back further to accommodate legs. That space is at a premium in this car. Yes, they really should telescope that wheel more. Many cars here in Japan only go with up/down adjustment.
Thanks, Brian. Very informative! I bought mine used at 8,000 miles and am not only absolutely thrilled!!! but discovering some of the customs it contains. I hear about "roll" and see the thing squat when you get in... Mine responds like a brick on stone when I get in. Obviously, something has been done. Anyhow, you're right, it isn't a dragster but not many cars will accelerate out of a curve at 60 mph like this or have good acceleration throughout the range of speed. First thing I noticed was my fuel mileage. I drove out of the city at 6,000 ft alt to my home at 9,000 ft alt and registered 39 mpg! About half of my driving is sport driving in the Colorado Rockies, (I have a few videos), and my total overall average is 40 mpg!! Freaking MAGIC! I can't fathom how anyone could get less mileage. Could it be the altitude? Seating- I find without a racing harness, even with the tight cockpit, I tend to spin myself around in the seat a lot. For me, the pedals are rather light to the touch.
Anyhow, your video has been very informative. Thanks a lot!
Just realized, I’m in the USA and our gallons might be different.
Glad you enjoyed, Dan. Lovely car. I'm quoting US gallons in all episodes. We don't measure in gallons, but rather litres.
Mazda México has made the trim options weird for the MX-5 too. It's largely similar to the Canadian model (km/h speed & odometer) with 2 big differences on the trim specs. The only Soft-Top trim you can get is the base 'i Sport' model with 6-speed manual, cloth upholstery and you cannot get the Automatic at all whatsoever. If you want an Automatic, you have to buy the Hard-Top RF, and even then, the only trim available for the RF is 'Grand Touring', which also means no cloth upholstery for any RF there. No Club model on either Soft-Top or RF. Interestingly, you also cannot get the 6-speed manual on the RF model, it's Automatic-only for México. No LSD, Recaro, or BBS package either for any MX-5. Soft-Top base price in Mexican Pesos is quite literally a steal at MXN$405,900 ($19,080 USD/$25,140 CAD at current exchange rate Sept. 13, 2020)
Yeah in Australia they all come with leather and LSD.
Mexican right here! I’m buying a ND2 at the end of the year. Happy with Mexico’s i Sport. However, the first mod I’m doing is the LSD swap :)
Wife has the original ND 1.5.
It has 7500rpm and everything that they later copied in the 2.0
Its the lightest mx5 ever made
Either way though 2.0 or 1.5 the mx5 is still the greatest roadsters ever made .
Had 2 Aston Martins behind us the other day they hated that the wife sticks to the speed limits so blasted past.
2 miles later we caught up as they got stuck behind a horse truck.
Trying to impress two old age pensioners with you right foot does not real work kids.
I had the choice in Australia, and went with the smaller 1500cc model because they tuned the motor properly from the start (I also preferred the ride on the 16" rims as well)
Great review with a base model ND....however I think "Track Rats" would prefer this trim since a majority of individuals would use the savings over the loaded trims and swap out the suspension, brakes, wheels, tires and add a lsd.
You could go either way on that. The base car with the base, cloth seat, adding a good suspension kit, brakes, wheels, tires, and a diff from Flyin Miata would make an excellent track car that can also be enjoyed on the road.
I’m a purveyor of cloth too. I find it odd to have single piston floating calipers; my 50yr old MGB even has dual piston.
They're quite good, actually. No complaints.
i wish they'd bring back pop up headlights, they were just cool. and that drinkholder is totally misplaced. they need 2 cupholders, up front within reach,for 2 people to enjoy a top-down cruise.
Zero cupholders is fine by me.
I Just purchased one and I could not agree with your review more!
Congrats! Hope you stick around!
@@BrianMakse With the Mazda shifter -- a piece of cake!
@@MrLaban2the perfect pun!
I WANT THAT RED ONE!
Love my 19 base model 0 options! I’m in the U.S. got it for 24,000 out the door. I do prefer cloth seats also because I live in Phoenix Arizona and leather would be torture! Tops always down , just so much fun on twisty up and down mountain roads.
