looks like the Buick Opel of the past, car is too short at the rear to have anything that resembles the soft top sleek lines. Looks like the corvettes of the 80’s with a targa top. Just call it what it is, the after thought to sell to people in colder rainy , snowy, horrible climates in the winter. It ruins the sleek lines that CAN. make the car look longer. that fastback gets too close to the rear of the car, chopping it off. All this is way to obvious to argue if you have any design sense.
@@hugot12 Your opinion is your and your alone. You are perfectly entitled to express it. But to add that last sentence screams arrogance TBH. You don’t need to tell those that love this design they have no design sense. Meanwhile, you can keep your clearly superlative taste…… ;)
@@final_mile_music9713 from the east coaster Brit, thanks for putting me in my place papa When you build and design for a living you get an eye for detail. Accepting mediocracy in life is for the sheep that will buy anything no matter how ugly it is. If your a leader, you usually leave deadwood behind, or else you would never get anything done in life worthwhile. It just bothers you if anyone is just that strong about design. I’ve lived 65 years in this world and have seen so much junk built and sold to the masses. Ive come to the conclusion, people like you will try to tear down anyone who is strong in opinion and name call anyway, its just what you do. You will just attack confidence as arrogance daddy, means nothing to me. Go take care of your chickens
@@final_mile_music9713 first break down how I described the RF design miata in my first opinion on design, really use it to reference your point on people knowing a great design when they see it. Look at about 40-50 percent of car design today to meet mileage standards. Allow for space and more practicality. Some of these designs look like the car was inflated to fit more people and yet remain aerodynamic for less wind resistance. When a perfect design like the Soft top Miata came out in 2016, it was WORLD. car of the year for a reason. Nothing needed to be added or taken away from its perfect design. Do you understand marketing ? How a certain % of people want more for very specific needs regardless about ruining the perfect design in the models beginnings. As a builder and designer, I would say about 85% of the people I come across in my 45 year career, don’t usually have a clue about good design, and they buy hideous looking cars to prove it, and the colors applied to them. By the way I own the 2016 Miata MX-5 in soul red. I ask you, have you seen it in primer color grey ? Or the all so boring white or black? Just look at the red color with black rims, makes the car look so short because that large wheel space taken up with a dark look, spoils the flowing lines, taking away to sleek long look of lets say a Ferrari Daytona of the past. Remember the Jaguar XKE of the 68-. 70’s Why was that design so perfect as a soft top convertible, flowing design, no bumps , cuts or ad. ons, like a fast back ( almost cutting off the trunk length like that glued on roofline of the RF design there to sell quiet soundproofing, no soft top maintenance, winter proofing protection. It ruined the design, made it look like the Opel and the 80’s corvette stingray. All it did was chop the Miata up to sell a shorter looking car, in a specific market to sell necessity for a select few people. We bought the one with silver wheels, and that was the designers first choice to allow the flowing design to continue without black chrome wheels being an option , and to ruin the flow and chop the lines of that perfect soft top. People didnt buy the freedom feeling Miata over all its successful years, to slap on a hard top. Why do people want the RF ? really.
A long time ago I had a Miata and graduated to a Porsche Boxster S. I could get into trouble in the Boxster but the Miata was just as much fun, and a lot cheaper.
Dennis Visser - I went from an 04 Viper to an 06 911 2S to a 16 Club. MX- 5 every bit the drivers car as the others. I am just not paying the “stupid tax” for Autocross parts and maintenance. Every bit as quick as the others on an Autocross track. Momentum car. 👍👍😎
I’d love a Boxster but the fact that I won’t get out of second gear completely puts me off. Skipping from second (or maybe first) to fifth or sixth gear is not fun. I know. That’s what I used to do with my Mustang. It completely ruined it. That said, the Boxster is lovely, with a sublime chassis.
From the snow of winter to the sunny days of summer this car never ceases to please. I've gone through 30k miles so far and they've never felt so short. Fantastic review of a fantastic car.
Great review. I currently have a 2020 Soul Red MX-5 club RF. Absolutely love the car. I sold my '17 Soul Red Mx-5 club RF with BBS and Brembos just for the improvements Mazda made. This is the 7th Miata I've owned so far.. It's better than my '04 MX-5 Mazdaspeed was... and at the size of my NA was. I loved my NA. Please note there is a small additional storage area behind the passenger seat.. tilt the seat forward.. you will see it.
@@KirkKreifels I have driven an NB with a rag top and an ND RF. I would definitely take the RF, or if they ever offer it a solid hard top. Personally I fell in love with the ND RF, but I simply don't care for convertible cars. (If I am going to get a "convertible" the RF is definitely the way to go.) To be honest I don't like having a sunroof either, but I know I am in the minority on both of these opinions. I have a few gripes with the ND RF, but none are deal breakers they are just preferences and minor features.
i've had my 2017 RF for 2.5 years, and it's still a blast to drive every day. even missing out on the upgraded engine, the driving experience has still not become commonplace. i'm always looking for flimsiest excuse to go for a drive.
Looking for flimsy excuses to drive. That's when you know you'd chosen a great car for your need/desire. I regularly take "the long way home" after a day at the grindstone.
I'm saving up so I can get the mx 5 by tax season. I'm turning 21 in September and it was felt amazing driving down the beaches with the top down. I fell in love as soon as I sat in the rf. I want the soul crystal red and counting down the days till I bring it home👌🏼
The old Miatas are more GoKarts than the new iterations. But the new Miata just looks beautiful and is really comfortable. When I think back at my old Miata, it really was a GoKart. More fun than the new ones but the new Miata is still fun plus you don't need to miss out on some luxury.
