2019 / 2020 Mazda MX-5 | The "Practical" Roadster
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- Опубліковано 26 бер 2019
- The MX-5 has long been the pragmatic roadster, as far as 2-seat vehicles go of course. With a soft suspension, light weight construction and a priority on driver engagement, the MX-5 has a purity to it that just can't me matched in a Camaro or Mustang. On the flip side, the Camaro and Mustang offer handling and acceleration the MX-5 can only dream of. The result is an affordable roadster that's easy to live with, easy on your wallet, but ultimately will only fit a select number of shoppers.
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Alex is usually very accurate in his vehicle assessments but he misspoke when he said that “the RF version is only about 45 lbs. heavier than the softop.” Actually, the RF is 113 lbs. heavier than the softop version. Also, in order to cut down on weight as much as possible, the RF doesn’t have the structural bracing underneath the passenger floorpan found in the softop MX-5. So comparing both cars with the roof open the softop version is structurally stiffer than the RF because of the extra structural bracing.
Other differences between the RF and the softop: the center storage space in the softop that’s between the seats has about twice the volume than the RF. Also, the softop has two cubbie holes, one behind each seat, versus just one cubbie hole behind the passenger seat for the RF.
Finally, one thing that I think it’s worth mentioning, all MX-5’s have the twelve volt power outlet at the firewall in the passenger side.
I like the ND generation MX-5 for its looks but in some ways my NC generation Grand Touring is a better car than the new one because the entire metal roof retracts completely out of sight when the roof is open without the obtrusive buttresses of the RF. Also, the hydraulic power steering is a lot more communicative than the dull feeling of the ND’s electric assisted power steering. Plus the NC’s bigger size have the advantage of a more spacious cabin interior with an actual glove box, permanently placed cup holders, and about a half cubic foot more volume in the trunk versus the NC.
Besides, I don’t think the extra electronics is needed with all of its information overkill in a small and simple sports car.
I meant to say , all NEW (ND) MX-5s have the twelve volt power outlet at the passenger side firewall. My 2008! Mazda MX-5 have the power outlet on the dashboard like any other normal car.
Good info, didn't know about the structural bracing under the car. Thanks for sharing
True
I'm 6' 3" and the Miata makes no sense at all. Until you put the top down and fly down a twisty road. Then you're thinking "I can't live without this". Kudos to Mazda for staying true to the formula of low weight and high engagement.
im gonna sell my kidney for the mx5.. i guess i can live with one kidney.. Probably one kidney is enough for me.. (EDİT: i bought an RF miata, the kidney is still here)
@@user-se4tk2jj8c I just bought a 19 RF GT-S. Just wanted a sporty car to the to work. Turns out you really do need to drive one to see how good they really are. I was amazed at how they were. I owned muscle cars for most of my life and still do, but none of them can get the mileage this can and perform.
Very professional and informative as always. Thank you, Alex.
You are an outstanding presenter - absolutely fluid speech with no hems, haws or hesitation. You’ve clearly studied the vehicle sufficiently to provide a mass of valuable information. Great job!
Mx5 a sports car without sports car head ache
a very pure sports car indeed
Drove this car for a week as a rental with 30,000 miles on it, it drove nice, the only concern was the rattling in the hard top, BUT its a rental and you never know how its treated etc.......... ALL i can say is it MUST be sexy because EVERY women that saw the car was steering like it was a lamborghini :) Its a sexy car , NO question about that! Its like a porsche in looks over the fenders without the 30,000 maintenance needed in two years LOL after ANY warranty is finished.haha Score 9.8!
Love your reviews Alex plenty of details and information ‘just the facts’.
We live down in Australia i have owned the 1.5 GT 2015 ND MX5 Soul Red and my wife owns a 2017 RF in machine grey. Both are manual and although not the fastest cars in a straight line they are both sensational to drive and of course as soon as you find your favourite piece of road with plenty of bends in the smile 😃 on your face is from ear to ear.
I really loved your rating system for the drive quality. You're one of the best car reviewers I've seen!
The 2019 miata looks like the worlds best sports car at any price. Good job Alex.
That's cause it is
Yea I think I'll buy one for my wife?
Their still a dog at accelerating off the line.. miatas always have been.
Also... the new camera... the video looks good. Mellow, with pretty nice dynamic range. Looks... cinematic. Love it.