Well done!
How’s the radio sound in the 2020 base? I know the Bose system is great my NC Miata.
Joel Remland sounds pretty good, although I usually listen more to the Borla exhaust !😁. It does have the headrest speakers only on the drivers side though.
Refreshingly great review! I’m curious how exactly the LSD feels in comparison to this base model, driving dynamics and feel, and if its worth the extra 5 or so k?
I don’t think you’d notice it anywhere except for low grip corner exits. Unless you’re tracking the car or adding more power, I don’t see the need for it.
@@BrianMakse Thank you. I am fairly new to driving a stick, so looking at the base model for driving around city and don't think I need LSD. I'm with you on the 16" wheels and tires with more sidewall. The roads here in South California aren't all that great. :)
Also CLOTH SEATS yes!!! I am not the only crazy person!!
@@blinkblink2255 right on! I'm currently in Southern California and I totally understand.
No! I own one, and LSD is not a factor in real world driving. If you auto-cross, yes, you need it. This is a superb driver’s car. If I could do one thing, I’d delete the electric assisted steering. Manual steering rules in a lightweight car.
Brian do you mind me asking what road you're driving on in the video?
I luuuuuuuve this vid thanks. Australian NC owner, base model with the 17s, leather, LSD etc we got standard. Just added aftermarket coilovers with 6 kg / 4.5 kg springs.
1. Agree on the 16s vs 17s - insufficient side wall for general compliance. My old forester glides over stuff that throws the MX off line.
2. That colour. Yeah. They look awesome!
3. Telescoping wheel? Finally.
4. I've got one inch lowering brackets for the seat to install. There is a 2.5 inch option if that isn't enough.
5. That engine. It's been described as the engine they should have always had. The NC engine is so disappointing compared to the 1.6 NAs even if more powerful. It's the one reason I'm interested in an ND.
6. It's not just the overall weight. From the NA onwards they had a focus on getting the weight close to the centre of rotation (looking from above). On track tyres the turn-in is hilarious.
The MX5 is unique I think. It's made me stop lusting after other cars. It's like my driving car needs are now sorted. The way it looks is just a bonus.
Cheers. Glad you enjoyed, John.
I went from an NC to ND2. I can tell you the NC isn't far behind the ND, and the NC is a step above the NB and NA. The steering is improved but with much less feedback. My NC wheel would jerk in my hands over bumps whereas the ND the feeling is very muted. I find it keeps the car much more stable, but many people complain the lack of feedback in the steering. It is faster than the NC, but engine characteristics aren't wholly different. Torquebands are similar, starting around 3.2 to 3.5k rpm till redline, the higher redline I don't even notice because I rarely push it to it, the gearing is a bit questionable because final drive is 1:1 whereas the NC was an overdrive for cruising, however at highway speeds is much lower in rpm in the ND, settling around 2.2k where my NC hit 3.5k.
And while we're on transmission talk, many ND1 owners are scared and many talk of NC swaps. We've yet to notice issues with the ND2, but it's a known issue of poor metallurgy and maybe poor measurements causing failures. The NC could safely handle 280 hp and the ND we're not even sure if it can match that yet... given failures on stock power.
The color is BEAUTIFUL…..WOW . Consumer reports says it’s a super super reliable vehicle.
Soul Crystal Red is the best Mazda colour. Suits all of their cars. (Consumer Reports is the place where fun goes to die.)
So I guess you like this better then a Boxster? Better then other Miata trims, like the GT or Club? Great video review!
Thanks, haven’t driven a Boxster in a while, but they’re pretty bloated now. For a road car, you can’t go wrong with this.
The Club here is an RF and seems to have huge wind problems with top down at speed on highway. It’s like a wind tunnel! The regular convertible has much less wind with top down.
I love the ND. I would drive mine all day if I could afford paying continuous gas.
I got 30 mpg during this test. It was almost like driving for free!
