2023 MX-5 Miata RF (6MT) // Still King of the Affordable Sports Car // Full Review
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- Опубліковано 15 чер 2024
- Cars are getting bigger and bigger, but the Mazda MX-5 Miata stays small in order to keep those excellent driving dynamics. A 6-speed manual is still the standard transmission, and the only option in most trims. A manual handbrake is also a refreshing sight to see. New for 2023, the Miata now comes in Zircon Sand, a beige color. This ND2 carries a familiar 2.0L naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine that makes 181-hp at 7,000 rpm and 151 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. With a redline at 7,500 rpm and nice short gearing, this remains one of the few cars you can push hard out on the road without getting yourself into too much trouble. Daily drivability as long as your short, a blast to throw around, and now you can get one to match your beige Camry. Miata is still the answer, especially in RF (Retractable Fastback) form. Let's take a look.
2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Grand Touring 6-speed Manual Transmission Review
Merch:
gearbox-car-reviews.creator-s...
My setup:
GoPro 9 camera: www.amazon.com/GoPro-HERO9-Bl...
Rode Wireless II mic: www.amazon.com/dp/B09PXCZ24?t...
Tripod: www.amazon.com/dp/B083J6D5ZK?...
External Camera Mount: www.amazon.com/dp/B00F19Q7YI?...
Tether: www.amazon.com/dp/B073PV51NW?...
Internal Camera Mount: www.amazon.com/Suction-Gorill...
0:00 Intro
0:34 Driving Impressions
8:02 Powertrain
8:35 Exterior
11:48 Interior
18:34 Conclusion
#mx5 #miata #lowkeycarreviews #mazdamx5 #mazdamiata #mazda #sportscars #manualtransmission #savethemanuals #stickshift #carreviews #gearboxcarreviews - Авто та транспорт
The design is STILL BEAUTIFUL . AND ITS NOT EVEN common to see on the street . It’s fun , it’s great
181hp from a NA 2.0l is awesome. This must feel like a rocket compared to the first miatas.
Drove one of my friend who’s a M240i owner, and he was actually very surprised of the speed feeling you got in the miata and in fast corners while not being at super high speed. I think now he understands what is a real driver car hehe
Somehow I haven't managed to get into an older Miata, but I'm dying to. It definitely feels quick though. At least until you look at the speedometer 😆
As an owner of this particular trim level, your review is the best out there. I just got the 2023 GT RF in Soul Red. Manual of course!
Wow thank you! That means a lot! And congrats on the car! Great choice. Soul Red is the best color
@@GearboxCarReviews - Yep, it’s a great little fun car. I found it was a very tough decision between the RF and the Soft Top. They both have their good points.
nice review! thanks :)
Is there a law I'm unaware of that prevents Mazda from giving us an ND in green, purple, yellow or metallic light blue?! Come on, Mazda!!
Right?! I've heard so many people calling for green, including people within Mazda. A proper sports car deserves some bright colors. Hopefully we'll see some more color options for the ND3!
THE ONLY BLUE I KNOW OF IS VERY RARE AND THAT IS LASER BLUE .IF YOU SEE ONE FOR SALE I SUGGEST YOU GRAB IT.
I have owned 6 Miatas and 4 Honda S2000s, my current ‘21 RF Club BBR in Polymetal Grey receives more compliments than any of the others. And with the Goodwin Racing SSST exhaust and a complete LED and emblem blackout treatment, it is also the most fun car to drive…more than my previous Mach 1, Vette, Supra and 300ZX from back in the day.
One of the best trans and chassis ever, definitely not comparable to any other driving experience, some of the most fun you can have on the street, especially when the limit is accessible legally unlike most sports cars…that being said this car needs 240 at the crank.
Definitely one of those things every car enthusiast should experience at some point. I really don't understand people that say they don't get the deal with the Miata. I really think the power is perfect for this car though. Much more power and you wouldn't be able to use the whole tach. It would change the experience quite a bit.