I'm glad it returned. It stopped showing earlier
As a owner of a 2018 MX-5RF GT, excellent review Alex, you nailed it.
How is the wind buffeting? Did you compare with the soft top MX-5?
.
Great review, good presentation style, info and filming, nice job 👌
You are the best car reviewer hands down. Many thanks. Great videos.
Mike K savagegeese has some interesting new stuff on Miata history.
Love the Miata and your reviews!
I love the Miat and AoA too!
ohhh, that "other journalists" pun. This just shows what a good and responsible driver Alex is.
I had a Mazda years ago it was very peppy and dependable
Well over a million sold now .
That sums it up, no two seater roadster has even come close to the MX5's popularity .
Just had the spring rally here in the UK 1500 MX5's in convoy, quite a sight
The increased power and redline is a welcome change.
BTW, When's your Jetta GLI review coming out?
If you want better grip, and still want the mx5, ditch the factory 205 tires and fit 215/45R17 pilot sport 4s, it will pull more lateral Gs than hyundai and mustang
Simon Zhao can’t 15’s fit the ND? If so, go with a 225/45/15 or even 245/40/15. Crazy autocrossers go 275/35
If you don't mind even more road noise than Alex is complaining about. Then yea go ahead and fit wider tires...
davedavis I’m okay with a bit of noise. Tire tread pattern plays a much bigger role in that aspect than width anyways. Federal RSRR tires are some of the worse I’ve heard, sounds like a plane taking off when driving at highway speeds.
8 inch wide wheels fit without having to roll fenders, and can fit a 235 tire. That is the optimal street setup.
Lord Tippington the Wise - Atheist Knight of Le Reddit Gentlesirs yeah my autocross desires aside, a 17x8 with 235/40 tire would be a great aggressive street setup.
i have a 2017 club RF. it's an awesome daily driver, as long as you're single and don't need to haul any big stuff on a regular basis. i don't find the club suspension too stiff. it's comfortable on long interstate drives, and bumps aren't that jarring, but it is slightly reminiscent of a go-cart, which just makes the car feel alive. as for the rear visibility, i have no problems, even without the backup camera. the rearview mirrors need to be adjusted properly, of course, and with a reasonably flexible neck, aided by the lane watch nanny, there's no issue.
i was hoping you'd compare the old 2016-2018 engine with the 2019. i know the 2019 revs and pulls to 7500, where the original engine
starts to drop off at about 6000 and redlines at 6800. the power charts i've seen show that the engines are almost identical up to 6k. do they "feel" similar up to that point?
Love my Club! Half my driving miles are doing spirited driving and still great fuel mileage. 40 mile per American gallons is very practical!
Alex, since you had the automatic this time I would've loved a more thorough description of how the auto performed/or not, on those nice curvy roads. How did those paddle shifters do? Did they hold gears properly in spirited driving? I've been considering the MX5 and most likely would chose the manual, but have also been wondering about how the auto performs.
A bit late but maybe someone else will see this. One thing he didnt do was put it in "sport". This does make the shifts in changing gears a tiny bit faster, which would explain the high 0-60 time. Honestly there isnt a huge delay wither when shifting gears EXCEPT 3->4. This shift is groggy, slow, and just ugh 1->2, 2->3 though is great.
I would pick all of them of course
I am a proud owner of a 2018 RF GT AT and never regretted it. I prefer the AT and enjoy the ride. If you want to switch gears, paddles shifting can be fun. Great car !!
How is the reliability of the car and especially the roof?
As Alex said, you really need to get this in the manual. Love this car. So impressed with its lightweight and attention to detail. This is the closest thing to a modern day Honda S2000. Love the newly revised 2L engine. My pick for this category, and I spoke with my money, was a 370Z Sport trim.
The engine makes all the difference. I test drove a 2017, and while it was nice, it didn't really do it for me. Then i tested the 2019 and i was sold on it immediately. It's not just the fact that it has more power. It's the fact that it is much more keen to rev, feels lighter, etc etc
I would love to see a review between the RF and the traditional convertible and which one you prefer.
Great review!! The extra 45lbs for RF hardtop was helpful info
That's incorrect-the RF weighs 108 lbs (~5%) more than the soft top version.
Sweet car, really want to test drive the manual soft top and push it to its limits!
Great Review, great car. I love my 2018 GT RF daily driver that I cruise through the vineyards in getting 40 MPG.