Cloth seats rock, i have leather in an MR2 and would change them for a cloth set in a heartbeat. Don't quite understand the fuss about leather seats.
Agreed.
enjoyed your review!! I'm curious about your thoughts on cloth seats. I drove a 2019 with cloth and didn't really like it and got a 2019 with leather. Love the car! How come you like cloth seats so much? Do they wear better? More comfortable for you?
Thanks. Leather is hot in the summer, cold in the winter, and you slide around on it when you're hustling it. I can't comment on wear, but I think some owners have in these comments. Regardless, cloth is my top choice.
@@BrianMakse Mine are cloth. Miata is made for cloth seats. Too much luxury added to a Miata ruins the concept, ruins the car.
@@newmanfertig886 right on, glad so many people are on the same page.
I always want the seats a bit higher.... it's a convertible and I want my arm on top of the door.... but seeing you and several others say they want it lower partially explains why I find I feel like a head sticking out of a box in all the modern cars.... oh well
I’ve been racing cars for years, so my POV is about proper seating position.
Desperately needs an exhaust. I tossed an HKS on mine and I don't know why I waited a year to do it.
You can get two carry on cases in the boot. Also I've never seen someone adjust the steering wheel while driving!
You should see the tricks I can do while racing a car!
I do it all the time.
I have a 2018 MX-5 and agree with your review wholeheartedly. But I looked for the face masks and could not find them on your website?
Thanks, Mike! The masks should be on the front page of the store, but here's a direct link - teespring.com/savethemanuals-mask?tsmac=store&tsmic=brianmakse&pid=972&cid=103974
Brian I just subscribed. Please try and review the 2lt Corvette C8, I really think its a bargain, and I want
your opinion of the mid engine handling vs. a small car like the Mazda ND. Yes I know that the acceleration
is way different, but I am wondering about the handling given the mid engine , big tires and flat torque curve.
Also, I hear the C8 manages to get very good gas mileage, for what it is, has 2 trunks and adaptive suspension,
I would love your opinion on all of this
Cool, thanks. I'd love to, but after covering every C7 here and in major magazines, the GM folks failed to provide me with timely seat time with C8, which is the name of the game here on UA-cam. As such, it's not a priority for me.
I've had an NC MX5, intended for the wife yet it scared her and she ended up with a 986 Porsche Boxster S, whereas I upgraded to the ND2. And I still preferred the MX5 because it was more thrilling and brought smiles to my face driving it. The Porsche sounds better, is faster, feels much more powerful, but it had a lack of substance that the MX5 has. For one, the turning. It took two full rotations of the wheel to u-turn in the Porsche whereas it took one in the Mazda. The steering effort was also higher. I sometimes needed two hands on the wheel to move it, whereas the MX5 I can drive with two fingers; almost zero effort to move the wheel.
Now where the Boxster shined against my Sport NC was high speed. I felt the rear end of the older MX5 feel like it wanted to come off the ground at highway speeds. My ND doesn't have this feel, but i still worry with the lack of aerodynamics in the form of rear down force and no spoiler. The Porsche with its automated spoiler that comes up at highway speeds you can feel it keep the car planted. It felt like a more refined ride overall but.... I was always more confident in the MX5.
Both of these cars have near 50/50 balance and both are terrific drivers cars. It's easy to see why Porsche copied Mazda roadster and made their own improvements and why their car still exists today whereas almost every other roadster has vanished.
That said, I have heard the C8 suffers balance issues and feels very rear end heavy. Combined with the power available, it's probably why so many test runs of the car crashed during their prototype phase. The only other thing I can put between the two cars is reliability , which GM cars are not known for. In the 4 years and 250k miles I had on my NC, a 2008, i only did tires and oil changes with one repair... the clutch pedal assembly. Cheap, thin aluminum that broke one day. I thought the slave or master cylinder so I bought both to replace.... upon replacing the master, I noticed the real issue. 125 dollars later, back on the road.