4:32 That was nice of some considerate soul to leave a roadside couch there for weary travelers to catch a snooze. It might make a nice addition to my living room. "You're gonna run out of your confidence before the car runs out of its capabilities." GREAT summary of this amazing car!
U can prob get a good set of coils and aftermarket wilwood brakes all around (Mazda only gives brembos up front, rears are Mazda) for less than the $4700 for the package. (this is what I plan on doing waiting for a dealer to locate a polymetallic gray with red leather for me this week!)
Nicely done video. I have a 2016 MX-5 club, it is one of the best sports cars I have ever owned and I have had many. I love the agility, the lightness and the power is sufficient, it is much quicker than moist people think, but you need to select the correct gear.
These are nice cars but, I'm personally too tall and big for them. I'd take a GT86 over one of these just because its more practical space wise. I'm sure it drives well... but I'll never know. Unless I cut my legs off of course lol.
Márk Bondor it’s leg adjustments. You can even see in this video how crammed Kirk is in certain shots. It’s liveable for a short journey, but if you’re financing this and using it as a daily driver it’s not something I’m willing to compromise. I have 36” inseam/leg length and I’m not compromising driving position comfort just for a performance boost. GT86 is more practical and comfortable.
@@Stolas9 It depends on how long the legs are and the torso. My dad and I have the same height but my legs are longer and my torso shorter compared to him so I fit a little bit better. In the end it is just about centimeters. We could not get the Recaro seats because my dad would not fit in the car with them.
Thanks for the nice review. Thinking about getting one myself... want to cruise through the alps in Switzerland where I live... however, having a hard time coming to a conclusion, since I’m currently driving a 2019 Mini JCW Cabrio and not sure whether the swap will be worth it...
I miss all the smiles and random adventures with my best buddy 1995 NA miata. Hope to get one and never let it go. Btw you said 20 years newer than your 91 but more like 29-30 now d:
The MX-5 is the naturally aspirated, rear wheel drive, manual transmissioned car that you take with you into the new electric frontier. My last dinosaur juice propelled conveyance! When the MX is replaced as a daily by an electric vehicle, it will still be there for trips and weekends. Still cheap to run even if petrol doubles in price.
Ben Haynes Same! My plan is new miata now, cheap beater 4 door suv/car under $10k, eventually upgrade 4 door to an electric, and keep miata long term (2020 consumer reports most reliable car)
It's a great car but kind of cramp inside and it feels really low when you get in. But driving wise I absolutely dream about owning one even till this day. I picked the Mazda 3 since its more practical and spacious. This still beats the 86 and Mustang for me.
I like the car. I test drove one, and it reminds me a lot of the purpose and purity the S2000 has. But, this also a premium car, highly refined, and high value for its dollars. It's a GOOD package. Fitment is tight. It's better than the first two generations of Miata. The NC felt more roomy to me than the ND, although Mazda says the ND at least matches or improves upon this versus the NC. I own a RX8, so I live with the NC generation of space, although I did modify the seat for improved headroom. I'm 5'10" but with a tall torso. My upper body is like like a 6' to 6'2" person. Headroom in many mainstream cars isn't great for me, so smaller sports cars are even tighter. Just take the "I'm X height" notes with a grain of salt. Everyone's body shape is different. I'm 5'10" and my head is against the roof of the ND, soft top or hard top. If you're tall, the only good sports car to fit easily is the FT86. Overall performance is good on this car. People complained about body roll, but it's not bad. I guess I grew up with older cars, and this isn't nearly as big of a deal as people make it seem. The Club package is relatively firm in ride, plenty for anyone that cares. One thing I really like about the Miata versus other options is Mazda FINALLY went to short and close gearing. This was one problem with older models. The ND is the first actually fun manual transmission because you actually have to row through the gears and USE the gearbox. In stark contrast, my RX8 will do 65mph in 2nd gear, and shifting is far, far less of an experience. You row through gears more in a FT86 or S2000 than the older Mazdas. The ND is the first Miata where the manual is really proper and right. It sounds silly, but this is a big deal for driving experience and also for sport use. It's also not a problem to have to use many gears unless you actually have a very high HP car where each gear is so short that shifting actually interferes time wise. I have a heavily built Subaru like this, but even then it's more fun with more, close gears, and you get greater choice in which gear to use in which situation. It's...interactive. The ND is interactive, more so than I found with previous generations, and it's better in this way than even the very classic NA. It does so many things so much better than the NA or any generation of Miata. It does many things better than other sports cars in its market segment. There is one downside though, and I really do quite hate this in modern sports cars of any kind. Electric steering is bad. The lack of feel in the steering sucks. Some manufacturers help this by trying to transmit as much vibration information through the steering so you can at least feel the tires and suspension behavior through the steering column. This helps a lot in the modern world of electric steering, but god the ND steering feels dead. My Honda Ridgeline has better tactile feel through the steering wheel than the Miata. Yeah, really. It's something I notice tremendously when hoping back into my RX8 buzzes and feels alive, the tactile sense is immersive. This was the same problem when the RX8 went to electric steering too years back. I hate driving the RX8 refresh in comparison to the older one because the steering is so dead. It's oddly something Mazda hasn't really figured out very well. The FT86 has better tactile sense despite also being electric, and you don't really notice the problem with the steering wheel. But the Miata, I was starkly aware, and it has something to do with how Mazda chooses to implement the steering system or at least how they isolate the steering column/wheel from tactile contact with the road. That was the one and only thing that really bugged me with the car. You'll readily live with it in time, but holy hell does modern electric steering sap the life out of the tactile experience. For something you have your hands on for so long of the driving experience, it NEEDS to be a fundamental element of sports car design. I'm repeatedly and abundantly apparent of this every time I hop between newer and older cars. This needs to be fixed, not just with the ND but with modern cars and specifically any sport/performance segment of vehicle.