Hi
Really good review.
I want the Grand Touring, RF automatic.
Recently got an used 124 spider Lusso Prima Edizione, great car and a great deal.
Nice! How much did you pay for it if you don't mind me asking Julio?
@@shouldigetit $18,600 plus taxes and fees. $20,000 OTD. 12,500 miles. Bought it the last day of January, when nobody wants a convertible.
Julio Blanco Beautifully done, the 124 is my choice too. Because they were so expensive locally and new, I decided to spend about $15k on a Porsche 944 turbo. The Fiat or MX-5 is my next though.
Alex... i drive now a manual 2007 NC x and its time to change x but I can not decide between MX 5 M/A or 370Z M/A x can you help in deciding x I drive all year round in snowy Montreal with top down when ever I can even in winter x thank you Tony
Nice review. I would do the Miata GT, soft top, manual transmission.
That's the perfect car, as long as you get the LSD with the Club package
@@shouldigetit I heard a guy bought the lsd to add to the sport for less than $1000. I think I would go that route
debating on this or s2000 but now im thnking this is the way to go
You can get a pretty good deal on a used Honda 2000 take it for a test ride they are a lot of fun excellent engine. Timeless styling. Certainly better looking than the present crop of hondas.
My '16 Sport has 43,000 miles, always great to drive. Keep it simple and enjoy. With snow tires I drive it year round in New Hampshire.
Wow how did you put that many miles on it already? Got it at the end of 15?
@@shouldigetit October of '15. My daily driver. White and often crusted with salt in winter. Drives some people nuts but it's too enjoyable to put away in winter, Blizzaks do a good job.
Good on you. I’m going to start driving mine thru the Midwest winters as well,
@@gregblack8550 They have good weight distribution so traction is good, ground clearance though is an issue. I don't go out in the storms, no sense tempting fate. I use Blizzaks.
I would go for the soft top. I understand that there is a little more headroom in the soft top.
Thanks for pointing out the size issue. I'm 6'4" tall and don't really fit in.
It's tragic - I genuinely like this car and Keep defending it against idiots who don't get it and call it a hairdressers' runabout - but since it would be a total waste to cram myself into a car I don't really fit in, I had to pass.
Pity it's still the same with the current model...
A third generation with soft top (not the retractable hard top) has the most headroom of all MX-5s.
If instead of positioning the seat all the way back, you move the seat about an inch closer to the steering wheel and then recline the seat, you can maximize headroom.
I don't fit in the current generation (ND) either, but the NC works for me (just barely). Maybe it'll work for you?
My used 2013 functions as a cheap, reliable sports car that I use as a weekend car. Better than a boat or motorcycle for me.
Alex a question my friend. Isnt the redline 7500 rpm now? Up from the previous 6800 rpm! THANKS 👍
At 9:35 you mentioned that "the bulk of this body is made out of steel." While there's a significant amount of steel in the structure, much of the body is aluminum (or thermoplastic for the bumpers). The doors, upper rear fenders, and the rear deck trim piece are steel (galvanized); the rest of the body is aluminum.
Very nice review, as always. You don't see the John Cooper Works Mini as a potential car to cross shop, I notice. The interior noise at 74 dB is a bit of a discouragement.
Likely bc the JCW mini starts at 32k.
definitely a fun car
Great review. I have the 2017 MX-5 RF and don't regret it one bit. I've always liked convertibles but never enjoyed the thought of soft-top maintenance. The NC Miata had a PRHT, but I didn't dig the bubbly looks of older generations of the Miata. So when the RF was debut for the 2017 model year I couldn't pass it up (wife loves it too)
It's really a very well balanced vehicle. I enjoy it everyday as a daily driver, make excuses to run "errands" just so I can drive it more, has instant steering feel, gets 34.5 MPG real driving (I do not autocross or go to the track but still have some spirited driving).
The RF Club is relatively stiff, but still bearable on smaller road trips, and the MX-5's relatively small trunk space forces us to pack only what we need.
One aspect highly considered for most when deciding between Club or GT (at least for RF models only), is the available Brembo/BBS package. This package was only available for the Club version (back in 2017-2018 RF's, not sure about 2019). Part of the package is the Aero Kit that makes the look of the ND MX-5 look aggressive, has 4 pieces: front splitter, 2x side skirts, rear diffuser, and the lip spoiler. Each component costs about $500 with the lip spoiler at about $300, and the Club comes standard with 2 of the 4 components (front splitter and lip spoiler), while the GT comes with none of these.