Been looking at a new ND2 (Probably in 2024, unless they change it for the worse or a really nice NC shows up locally) as my first new dealership bought car as my summer toy and daily driver. Never tracked a car, but if I was to get an MX-5 I would love to learn that at some point. That all being said right now the cost different between a base model GS and the GS-P with limited slip diff and Bilstein shocks is roughly $4500. Not an insignificant amount of money, but I am already at $40k+ with the build here in Canada and I plan to keep it long term. With my current income I doubt I will be getting another sports car any time before I am 65+ years old unless it is a used old car.
The base car is probably fine but I feel like this slightly better model will be the one that people will be looking for in the future. Also it has more features then that, including a better sound system, heated seats/mirrors, and some other minor stuff. My GF loves the idea of the heated seats if it is a cool day and we were out with the top down. For me all of these features add up to enough to make it worth it for me, if I am going to get a sports car I may as well go all in with that. I won't get the better brakes though, that seems excessive for the cost and if I was going to race a lot I imagine I would be looking at a full new setup anyways.
And 100% right about the cloth seats. My girlfriend hates leather seats in in cars (too hot in summer, too cold in winter) and it is a hell of a time finding a decent SUV with them.
If you take a run through the MX-5 episodes on our channel, I think you’ll find all of the details you’ll need to make a fully informed decision.
Too bad color choices are limited, wish they had, besides white an black, a normal red color instead of that Soul Red Metallic, which is an almost $600.- option. Great review btw....keep it up.
Thanks!
Let’s not forget the Lotus Elise which is couple notches above as a pure driver’s car. Though it’s basically twice the money.
I wouldn’t know, never driven a Lotus.
Brian Makse too bad you don’t get the newer models in North America.
Yes, the Elise is wonderful and pure, but quite specialized. I own both a 2005 Elise and a 2016, but the Elise is up for auction right now on Bring a Trailer. I bought the Elise with the idea I'd track it, but it was just too nice and I didn't want to subject it to more rock chips and possible windshield chips/breakage. Instead, I got some RE-71Rs for the Miata and will soon take some laps of Auto Club Speedway! :)
Meant to say "2016 ND"!
@@BrianMakse What? How is this possible???
By the way, your review is good. These cars are tiny but are very good. Me, light weight over HP any day.
Simplicity is the best policy Adept review
Glad you enjoyed!
What road were you driving the car on? I am in Thornhill, ON and can't find nice twisty roads around me to have the full MX-5 experience :)
Go north. Muskoka. Haliburton. There’s nothing close to the city that’s enjoyable. .
Great review! I’m wondering how the fiat 124 spider stacks up against the Miata in your opinion.
Have a look at our 124 episodes!
@@BrianMakse checked it out , thanks. Love your stuff!
@@kmitchbuyshouses3717 Beauty, thanks!
The base model we get in the US doesn't get the exterior matching door panels. Lame as hell.
Boo. I wonder how much they save by doing that.
Yeah, you're not joking. It's extortion and turns me off.
How would you compare the feedback, feel and driving balance/pleasure compared to the Boxster with the NA engines...
The NA Boxsters are lovely, but they're significantly heavier so there's less mechanical feel. The additional power and grip are a decent trade off, though!
I'm actually one of those Americans with a 2017 base model ND--also with an automatic gearbox. Let me explain. I wanted an MX-5 without the infotainment, leather seats or six speed. Hard to find. And I agree, the 16" wheels are fine--more sidewall, more comfort. The reason I opted for an auto is because I have non-diabetic peripheral neuropathy and cannot feel my feet. It's very hard to work a clutch pedal. Also, two of my last three cars were manuals and daily driving in horrific traffic was a nightmare. And on top of all that, I'm 6'4" which makes it near impossible to drive that car with a stick. I just wanted a car that handles well and was fun to drive--and it ticked all the boxes. It does have bluetooth, cruise and the automatic door lock thingies. And Mazda knocked $6,000 USD off the price. I paid $20,000 and change for it. I've had it two years and absolutely love it, although I cannot wear a winter jacket while driving it and shoes with thick soles can be a problem! HAHA!