I just bought a 2012 MX-5 Grand Touring PRHT 6 speed manual with 30,100 miles. Mint condition . A great little sports car. I wanted one for years and finally found what I was looking for. Nice fun little convertible, to drive around the Texas hill country winding country roads.
Great review man, that's an awesome color combo. i am torn between getting a club version or the grand touring. i will probably go with the club as i plan to have this as a weekend car and also maybe doing some track runs in the future.
What are the year to year differences between the MX-5 Miata touring since 2016 when the HP was increased to the 180 range? Is there a particular reason to get a specific year’s model?
I love the Mazda Mx-5 RF. Additionally to the peppy little sports car feeling while driving with the top down I personally also have the experience of driving a Lexurious grand touring when the top is up also because the hood looks so long. Just one question has the wind noise bothered you above 90kmh? And last last but not least the Mx-5 is one of the few convertibles in my opinion that also look stunning with the top up.
Wind noise didn't bother me above 90kmh, but over 90 and you started noticing the buzzing of the engine. Hard top probably helps keep the wind noise down. The 86 I drove was much quieter at speed...but I'd still pick the MX-5 :)
your color correction looks very off/flat are you using a special profile to get a flat range to color correct later? needs a bit more contrast I have the same color exterior/interior and they don't look right in this video. I did really like the review though and think your commentary was great so good job on that aspect! :thumbs up:
Hi Kirk, I love your videos and follow them on a regular basis. Great Job in putting together these videos with all the Japanese auto industry news. I have a question would you recommend getting a manual or an auto MX-5 RF? It will be my only vehicle (daily driver) that I will be driving over the winter. I live in Toronto, Canada and it snows during winters. I have been driving Manual cars abroad in tropical weather but never in winters, so not a new manual car driver. (One more thing if I get the manual transmission one then no Strut tower brace, no Bilstein shocks and no LSD, all these are available only in Auto versions) I will appreciate your thoughts and advice. Thanks
Hi friend, If it's your only daily driver, then I'd go manual transmission. The auto would be more compliant - but so boring. Manual is like a relationship - a little push and pull, but you grow closer as a result.
@@KirkKreifels dont you think it will be difficult to handle manual in snowy conditions or no? also considering how light this vehicle is plus its Rear wheel drive... thx
Love the red leather, the grey duco is bland for this type of car. I'm 5"9' and find that I have to recline my backrest to an uncomfortable position to have reasonable vision under the interior rear view mirror (that's with the mirror shoved as high as it goes). Anyone taller that 5"9' can only look straight ahead. Fun little car though. I much prefer the soft top, I view the cost/complexity and lack of 360 degree view in the retractable fastback as pointless. I enjoy using my car as a daily and it still feels special for the weekend drives. I have the 1.5L manual, it gets insane economy and I can really push it whilst staying relatively near the speed limit.
Too tall to fit. My ex-gf had one and I felt like a sardine! Shame, but a very nice car. Here in the UK a manual is the norm so no issues working the gears through the box. It is quite a pocket rocket though.
Who needs cup holders? Nobody should drink inside this gorgeous car. Cup holders and automatics are for wimps. Throw them in the trunk and enjoy shifting the perfect MT! Also the extra weight of the metal roof balances the car nearly 50-50 and makes it more stable in the rear than the soft top. That car will look so much better in black with the new red leather interiors.
I have to be honest, I still love the 1st and 2nd gen the most. Those generations have so many mod combos with motor swaps and kits etc. That being said, It would be good if they gave the new models with about 250hp as a NA motor. The top should also really be much like the 1st generation top, save money and add performance. Cant wait to make my 1st gen J32 swap. 2020 seems cool I guess if you want to just buy it as a single or couple only.
Not off to a great start with that hand position at 0:20, but nice review besides that! I also agree with the too-narrow steering wheel thickness; wish the ND’s was a bit meatier.
Interesting, i had ND 2016 1.5 L open top mx5 for 2 years. Steering needed to be thicker. Mine was right hand drive so the handbrake was perfect position. I would like the new 2.0 Skyactive X engine with torque over 220 NM in new refreshed MX-5. Keep front same. Just change interior to new mazda 3. Best car i had.
Kirk, you spoke very highly of the drive. I'd love to know how much fun the new Ford Fiesta ST is compared to the MX-5. I don't want to regret selling my Mazda, for the Ford. Your adage of "better slow car fast, than fast car slow" tells me that I should stay Miata'd.
If it feels like a 1st gen, that's saying something. The 1st gen felt do mechanical. Those cars are gonna be classics some day. That hug pic was the money shot
Mitsuoka customize MX-5 to look like C2 Corvette, hope next time he will uses MX-5 to recreate the Toyota S800 or Toyota S-FR. But as is, Mazda always did great job for Miata.
Excellent review you covered everything except one issue I heard about. That is the wind while driving with the top down. The RF as a targa design is said to cause wind buffeting while driving?. Please advise. Thanks. Otherwise you covered all issues I own an NC Miata. Love it too. It’s a GT with the PRHT and I drive as my daily. True fun and so easy to live with. I had a Boxster previously... but this is as much fun, and I don’t worry about it being in a parking lot!