I've seen some GT owners wanting the aggressive look but that requires them to dish out an additional $2,000 or so for the entire package to get it installed afterwards.
I know to some $2,000 extra might not be much more after spending over $30,000 on the vehicle itself, but that's one factor that made me opt for the Club even though I don't plan to autocross/track.
For those considering, do NOT get the automatic if you can help it.
Alex I wonder if this mx5 could be my daily only car , In south of Ontario , thanks
It's perfect. I'll take one in red. Club MT
Do it!
Camaro & Mustang can handle better? I thought that the lighter weight would be an advantage?
He keeps mentioning that his Club test car is firmer than the other trims, but the automatic Club actually has the same (softer) suspension setup as the GT.
Alex, I have watched you for years and always appreciate your reviews, but one thing that's always bugged me is how you equate "handling" to outright "grip". Grip is total roadholding in a lateral sense. Handling is the dynamic response of the car in steady-state and transient conditions. This MX-5 has less grip than many Camaros and Mustangs, most likely, but there's no way in heck it handles worse.
agree
@@idk-gq3lh This is a Christian server. No swearing allowed!
While a skidpad may be oversimplified, the only objective way to measure "handling" is in corner speeds on a track. The Camaro, without question, out handles the Miata by virtue of being able to maintain higher speeds in the same turns off power. The Miata's "handling" would be improved through wider tires and stiffer swaybars to control some of that excessive roll. If you want to talk in a more subjective sense about how confidence inspiring the vehicle is by how easy it is to balance in the corners and what not, that becomes so subjective that you really have to feel it for yourself. Personally, I think when it comes to measuring sports car performance, the only way to really do it properly is to bring vehicles to a high speed track and a low speed track (like autocross course) and measure lap times. Having seen Miatas, I can assure you that stock for stock, its not going to be able to compete with a Mustang GT and especially not a Camaro SS, but its also cheaper to buy and own than those vehicles and is a convertible by default (a big extra cost on those larger vehicles).
Agree. Handling and roadholding ARE NOT the same thing!!!
Husky Dinosaur The Miata’s “roadholding” may be improved by adding more grip, but it’s “handling” is not necessarily improved with it. If you want to remove ALL “fun” from a Miata then stick 255 rubber on all round and a rock hard suspension with zero body roll. Sure...it may win at Auto-X but your’ll have a less exciting “road car” that’s as boring as batshit at road speeds. Roadholding and handling are not the same thing.
Is it possible to make the car a bit higher for ground level clearance
IMHO The rear cupholder locations are great. 2 years, no problems
I agree about the cup holders. I understand how some may feel they get in the way, but that has not been my experience; in no way do they interfere with my shifting or just resting my arm on the center armrest. What’s more, I took a really good look at the cup holder design details. They are really well conceived and well executed. I love their flexibility (driver cup holder in passenger footwell makes total sense when driving solo!) and yes, one could simply stow both cup holders if they don’t want to use them.
The whole RF assembly doesn’t really fit in the same space as the soft top. It’s subtle, and I can totally understand why you’d miss it, but the compartments behind the seats are smaller in the RF than in the soft top.
Not sure where you're getting your specs but the RF is 111 pounds heavier than the soft top at a minimum...not "only 45". It also doesn't quite "fit in the exactly the same space" as the soft top. As the storage compartments inside the cabin are MUCH smaller in the RF due to the mechanical stuff taking up more space, and the trunk has a smaller "mouth" opening in the RF.
I can't envision an AT in a lightweight sports car like the MX-5. In a heavier, more powerful open-air grand tourer (i.e., a 370Z Roadster), perhaps you can, even though you're bound to get some flak for it from some purists for going that route. I'd pick up a base trim MX-5 with the 6MT and make my own improvements with the money I saved.
Funny thing with fuel economy and choosing a manual or automatic is that the automatic will suck a ton of fuel while it warms up when the manual doesn't causing a large mileage difference in day to day driving back and forth to work. My auto vehicle gets 18 mpg day to day vs 25 mpg driving around the same day with the transmission staying warm. So basically if you get an automatic car period count on that day to day going to work MPG being sucked down a ton compared to what it would be with a manual especially when it comes to cold winter months.