@@GearboxCarReviews if you dont get the deal with a miata you have never driven one plain and simple.
But yeah I totally get how the power may feel enough for some. But when I have driven them I could never help but wish to be sat back a little bit more in my seat when I am getting on it. A little boost would go a long way in these cars, like just a hair over 200hp, same way flashing a 2 liter vdub makes it feel as it should from factory, feel similarly about the Miata with boosting
My only issue is the wind buffeting with the top down in my RF. The soft top is better as far as this goes but then you have the maintenance issues for cloth top. I liked the look of the RF so I got it even with the buffeting since I’ll drive in town at lower speed. What’s your opinion on soft top or hard top RF! Just curious.
Yeah, the wind buffeting isn't great, but the soft top is still generally louder in most situations. I like the RF personally, just because I'm more of a coupe guy and we get all kinds of weather where I live. If I was in LA or somewhere with nice weather all the time, I could see getting the soft top just because it's so easy to get on and off and you can have it off all the time and you can actually have some visibility ha. But as it is, I'd go RF.
@@GearboxCarReviews - I’m in Florida and it’s very hot and humid and rainy. So hard top is nice unless on interstate going over 60. I like the styling of the RF more too.
Hell, isn't blind-spot monitoring the whole purpose for the side-view mirrors?
It's a big part of it, but I still don't like to fully rely on that. Especially if you have something like a 3 lane road where the person in the far lane could be switching into the middle lane at the same time you are. A quick glance can usually catch that, but blind spot monitoring and/or just looking in the mirror doesn't always until the last second.
For reference, may I know your height? I’m thinking RF M/T but might be difficult to fit.
Im 5'7" and I fit perfectly fine. If you're a few inches taller you should be okay, otherwise there are some seat mods you can do to make it work, but it's definitely a tight space.
Does the car require premium fuel (91 octane or better) to be used?
The manual recommends premium, so that's what I'd stick with. Lower octane gas can be used in a pinch, but I wouldn't run it regularly.
Nice review but there is no actual blind spot because at the moment you see a car disappear on your left you can see it in your left mirror but wow I drove this car before buying the soft top and yes that spot really grabs at you.The RF looks so sexy but I bought the soft top because it's cheaper and it isn't my daily driver.The RF looks even better in person.
Oh that's an interesting point. I just hate solely relying on the mirrors for stuff behind me, and as you mention that pillar grabs at you. I'll have to check that again next time I drive one though, it does add some peace of mind. Appreciate the comment! And congrats on the car!
BLIND SPOT,? THATS WHAT SIDE MIRRORS ARE FOR
There's still a blind spot that the mirrors don't cover. The monitoring works for it, but there's still a spot you can't see with the mirrors and turning your head.
@@GearboxCarReviews wouldn't those concave mirrors you stick on side mirrors help
Those would probably help, yeah. The blind spot monitoring does cover it, so not the end of the world, but it's just a little jarring to not be able to see that one spot.
Sport keeps you from getting bilsteins and the LSD also
True. You can't get the Sport trim with the RF though.
@@GearboxCarReviews touché- you are correct. I stand corrected.
There is literally ZERO reason to buy a 2023 over a 2022.
Unless you want the new color, then yeah they're the same car. I wouldn't say zero reason though. People buy a newer car for all kinds of reasons. If the prices are fairly close, you get the full warranty, you know the full history of the car, some people just want shiny and new.
@@GearboxCarReviews - there is no substitute for new and especially where used one costs almost the same. Used car pricing for low mileage cars is still very high. Check out Carmax inventory for the Miata and you’ll see used ones for close to or about the same price as new ones! I just got my new GT RF for $35k pricing for used ones we’re about the same!
@@GearboxCarReviews True.
wireless apple car play is only available in 23' I believe. It is a difference maker let me tell you. not having to plug in/out your phone every time you're in and out of the vehicle.
@dirtrid3r4life the '22s had it too. It was added in 2021. At least for the GT trim. Agree it's really nice not having to plug in every time you get in the car though