Yes, I thought there was an annoying wind noise from the roof pillar with the top down when I test drove the RF version. It's not present in the soft top version, but the RF is definitely more quiet with the top up. The noise problem was one reason why I got the soft top version myself (I mostly drive the MX-5 when I can enjoy the roofless experience).
It's sad that Mazda doesn't have a practical performance car in their line up, The Mazda 3 Turbo could have fill that void but that they fail to deliver the goods.
this car needs Skyactive X engine, Tuned to same red line, like they did with normal skyactive X In Mazda 3 is making 5-6L per 100KM here, even when tuned for performance. It would make less than that as it is 300KG+ lighter. And to mention, LOW RPM Torque form high compression, and small supercharger. I hope they soon release new Mazda MX5 with those features. To be same if not lighter weight :P
the handbrake is in the same spot for right side drive vehicles, as they are driven on the left side of the road in britain and japan, thus it's in the right spot for us, but not for you left hand drivers sadly
Thanks for the review. What did you think of the ride comfort? I tested a 1.5 litre RF as no 2.0 available. I was impressed with the ride quality and comfort so ordered the 2.0 GT with the Bilsteins and 17'' wheels and I'm disappointed.The ride is way stiffer, harsh and uncomfortable. Was this your experience with the car or could there be a problem with mine?
I have the Bilsteins and Recaro seats. Yes, it's less comfortable than the standard version, but the improvements in driving experience makes the upgrades worth it. Also, I've found that the suspension, the engine, and the seats softens up a bit over time (and maybe I'm also getting more used to the car :) ).
ND is a great car, no doubt, but will it maintain its "Smiles per Miles" status after the buyer truly understands that he, in fact, bought a GDI engine...?!
I have a nb miata. I like the look for the rf but I hate the blind spot I have when the top is up. I think the rf will have the same problem with the pillar blind spots. I'll have to take the soft top club model nd2.
Yes, I'd take this hardtop over the softtop :)
You can also my model cars here:
amzn.to/2FuQIdL
looks like the Buick Opel of the past, car is too short at the rear to have anything that resembles the soft top sleek lines. Looks like the corvettes of the 80’s with a targa top. Just call it what it is, the after thought to sell to people in colder rainy , snowy, horrible climates in the winter.
It ruins the sleek lines that CAN. make the car look longer. that fastback gets too close to the rear of the car, chopping it off.
All this is way to obvious to argue if you have any design sense.
@@hugot12 Your opinion is your and your alone. You are perfectly entitled to express it. But to add that last sentence screams arrogance TBH. You don’t need to tell those that love this design they have no design sense. Meanwhile, you can keep your clearly superlative taste…… ;)
@@final_mile_music9713 from the east coaster Brit, thanks for putting me in my place papa
When you build and design for a living you get an eye for detail. Accepting mediocracy in life is for the sheep that will buy anything no matter how ugly it is. If your a leader, you usually leave deadwood behind, or else you would never get anything done in life worthwhile.
It just bothers you if anyone is just that strong about design. I’ve lived 65 years in this world and have seen so much junk built and sold to the
masses. Ive come to the conclusion, people like you will try to tear down anyone who is strong in opinion and name call anyway, its just what you do. You will just attack confidence as arrogance daddy, means nothing to me. Go take care of your chickens
@@final_mile_music9713 first break down how I described the RF design miata in my first opinion on design, really use it to reference your point on people knowing a great design when they see it. Look at about 40-50 percent of car design today to meet mileage standards. Allow for space
and more practicality. Some of these designs look like the car was inflated to fit more people and yet remain aerodynamic for less wind resistance.
When a perfect design like the Soft top Miata came out in 2016, it was WORLD. car of the year for a reason. Nothing needed to be added or taken away from its perfect design. Do you understand marketing ? How a certain % of people want more for very specific needs regardless about ruining the perfect design in the models beginnings. As a builder and designer, I would say about 85% of the people I come across in my 45 year career, don’t usually have a clue about good design, and they buy hideous looking cars to prove it, and the colors applied to them.
By the way I own the 2016 Miata MX-5 in soul red. I ask you, have you seen it in primer color grey ? Or the all so boring white or black?
Just look at the red color with black rims, makes the car look so short because that large wheel space taken up with a dark look, spoils the flowing lines, taking away to sleek long look of lets say a Ferrari Daytona of the past. Remember the Jaguar XKE of the 68-. 70’s
Why was that design so perfect as a soft top convertible, flowing design, no bumps , cuts or ad. ons, like a fast back ( almost cutting off the trunk length like that glued on roofline of the RF design there to sell quiet soundproofing, no soft top maintenance, winter proofing protection.
It ruined the design, made it look like the Opel and the 80’s corvette stingray. All it did was chop the Miata up to sell a shorter looking car, in a specific
market to sell necessity for a select few people. We bought the one with silver wheels, and that was the designers first choice to allow the flowing design to continue without black chrome wheels being an option , and to ruin the flow and chop the lines of that perfect soft top.
People didnt buy the freedom feeling Miata over all its successful years, to slap on a hard top. Why do people want the RF ? really.
A long time ago I had a Miata and graduated to a Porsche Boxster S. I could get into trouble in the Boxster but the Miata was just as much fun, and a lot cheaper.