I'm still looking for a ND2 miata
Seems like the only way to order a MX-5 is with a manual and the soft top.
RF is 45kg heavier than the soft top, or nearly 100lbs, not 45lbs. Still a good review though. 👍
I want this car real bad. I even like it in white.
Would it have killed Mazda to put in a glove box? I drove two 2019s today and they are a lot of fun, but it still felt under powered. This light car would be fantastic with 200 or 300 horse power. If it wouldn't void the warranty I would definitely have a turbo kit installed. I actually preferred the previous body style. This car reminds me of a C3 Corvette Mako Shark . Not my favorite body style. It does have a sweet gear box.
Ignorance. Car is just fine with it’s 181hp. If you can’t drive an MX-5 fast you can’t drive, here’s a naturally aspirated MX-5 giving a Porsche 911 a workout. ua-cam.com/video/tQ3x462rlmg/v-deo.html
I recently got a 2019 RF in red and I love it. The only things I wish they did was make the center storage cubby as big as they could. There is a coin holder in it, who the hell uses that shit anymore? And the center glove box could've been extended more since they took the CD player out , but just filled it in with a cover? Lame! But minor gripes aside the car is a thrill to drive.
Don’t let the zero to sixty timing fool you. It is slow. But This is not a dragster, it’s a sports car! The 20 to 80 timing is actually MUCH better. Driving as a sports car, it has lots of power, even up steep hills. My videos prove it! :)
Great video!
I had $6k and i was wither going to use it as a down payment for a Veloster N. I ended but buying an old NB miata cash instead.
So, this is almost as good as AP2 S2000 from 2004. Got it!
Having owned both, I would say the soft top is actually considerably noisier at highway speeds, so don't agree with his point of similar noise level. Would still prefer the soft top. I'm 6'1'' and I find the soft top more roomy.
I love these cars! :-)
15:20 Except you should compare it to the sister vehicle. Nobody buys a Spider or Miata without glancing at the sister vehicle. And while they may be similar, the differences are more than skin deep with unique powertrains and suspensions.
miata in red with the stick and 17inch rims might be what the doctor ordered
The only car you could ever need.
Yes
had automatic RF before but I crashed it. i would want a manual version now, hope it comes with rear view cam, apple car play, and spare tire! haha so scary to go far, long drive without a spare tire.
F
Well, it kinda is the "most powerful engine" in a production Miata. The 2004 Mazdaspeed MX-5 had a 1.8L turbo, with 178 hp & 166 lb. ft. torque. It was priced about $27,000 in 2004, so it would be $37,000 in 2019. Of course, the 2019 is more refined, safer, and a bit better in performance!
no contest, lame turbo vs NA engine
The SP released in Australia in 2002 made 210hp and 213ft-lb with a 1.8l turbo. Only 100 ever made.
Shopping for a mx5 and thinking hard between manual vs auto. Wanting a a red manual club with brembo/recaro package, but like to share with my son only if I can convince him to learn how to drive a stick.
probably too late now but I'd have told your son if he wants to carry on sharing he'd have to learn manual, I taught my son manual from the start, only took him a couple hours to get to grips with it - I just took him round and round a loop that had a junction on a hill !
At 3:48 you mentioned that the RF "only weighs about 45 pounds more" than the soft top version. That is incorrect: The soft top version (MT) weighs 2,345 lbs vs. the RF at 2,453 lbs for a difference of 108 lbs. On a car this light, those extra 108 lbs negatively impact performance in a way that you can feel and measure.
Plot twist, many Americans are 108lbs overweight. Good excuse to go on keto!
Yeah I think there was a unit error in there. The RF is about 45 kg (or about 100 lb) heavier.
I think I’d choose a Triumph Bonneville T120 or a Triumph Speed Twin Motorcycle; with sporty car that has more cargo space an easier access. These MX5 are a pain to get in and out of. The Honda Fit Sports is about the same weight as these MX5, but a hell of a lot more practical. If you want open air and sports get a motorcycle such as the Speed Twin.
Good review by the way, thank you.
why they added Shark Fin? there is already a pop-up antenna then the rear glass antenna sooo how much does the rear viewing camera weighs?😲
It's for sat-nav, I believe, not for radio.
Reupload?
There was a glitch in the upload from earlier today
Would different tires alter the amount of road noise inside the cabin?
