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I’ll admit that I have an unabashed love for the Mazda MX-5 Miata. This plucky roadster proves you don’t need gobs of power to provide a big grin when driving. A combination of well-sorted chassis, steering, and slick gearbox does the trick. But Mazda has decided to add a bit more power for the 2019 model, along with including a more powerful four-cylinder and a hardtop option. I’m curious to see if these changes can make the Miata better or worse. The model seen here is the RF - short for retractable fastback. Press the switch and the roof panels begin an origami folding exercise into the trunk. The result is a targa that provides the open-air feeling, minus a large amount of wind noise. It doesn’t hurt that roof pillars are styled in such a way that gives off a rakish look, no matter whether the top is up or down. Under the hood lies a revised 2.0L Skyactiv four-cylinder with 181 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque - up 26 and 3 respectively. A six-speed manual is standard, while an automatic is optional. The small bump makes for a huge improvement in overall acceleration. Just leaving a stop, I was surprised how much pull the engine had as it got to 45 about a half-second quicker than the last Miata. A key change is Mazda bumping the redline to 7,500 rpm, which allows the engine to fully flex its muscle. This became apparent when I needed to pass a vehicle and found that I didn’t need to drop down a gear to get the power needed. The six-speed manual is still a joy to work with short and precise throws and a direct feeling clutch pedal. Even when stuck in traffic, doing the motions didn’t feel like a hassle. Average fuel economy for the week landed around 32 mpg, even though I was winding the engine out and playing through the gears just because it is so much fun. My tester was the Club model that adds a sport-tuned suspension with Bilstein shock absorbers, and a front shock tower brace. This firms up the suspension and provides improve handling on the limit. But out on the backroads, I couldn’t tell there was any real difference in handling between this and the 2016 MX-5 Grand Touring I drove a few years back. Maybe there was slightly less body roll in the RF, but both vehicles had similar characteristics when going into a turn. If I drove both of them on a track, then I think the differences would become more apparent. There is a downside to the Club’s suspension, a very harsh ride. Just making a quick trip to the store was a bit much as the suspension would transmit every little bump and imperfection to the backside of those sitting inside. Another item fitted to my tester was a set of Recaro bucket seats. They come as part of an option package that also adds Brembo Brakes and some cool-looking BBS wheels finished in black. The seats have increased bolstering to hold you in during an enthusiastic drive. But the lack of padding makes them uncomfortable for longer trips. On paper, the RF is an expensive proposition when put against the soft-top: $32,345 vs. $25,730. That massive difference is due to Mazda not offering the base Sport model on the RF. But put the soft-top Club against the RF and the difference shrinks to just over $2,000. Be forewarned that the RF can get expensive. That package I mentioned earlier with the Recaro seats? That will set you back $4,670, bringing the as-tested price to just over $38,000. Mazda’s improvements for the 2019 MX-5 Miata for the most part help, allowing it to become more fun to drive and somewhat easier to live with. That said, the additional cost of the hardtop will depend on whether or not you think it is worth the benefits of possibly being an all-seasons car. Disclaimer: Mazda Provided the MX-5 Miata RF, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas Year: 2019 Make: Mazda Model: MX-5 Miata RF Trim: Club Engine: 2.0L SkyActiv-G DOHC 16-Valve with VVT Four-Cylinder Driveline: Six-Speed Manual, Rear-Wheel Drive Horsepower @ RPM: 181 @ 7,000 Torque @ RPM: 151 @ 4,000 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 26/34/29 Curb Weight: 2,453 lbs Location of Manufacture: Hiroshima, Japan Base Price: $32,345 As Tested Price: $38,335 (Includes $895.00 Destination Charge) Options: Brembo with Black Roof - $4,670.00 Interior Package for M/T - $425.00 View full article
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- mazda
- mx-5 miata