Graduated down from 07 987 S to 20 ND Club
Dennis Visser - I went from an 04 Viper to an 06 911 2S to a 16 Club. MX- 5 every bit the drivers car as the others. I am just not paying the “stupid tax” for Autocross parts and maintenance. Every bit as quick as the others on an Autocross track. Momentum car. 👍👍😎
I’d love a Boxster but the fact that I won’t get out of second gear completely puts me off. Skipping from second (or maybe first) to fifth or sixth gear is not fun. I know. That’s what I used to do with my Mustang. It completely ruined it. That said, the Boxster is lovely, with a sublime chassis.
Dude hugged a car- this is why I like him. An exceptional car for the $$$$. I hope you get your hands on the 400Z for a review when it comes out.
Thanks 👍 I for sure will!
when is the 400z supposed to be released to the public i saw pictures of it and it looks awesome
>👍
🤗 hugs
"You'll run out of confidence before you outrun this car's abilities"... Fantastic quote 👌 Love the review keep up the good work.
Thanks mate!
From the snow of winter to the sunny days of summer this car never ceases to please. I've gone through 30k miles so far and they've never felt so short. Fantastic review of a fantastic car.
My girlfriend has this car and it truly is an experience. 2020 has some nice amenities I think she won’t ever drive another car
Short girl dream car
That is such a beautiful interior color! I currently drive an NB but these NDs are drop dead gorgeous.
Great review. I currently have a 2020 Soul Red MX-5 club RF. Absolutely love the car. I sold my '17 Soul Red Mx-5 club RF with BBS and Brembos just for the improvements Mazda made. This is the 7th Miata I've owned so far.. It's better than my '04 MX-5 Mazdaspeed was... and at the size of my NA was. I loved my NA. Please note there is a small additional storage area behind the passenger seat.. tilt the seat forward.. you will see it.
Thank you so much for sharing and for the secret storage!
On the soft top MX-5, you get additional storage behind both seats.
Now I want a Miata RF.
I'd get it over the ragtop no question!
Yep
@@KirkKreifels I'd have a hardtop coupe like the Toyota 86, or the soft top MX-5, but not the worst of both worlds which the RF is.
@@KirkKreifels I have driven an NB with a rag top and an ND RF. I would definitely take the RF, or if they ever offer it a solid hard top. Personally I fell in love with the ND RF, but I simply don't care for convertible cars. (If I am going to get a "convertible" the RF is definitely the way to go.) To be honest I don't like having a sunroof either, but I know I am in the minority on both of these opinions. I have a few gripes with the ND RF, but none are deal breakers they are just preferences and minor features.
Lease and then buy if new.
i've had my 2017 RF for 2.5 years, and it's still a blast to drive every day. even missing out on the upgraded engine, the driving experience has still not become commonplace. i'm always looking for flimsiest excuse to go for a drive.
Looking for flimsy excuses to drive. That's when you know you'd chosen a great car for your need/desire. I regularly take "the long way home" after a day at the grindstone.
The hand brake is for the passenger
The handbrake is for drivers who sit in the correct seat......
This is originally Right side driver (Asia, UK)
@@MrBenHaynes E.U. more like P.U.
I'm saving up so I can get the mx 5 by tax season. I'm turning 21 in September and it was felt amazing driving down the beaches with the top down. I fell in love as soon as I sat in the rf. I want the soul crystal red and counting down the days till I bring it home👌🏼
WOW, Mazda is killing it.
The old Miatas are more GoKarts than the new iterations. But the new Miata just looks beautiful and is really comfortable. When I think back at my old Miata, it really was a GoKart. More fun than the new ones but the new Miata is still fun plus you don't need to miss out on some luxury.
4:32 That was nice of some considerate soul to leave a roadside couch there for weary travelers to catch a snooze. It might make a nice addition to my living room. "You're gonna run out of your confidence before the car runs out of its capabilities." GREAT summary of this amazing car!
Pretty cool seeing you doing a car review Captain Kirk!!! Always been a fan of the Miata!!!
Thanks 👍
This review video is a serious step up in quality I feel. Well done!
Thanks brother!
My dad bought the exact spec and color as the one in this review a couple of months ago and it drives as well as you say. Great review
Excellent! Thanks Kirk! You look great outdoors! ✅
I love it , go carts. Are the most the funnest thing in adolescence, if it brings a sparkle to an adult of that era, it’s well worth it
This is the exact same as my car that I purchased in June. It's a dream come true for me and every time I drive it, I have a huge smile on my face. :)
Congratulations!
10:36 Awww that mazda miata effect 🤗
This is a very well done review. Good job. Keep at it and keep on improving.
Thanks for the kind words!
As much as I love that red leather, those brembo brakes and BBS wheels with the sport suspension are hard to pass up too.
U can prob get a good set of coils and aftermarket wilwood brakes all around (Mazda only gives brembos up front, rears are Mazda) for less than the $4700 for the package. (this is what I plan on doing waiting for a dealer to locate a polymetallic gray with red leather for me this week!)
Kirk just convinced me this is on my shopping list!
Hope your time with the 86 was fun and adventurous as well.
Nice to see you go back to your roots, doing reviews again
Thanks! You would know since you've been here since the start.
Nicely done video. I have a 2016 MX-5 club, it is one of the best sports cars I have ever owned and I have had many. I love the agility, the lightness and the power is sufficient, it is much quicker than moist people think, but you need to select the correct gear.
I'd take the soft top. Cheaper, more flexibility to operate it and more open air feel
Handbrake position is perfect for right hand drive 👍🏻
MAZDA NEEDS A WHOLE LINEUP FOCUSED ON COUPES (2 DOOR AND 4 DOOR) I SEEN HOW THEIR SUV MOVES THROUGH TRAFFIC AND CORNERS... I WAS SURPRISED 😮
Thanks for the videos, Kirk. Keep them coming. Those are wicked colors. Inside and out.