The standard car comes with 195 width instead of 205. Might help with noise.
Would the base model of this car be good for daily driving? I mean the sport trim.
It depends , I DD my ND gt 16
Yes I daily my 2010
I have no kids nor do I want to , and I don't go Costco shopping , so I can put all the things I need in my ND 16 and not complain about lack of storage. That's why I said it depends
is the mx5 built in japan ? if so thats cool
yes
great
There is luggage specially fitted to the trunk.
What about the Audi TT or BMW Z4 for comparisons?
You'd have to spend a whole lot more, or get them with a lot of miles on them for the same price.
Yeah, anything that's a 2-seat roadster convertible that's not a MX-5 is a steep price hike. The mentioned Audi TT or BMW Z4 is easily close to double the price.
These are not available with manuals, aka carbage
I wish Mazda fix that cabin noise.
hehe, Marzda, out of this world performance...
Only wished it came turbocharged. I get the whole practically element and low weight ratio but at 181 hrp, come on. Just me. Nice looking car though.
Ignorance. If you can’t drive an MX-5 fast, you can’t drive, you couldn’t drive a high hp car fast either. Here’s an MX-5 giving a 911 Porsche a work out. And this MX-5 is naturally aspirated non turbo car. ua-cam.com/video/tQ3x462rlmg/v-deo.html
Really confused. He says the GT is more comfortable than the club, but they both have the same suspension.
Doug Montgomery The GT model only includes the stiffer Bilstein dampers from the Club trim if you spec the GT-S package. Otherwise the GT has the standard, softer dampers. To clarify, this is only for the US; other markets differ.
I really wish they would use terms like spyder instead of roadster lol
what do you mean the mx5 can't be compared with anything? what about the Subaru brz??
One is a 2 seat roadster and the other a 4-seat coupe that's much bigger.
@@AAutoBuyersGuide True.
Get the Fiat classical manual with tech package. Ride is much more comfortable than the Mazda and the torque from the turbo puts you back in your seat and is a blast! Love the Fiat styling and slightly bigger trunk 😀
The club is the only trim that has a bad ride. The new engine is superior to any turbo, especially with a manual.
The fiat is slower overall and heavier and abarth is costly and again slower.
@@gregblack8550 Are you a race car driver looking to save 1/10 of a second? Then maybe you're right. If you're looking for speed, either the fiata or miata is not your ride dude.
@@ejs93033 Not true, we drove a non-club miata, still stiffer than the Fiat. Turbo vs NA is a personal choice, what's better for one person may not be for another.
How do you know your camera is a he? Doesn’t it deserve to determine its own individual sex!? 😂. Good job Alex keep it up!
And, why does she need glasses? Could be looking for examples of photographic "bokeh?"
A thicker steering wheel is needed. Hopefully will get the new Mazda 3 SW next year!! Other than that it’s a fun ride, for sure!
As far as competition goes, it's very simple - there isn't any! The mx5 is in a field of one, there just isn't anything else you can buy and why would you? It is near perfect. I have an nc model which I prefer to the nd and I love it - it is my daily driver and I cover 16 K miles per year in it. I drive it through all seasons and I wouldn't swap it for anything. As we day in the UK - 'nuff said!
@@bsimpson6204 Hi, mine is a PRHT too, although we call it a RC(Roadster Coupe) over here.
I was looking at buying a new RF, but when I took one on the motorway during a test drive I could hear the flying buttresses at the back vibrating and it really put me off the car. I then had a test drive in an nc and the rest, as they say, is history!
@@bsimpson6204 That sounds like a great holiday and yes, I wouldn't go near a 1. 8, although we get a 1.5 nd in Europe which I have driven and is actually very good, but you can't get it with the Bilsteins or the L SD and it feels quite loose compared to the 2.0 with the stiffer chassis. It is lighter of course and still good fun.
Spider 124 is the obvious competition, and more than just a different trim, having a unique powertrain, suspension, and body work.
@@huskydinosaur2860 I don't know about the chassis - as its basically an mx5, I would have thought the chassis was the same components but set up differently. I have to say, I love the styling of the 124-it really does hark after the original. But of course they've stopped making it now.