That's a great reason. Glad you're loving it! How's the auto itself? I've never driven one. What I did do was schedule an MX-5 test during our Canadian winter. That should be fun.
@@BrianMakse The auto is crisp and smooth and when I'm feeling frisky I use the manual shifting option in sport mode. It's just such an enjoyable car to chuck around back roads, I truly believe anyone can have a good time in this car whether you are rowing through the gears or just letting the auto do the work.
Compared to a used Boxster?
Omg it comes with the legendary bananas
Two years ago, it was high time to be ridiculing Dodge owners, but those days are over sadly.
Yellow strips under headlights - jarring - other than that - awesome
That's an inside joke on this channel.
Do you need the LSD to drive the base ND in the winter, if you had a set of good winter tires in Ontario? Or is the LSD a must?
No.
nice video, why do you prefer 16 inch wheel over 17 inch
In short and if you do it right, you can do a lighter wheel/tire combo with 16s, so you'll have a setup that allows the dampers to work better, have a more compliant ride without sacrificing grip.
Did you chuck some litter out around 6.23 ? Nice review though ta.
Pardon me? Not a chance, ever.
Hey pal, you forgot to remove your splitter guards.
Accepting donations for their removal.
Where did you get the splitter guards?
I used to carry a roll of yellow tape back when splitter guards were funny.
You mention that you prefer the 16” wheel spec. Can you elaborate? I’m torn between a club or sport and was intrigued why 16” would be preferred (is it simply the softer ride?). Thanks, love your Channel!
Plenty of variables but generally, the smaller wheel/tire package is lighter than a larger diameter wheel set up, which drops unsprung weight and makes it easier for the dampers to control each corner. There is generally more compliance in a 16 vs a 17. Hope that helps.
@@BrianMakse Thanks for the quick response! So would you say that getting the LSD (in the club or GT package) is really overkill for someone like me looking for spirited driving but no intention of tracking the car? I know some people like the LSD for snow and ice but I live in Florida so that's not an issue. I just don't want to have buyers remorse, wishing I'd spent the extra money. I presently drive a 2019 VW GLI (aka, "a GTI with a trunk") which is front wheel drive and has the LSD. It seems that an LSD might be more useful for FWD cars given traction issues on spirited take-offs.
@@jameswainberg7324 Love having this kind of conversation, James. I've been kinda successful in racing, particularly in FWDs, so I understand what you're saying. The only time you'll notice the lack of LSD is in low grip, low speed situations. Gravel, rain, sand, whatever. Otherwise, you'd never miss it. Straight lines or corners in the dry, no problems ever. That said, if you want the best mechanical spec, you'll always long for the LSD.
@@BrianMakse thanks for the info, cheers!
Well done video! My nearest Mazda dealer is 80 miles away. Please, Brian, your opinion. How tall are you? Or, if you don't want to answer that, I am 6'0", 170 lbs, normal proportions. Do you think I would be a good fit in the MX-5 convertible?
Thanks, Robert. You’ll fit just fine, remember it’s a small car and that’s the point. I’m 5’9” and there is plenty of travel left in the seat for my seating position. If you’re thinking of one, it’ll be worth the trip for a test drive and test fit!
If your torso is longish, or you just like sitting lower, there are after market brackets for the seats to lower them.
ok, so since you are a track driver you may be able to help me.
Are the rollbars behind the seats functional? And would they be 'track acceptable' at a place like Mosport?
Or am I looking at making that my first mod?
Great question. Here’s the thing. Roll bars aren’t necessarily track rule, but rather has to do with the insurance carrier for each event. Check with any of the track day outfits and they gave give you some precision. Those roll bars you see are indeed attached to the chassis. Very strong.
@@BrianMakse cool, thanks for the fast reply. I know Mosport both tracks require a rollbar for my NB. But, others around do not
I do have a rollbar now though. I'm glad to hear the ND Rollbars aren't just 'plastic'.
So, I just need to wait 15 years and I will buy a used ND !
Yes, but what do you think about the cloth seats?