Finally you have the chance to review a car
Thanks for the video, scenery is stunning.
Seems like a good one! Needs a 50mm drop though, there's too much arch gap
Excellent review and safe driving . You have sold me the RF .
These are nice cars but, I'm personally too tall and big for them. I'd take a GT86 over one of these just because its more practical space wise. I'm sure it drives well... but I'll never know. Unless I cut my legs off of course lol.
I know someone who is above 190 cm and he fits in it perfectly. So if you aren't above 2 meters, then it's good for you.
Márk Bondor it’s leg adjustments. You can even see in this video how crammed Kirk is in certain shots. It’s liveable for a short journey, but if you’re financing this and using it as a daily driver it’s not something I’m willing to compromise. I have 36” inseam/leg length and I’m not compromising driving position comfort just for a performance boost. GT86 is more practical and comfortable.
@@Stolas9 It depends on how long the legs are and the torso. My dad and I have the same height but my legs are longer and my torso shorter compared to him so I fit a little bit better. In the end it is just about centimeters. We could not get the Recaro seats because my dad would not fit in the car with them.
Maybe a 987 or 986 boxster non s, I think it would be just enough power and space for taller, still ‘slow’ but great drivers car
@@Stolas9 I'm 175 cm and would not recommend it to ANYONE over 180 cm. Forward vision is too impaired (esp by rear vision mirror)
Thanks for the nice review. Thinking about getting one myself... want to cruise through the alps in Switzerland where I live... however, having a hard time coming to a conclusion, since I’m currently driving a 2019 Mini JCW Cabrio and not sure whether the swap will be worth it...
I miss all the smiles and random adventures with my best buddy 1995 NA miata. Hope to get one and never let it go. Btw you said 20 years newer than your 91 but more like 29-30 now d:
You are right hahaha I can't believe it's been 30 years lol
The MX-5 is the naturally aspirated, rear wheel drive, manual transmissioned car that you take with you into the new electric frontier. My last dinosaur juice propelled conveyance!
When the MX is replaced as a daily by an electric vehicle, it will still be there for trips and weekends. Still cheap to run even if petrol doubles in price.
Ben Haynes Same! My plan is new miata now, cheap beater 4 door suv/car under $10k, eventually upgrade 4 door to an electric, and keep miata long term (2020 consumer reports most reliable car)
I want a manual steering rack option. I haven't bought a ND Miata yet because the lack of this option...and also lack of a green paint option.
Why? The steering is great as-is.
It's a great car but kind of cramp inside and it feels really low when you get in. But driving wise I absolutely dream about owning one even till this day. I picked the Mazda 3 since its more practical and spacious. This still beats the 86 and Mustang for me.
Yeah I did the same too. But sometimes my eyes still wander and fantasize over the Miata.
I like the car. I test drove one, and it reminds me a lot of the purpose and purity the S2000 has. But, this also a premium car, highly refined, and high value for its dollars. It's a GOOD package.
Fitment is tight. It's better than the first two generations of Miata. The NC felt more roomy to me than the ND, although Mazda says the ND at least matches or improves upon this versus the NC. I own a RX8, so I live with the NC generation of space, although I did modify the seat for improved headroom. I'm 5'10" but with a tall torso. My upper body is like like a 6' to 6'2" person. Headroom in many mainstream cars isn't great for me, so smaller sports cars are even tighter. Just take the "I'm X height" notes with a grain of salt. Everyone's body shape is different. I'm 5'10" and my head is against the roof of the ND, soft top or hard top. If you're tall, the only good sports car to fit easily is the FT86.
Overall performance is good on this car. People complained about body roll, but it's not bad. I guess I grew up with older cars, and this isn't nearly as big of a deal as people make it seem. The Club package is relatively firm in ride, plenty for anyone that cares. One thing I really like about the Miata versus other options is Mazda FINALLY went to short and close gearing. This was one problem with older models. The ND is the first actually fun manual transmission because you actually have to row through the gears and USE the gearbox. In stark contrast, my RX8 will do 65mph in 2nd gear, and shifting is far, far less of an experience. You row through gears more in a FT86 or S2000 than the older Mazdas. The ND is the first Miata where the manual is really proper and right. It sounds silly, but this is a big deal for driving experience and also for sport use. It's also not a problem to have to use many gears unless you actually have a very high HP car where each gear is so short that shifting actually interferes time wise. I have a heavily built Subaru like this, but even then it's more fun with more, close gears, and you get greater choice in which gear to use in which situation. It's...interactive. The ND is interactive, more so than I found with previous generations, and it's better in this way than even the very classic NA. It does so many things so much better than the NA or any generation of Miata. It does many things better than other sports cars in its market segment.
There is one downside though, and I really do quite hate this in modern sports cars of any kind. Electric steering is bad. The lack of feel in the steering sucks. Some manufacturers help this by trying to transmit as much vibration information through the steering so you can at least feel the tires and suspension behavior through the steering column. This helps a lot in the modern world of electric steering, but god the ND steering feels dead. My Honda Ridgeline has better tactile feel through the steering wheel than the Miata. Yeah, really. It's something I notice tremendously when hoping back into my RX8 buzzes and feels alive, the tactile sense is immersive. This was the same problem when the RX8 went to electric steering too years back. I hate driving the RX8 refresh in comparison to the older one because the steering is so dead. It's oddly something Mazda hasn't really figured out very well. The FT86 has better tactile sense despite also being electric, and you don't really notice the problem with the steering wheel. But the Miata, I was starkly aware, and it has something to do with how Mazda chooses to implement the steering system or at least how they isolate the steering column/wheel from tactile contact with the road. That was the one and only thing that really bugged me with the car. You'll readily live with it in time, but holy hell does modern electric steering sap the life out of the tactile experience. For something you have your hands on for so long of the driving experience, it NEEDS to be a fundamental element of sports car design. I'm repeatedly and abundantly apparent of this every time I hop between newer and older cars. This needs to be fixed, not just with the ND but with modern cars and specifically any sport/performance segment of vehicle.