@@geoffhemingway3926 Same chassis, same assembly line, but different springs, dampers, sway bars, jounce bumpers, etc. on the Fiat. Fiat also has improved windshield. Body panels are unique to each, and they have different engines/exhausts and transmissions in them, along with different wheels. Trunk is slightly bigger too. They are very similar, but anyone shopping the MX5 would be wise to also test drive an Abarth and see which they prefer. The Abarth will have more midrange, cooler sound, softer suspension, but actually less roll in the turns and stay flatter. The Abarth is heavier than the soft top Miata variant, but the same weight as the hard top.
smart only, is eazyer. so no need cameras :)
No way, get the convertible Club trim and then upgrade the springs and sway bars through Flyin' Miata out of Colorado. The Club trim also has a limited slip differential, and if that isn't a priority for you then you aren't seriously looking at this as an inexpensive sports car and rather- just a cute open-air toy. The Bose 9 speaker stereo on the Club and higher is also quite respectible; don't cheap out and get the base Sport trim. Also, make sure to replace the tires with something decent immediately; the stock tires are not able to show off what this car can do. You can now upgrade to Android Auto (and I believe also Apple CarPlay) via a dealer upgrade, to make sure You check with your old dealer for this if you need it.
In 2019 they introduced the GT-S package that added the limited slip & other Club options to the GT trim.
@@23MapleDesign Yep. But you're already paying quite a bit for the touring trim, or club trim for ~ the same price tier. I prefer performance over luxury, but yes - both are possible via the GT-S package over the touring trim, at least in the United States market
I've made a number of critical comments about Mazda's vehicles, especially their SUV's. So let me say that if the company produced nothing but inferior vehicles (and they certainly don't) other than the Miata, I'd still pull for them. There are lots of good cars these days but few iconic vehicles and the MX-5 is one of them. It doesn't need more power with a turbocharger. It doesn't need AWD. It comes as close to a true classic sports car as anything on the road. Kudos to Mazda for holding fast to its mission.
As far as transmission choices are concerned, like Alex I often disparage the obsession with MT's. In this case, though, an AT is a sin. Simple as that. Unless you're missing a left leg, get the MT. And stop drinking in your car. That's not what it's for. Now if they could just figure out a way to add a glove compartment where it belongs.
I cross-shopped the MX-5 last summer. Though I loved driving it, I have a wife, a daughter, and a big dog. I really like to take at least two of them with me when I go somewhere. That led me to replace my MK6 GTI with the MK7.5. I love it but every time I see a Miata, especially the newest generation, I get a little misty eyed.
100% agree. I would have loved to have the Miata but practicality won out in the end and I also got a MK7.5 GTI instead. Very happy with my purchase, but would still love to try one of these new Miata's at the track.
Did they get rid of the Mita name?
Don denis Some time ago. It was N America-only and was shelved after the early years of the last generation aka the ‘NC’ version iirc.
I considered the MX-5 but I think it's-just-too-small. If it were about 4" longer and had just a little more interior room I may have bought one. I got a Mazda 3 instead and for fun, well I have a motorcycle. (And I am 5' 8")
I'm 5 10 and 170lbs and its perfectly fine. Quit bitching
There's plenty of legroom & headroom for anyone under 6', so... Did you just call yourself fat?
I'm 6' & pushing 230, & fit perfectly comfortably in every generation of Miatas I've driven. Perhaps it's your expectations of extra space rather than actual space needed?
Louis Lopez How can you tell us that you have a motorcycle and neglect to tell us what model? 🤨 So we have an idea of how much fun. 🏍 🤷🏻♂️
Another great review. There is a direct comparison vehicle though - Fiat 124 Spider.
1:39
The thumbnail doesn’t show the RF. Wtf.
I’d love to see a turbo charged Miata. They don’t have to go crazy, maybe up it to like 210 horsepower. It’d be such a hoot given how light it is
Jay Mac aftermarket kits exist to fill that desire. Or just opt for the Fiata if you want factory turbo.
Turbos and manual trans don't complement each other as well as a natural engine
davedavis I generally disagree and feel there are too many factors to make that claim.
Yes. We have been asking and asking . Have to turbo yourself and I am a coward to lose factory reliability.
They already make a turbocharged Miata, its called the Spider. Check out the Abarth model, its pretty sexy and IMO has a better suspension tune. I just wish they upgraded the 1.4T to Chrysler's new 1.3T which is a more modern and highly advanced engine.
"It uses a Fiat engine instead of a Mazda engine but it's really basically the same car"
Are you out of your mind?
He is not but you are!