I'm still on the fence.
Hi, why did you say you prefer the 16" wheels? I just got my 2022 mx-5 sport and thinking of changing the wheels to 17s.
If you choose the right wheel and tire, the 16" package will be lighter than the 17s, so you get the benefits of lighter unsprung weight and a more compliant ride with predictable handling and similar levels of grip.
is the background music someone using a wood chipper?
That’s all Russell’s work. Totally his fault. I don’t remember which tracks are mixed in there.
I have a 2016 soul red base model with silver rims. I think the black wheels ruin the stretched out sleek look it should have. The darker rims *not solid black ) look best with machine grey. Then the black chrome wheels look best. This car is short and by using dark rims on the red color , makes the car look shorter and stumpier. The same with the cut off design of the RF, which looks like a buick Opel of the 70’s
or an older Corvette of the 80’s , and the corvette had a longer sleeker body lines. The fastback RF design was an after thought that goes too far back to stunt the original flowing lines that are found only on the soft top. You cant just change a perfect design and think everthing will be peachy
REQUIRED READING FOR HARD CORE SPORTS CAR DRIVERS: Having owned three NAs in various states of modification, I knew exactly what I was shopping for when I went looking for a 2019 MX5 Sport, the "stripper" model that comes with the ND2 major power upgrades and further improvements to transmission, suspension, and flywheel components.
The Sport model has all this good go-fast stuff and none of the questionable, like the steel targa top, dual-zone climate control, or automatic transmission. (BTW the automatic's take rate is nearly 50%, due to half the MX-5 "cute car" owner population having no clue how to drive a sports car, or even what a sports car is. OTOH they keep the MX-5 profitable -- almost unthinkable for a sports car -- and thus make it possible for motorheads like us to own a stripped down version at a bargain price: the MX-5 Sport.)
The hard-to-find Sport trim level (which is rarely seen in the press fleet or on dealer lots) is the most bare-bones MX-5: It's thousands cheaper than the upmarket trim levels. And yet its specification list is excellent, including the beefed up 181 hp engine (ND2 spec), simple but effective AC and cruise control, the greatest canvas roof in the business, simple cloth seats that are cool in summer and warm in winter; a superlative true close-ratio 6-speed manual with no overdrive, great brakes, and an all-aluminum, fully-adjustable suspension.
Mazda did not take ANY short cuts with the Sport version! It's a no-compromise, low-volume, pur sang sports car that shares nothing with other Mazdas, and yet is priced lower than an optioned-up Mazda3 econobox! (I got my '19 in September of that year for a discounted $24,600. I think newer models are one or two thousand more. But remember, the dealers don't make any money from the Sport trim level and will be motivated to get it off their lot.)
Another desirable item included with the Sport: Yokohama ADVAN SPORT V105 tires in 195/50ZR16 size. These premium high-performance summer-only tires are offered as standard equipment on many high-end German cars. For Mazda io include this $200 tire on its base model, when most manufacturers fit the cheapest all-season radials they can find, speaks volumes for Mazda's integrity. (The Club version has 17" wheels but many prefer the Sport's 16" due to better suspension compliance and, when properly set up, faster autocross times.)
On the upper mx-5 trim levels, the Brembo, BBS, and Recaro options are mostly bling and ridiculously overpriced. Same with the paint. My Mica Jet Black standard color is premium-quality paint -- no orange peel on this car! -- plus it looks bitchin' in black and saved me hundreds I'd have paid for a pastel cute-car color. And don't even think about that steel targa roof. It costs a fortune, creates huge blind spots on both sides, causes severe buffeting over the windshield at highway speeds, has a complex raising and lowering electric mechanism that is guaranteed to fail eventually, and adds 100 lb. of weight in the worst possible place. Its only benefit is a minuscule reduction of two decibels in interior noise level at 70 mph. (With my canvas top up, on freeway drones where safe I use MPOW noise-cancelling earbuds.)
If you autocross you WILL want to fit an LSD, but there are better ones and cheaper than the Club trim level offers. (For quick back-road driving I have found no need for LSD.)