Hey Kirk, this was a nice video. I wasn’t too sure about a review video (like this) but now that I’ve watched it, yeah, I’d like to see more!
Thanks for giving me a chance, mate! More coming :)
I bought this same car last may in the machine grey with the same red nappa interior; absolutely love it!!
Storage is behind the passenger seat in the hard top and behind both seats in the soft top.
Small car Big smiles,absolute description of the Miata
I just bought a 2012 MX-5 Grand Touring PRHT 6 speed manual with 30,100 miles. Mint condition . A great little sports car. I wanted one for years and finally found what I was looking for. Nice fun little convertible, to drive around the Texas hill country winding country roads.
Congrats on your new car!!!
Great, fresh take on a review! I enjoyed it. Keep up the good work!
Thanks so much!
In 2020 , consumer reports gave Mazda top quality build out of all manufacturers , even above Toyota and Lexus.
Great review man, that's an awesome color combo. i am torn between getting a club version or the grand touring. i will probably go with the club as i plan to have this as a weekend car and also maybe doing some track runs in the future.
Thanks! Yes I'd recommend the club for your uses
Floppy water bottle fix, put it in a koozi, plus it keeps water cooler. When not in use put the cup holder in the cubbie holes behind the seats.
What are the year to year differences between the MX-5 Miata touring since 2016 when the HP was increased to the 180 range? Is there a particular reason to get a specific year’s model?
Nice review. The RF looks good.
I love the Mazda Mx-5 RF. Additionally to the peppy little sports car feeling while driving with the top down I personally also have the experience of driving a Lexurious grand touring when the top is up also because the hood looks so long.
Just one question has the wind noise bothered you above 90kmh?
And last last but not least the Mx-5 is one of the few convertibles in my opinion that also look stunning with the top up.
Wind noise didn't bother me above 90kmh, but over 90 and you started noticing the buzzing of the engine. Hard top probably helps keep the wind noise down. The 86 I drove was much quieter at speed...but I'd still pick the MX-5 :)
your color correction looks very off/flat are you using a special profile to get a flat range to color correct later? needs a bit more contrast I have the same color exterior/interior and they don't look right in this video. I did really like the review though and think your commentary was great so good job on that aspect! :thumbs up:
I used a flat profile and didn't adjust color or contrast. Will mess with it with the next video more. Still new to videography 🤓
Did 3 cross country drives. No matter how good the seats are you gonna feel it.
Loved your review!
getting mine delivered tomorrow!
Hi Kirk, I love your videos and follow them on a regular basis. Great Job in putting together these videos with all the Japanese auto industry news.
I have a question would you recommend getting a manual or an auto MX-5 RF? It will be my only vehicle (daily driver) that I will be driving over the winter. I live in Toronto, Canada and it snows during winters. I have been driving Manual cars abroad in tropical weather but never in winters, so not a new manual car driver. (One more thing if I get the manual transmission one then no Strut tower brace, no Bilstein shocks and no LSD, all these are available only in Auto versions)
I will appreciate your thoughts and advice. Thanks
Hi friend,
If it's your only daily driver, then I'd go manual transmission. The auto would be more compliant - but so boring. Manual is like a relationship - a little push and pull, but you grow closer as a result.
@@KirkKreifels dont you think it will be difficult to handle manual in snowy conditions or no? also considering how light this vehicle is plus its Rear wheel drive... thx
Love the red leather, the grey duco is bland for this type of car.
I'm 5"9' and find that I have to recline my backrest to an uncomfortable position to have reasonable vision under the interior rear view mirror (that's with the mirror shoved as high as it goes).
Anyone taller that 5"9' can only look straight ahead. Fun little car though. I much prefer the soft top, I view the cost/complexity and lack of 360 degree view in the retractable fastback as pointless.
I enjoy using my car as a daily and it still feels special for the weekend drives. I have the 1.5L manual, it gets insane economy and I can really push it whilst staying relatively near the speed limit.
Too tall to fit. My ex-gf had one and I felt like a sardine! Shame, but a very nice car.
Here in the UK a manual is the norm so no issues working the gears through the box.
It is quite a pocket rocket though.
Who needs cup holders? Nobody should drink inside this gorgeous car. Cup holders and automatics are for wimps. Throw them in the trunk and enjoy shifting the perfect MT! Also the extra weight of the metal roof balances the car nearly 50-50 and makes it more stable in the rear than the soft top. That car will look so much better in black with the new red leather interiors.
I have to be honest, I still love the 1st and 2nd gen the most. Those generations have so many mod combos with motor swaps and kits etc. That being said, It would be good if they gave the new models with about 250hp as a NA motor. The top should also really be much like the 1st generation top, save money and add performance. Cant wait to make my 1st gen J32 swap. 2020 seems cool I guess if you want to just buy it as a single or couple only.
Not off to a great start with that hand position at 0:20, but nice review besides that!