Each MX-5 trim level is designed to appeal to a percentage of the MX-5 owner demographic: The RF for the fashionistas, the GT for the cute-car crowd, the Club for the autocross racers, and the Sport for . . . drivers who want to configure their MX-5 THEIR way from the ground up. Even if they don't change a thing, the Sport owner is driving the best sports car on the current market, a car with excellent reliability, low operating costs, and could blow away a Jaguar XK-E . . . all for a giveaway price. So if you're a motorhead shopping for a sports car you can make your own, be aware your friendly Mazda dealer just the MX-5 trim level you need but will not mention this car until you remind them it exists.
Glad you enjoyed! Hope you stick around!
Addendum: Rarely is a Sport seen in Mazda's test fleet or on a dealer's parking lot. Few MX-5 shoppers are aware they exist. The reason? Mazda and the dealers want to sell up-market trim levels like the RF, GT, and Club for an extra $5 or $10 thousand more. But ironically, if you buy a base Sport then apply the money you saved toward the huge aftermarket of quality performance upgrades for this car, many of them SCCA approved, you will end up with a Base MX-5 that is both faster and still cheaper than the Club, and uniquely yours.
Does the basic model has Apple CarPlay?? The dealership in my country only can order basic model automatic transmission even though I want the manual transmission.
I am thinking about getting the basic model and modify it to reach the club spec.
Depends on the market. Standard in Canada across all MX-5s in 2022.
Love my 25th Anniversary edition but the modding bug has well and truly bitten
What have you done so far?
@@BrianMakse IL Motorsports cat back, lowering springs and racing beat ARB's going on next week l, also full set of wheel spacers and a HID kit and I'll be putting a big brake kit on her soon
Hi new subscriber! Quick question.... does it come in automatic?.. I don't know how to drive manual
Thanks! Yes, you can get an auto, but don’t! Learn to drive a manual because this car is so good that way. I taught my son how to drive manual in an afternoon and we’ve got a episode coming out with tips and tricks, but you can always find lessons somewhere. Totally worth it for this car.
@@BrianMakse can't wait to see your video!
Leather is soooooooo much better than cloth.
Looks better, love the smell of leather, if you spill something you can just wipe it off the leather, with cloth the spill quickly soaks into the seats.
Leather all the way.
Cars are for driving, cafes are for drinking.
If they ever make a Maida to fit 195CM or 6foot4 driver.
As well as SkyActive X engine for more torque.
I will buy one :)
I think the aftermarket has the seat sorted. Which one is Skyactive X?
@@BrianMakse One with 230NM torque instead of 205NM. Found in new Mazda 3 2020
And it has stock 180HP so it can be made with 200Hp from factory I'm sure.
same like this MX-5 build on old engine 165 to 181HP.
Also difference with SkyActive X from mazda 3 is. That it has small supercharger for the high compression engine 16-1 it needs it to work compared to mx5 13-1 does not.
So instead to have full torque on 4000RPM like MX5.
You have it little below 3000.
And you have it more 230NM vs 205NM.
But first wait till Mazda figure out that is better solution.
As it also is 30% more fuel efficient in all RPM.
Compared to engine in MX5.
All while having better performance.
it would be mind blowing for this price.
to have that sweet of a deal.
I live in Texas with summer heat hitting over 100. Would the hard top be a better choice for me over the rag top?
Only you can answer that. I’ll suggest it’ll depend on whether you value the security of the hardtop and how often you’ll be putting the top down. The roadster is the better open air experience.
My bet is, cool canvas beats hot steel for a roadster top in a hot sunny climate. I live in California, and my base-model Sport’s powerful standard air conditioning keeps the car very livable on 100 degree summer days.
From what I read nd1 seats really sucked that's why they brought in the recaro seat option
I didn't mind them.
I didn't hear any opinions about not having the limited slip unless I missed it.
Covered it a couple of times.
Uh oh . Mopar boys gonna keep the yellow bumper covers on too