I also agree with the too-narrow steering wheel thickness; wish the ND’s was a bit meatier.
And it is reliable, Kirk
Damn you got a car review now? Can't wait to see how you grow.
Thanks mate!
Go to a dirt road and have fun with it, like rally drive
its a shame we didnt get driving footage that seemed such a great road
Interesting, i had ND 2016 1.5 L open top mx5 for 2 years. Steering needed to be thicker. Mine was right hand drive so the handbrake was perfect position. I would like the new 2.0 Skyactive X engine with torque over 220 NM in new refreshed MX-5. Keep front same. Just change interior to new mazda 3. Best car i had.
exaactly. When the Europe version the hand brake stays on right side
Kirk, you spoke very highly of the drive. I'd love to know how much fun the new Ford Fiesta ST is compared to the MX-5. I don't want to regret selling my Mazda, for the Ford.
Your adage of "better slow car fast, than fast car slow" tells me that I should stay Miata'd.
We don't get the new fiesta stateside
If it feels like a 1st gen, that's saying something. The 1st gen felt do mechanical. Those cars are gonna be classics some day.
That hug pic was the money shot
I dd this. First yr 30k. Second yr 25.5k miles
That's how much I drive too each year. Has maintenance been minimal? I dd a Impreza right now. I like it but the MX5 will be my next car.
Nice review! How do you think Mazda can improve on it? (besides the small cockpit for tall folks)
Mitsuoka customize MX-5 to look like C2 Corvette, hope next time he will uses MX-5 to recreate the Toyota S800 or Toyota S-FR.
But as is, Mazda always did great job for Miata.
Excellent review you covered everything except one issue I heard about. That is the wind while driving with the top down. The RF as a targa design is said to cause wind buffeting while driving?. Please advise. Thanks. Otherwise you covered all issues I own an NC Miata. Love it too. It’s a GT with the PRHT and I drive as my daily. True fun and so easy to live with. I had a Boxster previously... but this is as much fun, and I don’t worry about it being in a parking lot!
Yes, I thought there was an annoying wind noise from the roof pillar with the top down when I test drove the RF version. It's not present in the soft top version, but the RF is definitely more quiet with the top up. The noise problem was one reason why I got the soft top version myself (I mostly drive the MX-5 when I can enjoy the roofless experience).
Loved this review.
Do you plan on doing a review for the Mazda 3 Turbo when it comes out?
Absolutely! Thanks for watching
Wanted to buy a NA Miata for my first car but my mom and dad disagreed so I got a new Mazda3 but I guess it drives the same.
The answer is always Miata
Great video, Kirk! Does the MX-5 Grand Touring have the Mazda "heads up display?"
Thanks! It does not have HUD
I learned to drive a manual on a 3rd gen Miata, was so easy.
It's sad that Mazda doesn't have a practical performance car in their line up, The Mazda 3 Turbo could have fill that void but that they fail to deliver the goods.
this car needs Skyactive X engine, Tuned to same red line, like they did with normal skyactive X
In Mazda 3 is making 5-6L per 100KM here, even when tuned for performance.
It would make less than that as it is 300KG+ lighter.
And to mention, LOW RPM Torque form high compression, and small supercharger.
I hope they soon release new Mazda MX5 with those features. To be same if not lighter weight :P
When you finally grow up, you go out and buy a Miata.
the handbrake is in the same spot for right side drive vehicles, as they are driven on the left side of the road in britain and japan, thus it's in the right spot for us, but not for you left hand drivers sadly
Do you think Mazda will make the 2.5 turbo an option, now that they’re using it in so many other models?
Nice! Can't wait for the 86
Great review !
Thanks Burt
How did you find the rear visibility? It looks quite limited, especially if one were driving in city traffic or on a busy highway.
SO for someone who doesn't usually drive manual transmition cars how would you compare driving an automatic version of this car? Thanks
Wanna see you review a RX-7 one day.
10:26 Skyactiv kicked in
You were great. I want this car.
Thanks Marie! You'll love it
I'll keep my 240hp H22a
What’s the name of those “air guides “ on the rear bumper above the side blinker ?
Thanks for the review. What did you think of the ride comfort? I tested a 1.5 litre RF as no 2.0 available. I was impressed with the ride quality and comfort so ordered the 2.0 GT with the Bilsteins and 17'' wheels and I'm disappointed.The ride is way stiffer, harsh and uncomfortable. Was this your experience with the car or could there be a problem with mine?
The Bilstein upgrade makes it ride stiffer. Also anytime you get bigger wheels, comfort goes down. You still have one fine machine
I have the Bilsteins and Recaro seats. Yes, it's less comfortable than the standard version, but the improvements in driving experience makes the upgrades worth it. Also, I've found that the suspension, the engine, and the seats softens up a bit over time (and maybe I'm also getting more used to the car :) ).
does this trim have the Limited Slip Diff ? Also, is the screen still touch screen? or has that been removed?
ND is a great car, no doubt, but will it maintain its "Smiles per Miles" status after the buyer truly understands that he, in fact, bought a GDI engine...?!
Time will tell to see how long that GDI lasts.
I have a nb miata. I like the look for the rf but I hate the blind spot I have when the top is up. I think the rf will have the same problem with the pillar blind spots. I'll have to take the soft top club model nd2.
With the top “down” on the rf it feels like any other coupe with a sunroof. Kinda misses a big part of the roadster feel. Soft top all the way.
What blind spot? ua-cam.com/video/QIkodlp8HMM/v-deo.html
The crossbar was annoying to me when i went to see one even tho am only 5foot8.