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I’ll admit that I have an unabashed love for the Mazda MX-5 Miata. This plucky roadster proves you don’t need gobs of power to provide a big grin when driving. A combination of well-sorted chassis, steering, and slick gearbox does the trick. But Mazda has decided to add a bit more power for the 2019 model, along with including a more powerful four-cylinder and a hardtop option. I’m curious to see if these changes can make the Miata better or worse. The model seen here is the RF - short for retractable fastback. Press the switch and the roof panels begin an origami folding exercise into the trunk. The result is a targa that provides the open-air feeling, minus a large amount of wind noise. It doesn’t hurt that roof pillars are styled in such a way that gives off a rakish look, no matter whether the top is up or down. Under the hood lies a revised 2.0L Skyactiv four-cylinder with 181 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque - up 26 and 3 respectively. A six-speed manual is standard, while an automatic is optional. The small bump makes for a huge improvement in overall acceleration. Just leaving a stop, I was surprised how much pull the engine had as it got to 45 about a half-second quicker than the last Miata. A key change is Mazda bumping the redline to 7,500 rpm, which allows the engine to fully flex its muscle. This became apparent when I needed to pass a vehicle and found that I didn’t need to drop down a gear to get the power needed. The six-speed manual is still a joy to work with short and precise throws and a direct feeling clutch pedal. Even when stuck in traffic, doing the motions didn’t feel like a hassle. Average fuel economy for the week landed around 32 mpg, even though I was winding the engine out and playing through the gears just because it is so much fun. My tester was the Club model that adds a sport-tuned suspension with Bilstein shock absorbers, and a front shock tower brace. This firms up the suspension and provides improve handling on the limit. But out on the backroads, I couldn’t tell there was any real difference in handling between this and the 2016 MX-5 Grand Touring I drove a few years back. Maybe there was slightly less body roll in the RF, but both vehicles had similar characteristics when going into a turn. If I drove both of them on a track, then I think the differences would become more apparent. There is a downside to the Club’s suspension, a very harsh ride. Just making a quick trip to the store was a bit much as the suspension would transmit every little bump and imperfection to the backside of those sitting inside. Another item fitted to my tester was a set of Recaro bucket seats. They come as part of an option package that also adds Brembo Brakes and some cool-looking BBS wheels finished in black. The seats have increased bolstering to hold you in during an enthusiastic drive. But the lack of padding makes them uncomfortable for longer trips. On paper, the RF is an expensive proposition when put against the soft-top: $32,345 vs. $25,730. That massive difference is due to Mazda not offering the base Sport model on the RF. But put the soft-top Club against the RF and the difference shrinks to just over $2,000. Be forewarned that the RF can get expensive. That package I mentioned earlier with the Recaro seats? That will set you back $4,670, bringing the as-tested price to just over $38,000. Mazda’s improvements for the 2019 MX-5 Miata for the most part help, allowing it to become more fun to drive and somewhat easier to live with. That said, the additional cost of the hardtop will depend on whether or not you think it is worth the benefits of possibly being an all-seasons car. Disclaimer: Mazda Provided the MX-5 Miata RF, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas Year: 2019 Make: Mazda Model: MX-5 Miata RF Trim: Club Engine: 2.0L SkyActiv-G DOHC 16-Valve with VVT Four-Cylinder Driveline: Six-Speed Manual, Rear-Wheel Drive Horsepower @ RPM: 181 @ 7,000 Torque @ RPM: 151 @ 4,000 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 26/34/29 Curb Weight: 2,453 lbs Location of Manufacture: Hiroshima, Japan Base Price: $32,345 As Tested Price: $38,335 (Includes $895.00 Destination Charge) Options: Brembo with Black Roof - $4,670.00 Interior Package for M/T - $425.00- 5 comments
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- 1
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- mazda
- mx-5 miata
- (and 3 more)
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If there was one vehicle that surprised everyone at the New York Auto Show this year, it would have to be the introduction of the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF. Everyone figured Mazda would offer a hardtop option for the Miata, but not as a sharp looking fastback. Today, Mazda has announced plans to offer a Launch Edition of the Miata RF. The vehicle that rolled into the New York Auto Show came with a Machine Grey exterior, black roof panel. and an interior finished in Auburn nappa leather. That is how the 1,000 MX-5 Miata RF Launch Edition models will come finished. The only choice a buyer gets to make is what transmission - automatic or manual? Now not everyone will be able to order an MX-5 Miata RF Edition at the beginning. Mazda will be sending out invitations to their "most loyal customers" via email. They'll have a set amount time to place an order before Mazda opens the order books to the general public. “Rarely does any automaker have a vehicle that garners the sort of loyalty and enthusiasm MX-5 generates—something we don’t take lightly. MX-5 RF is the next chapter of this storied model line, and we can’t think of a better way to give back than to first offer this bespoke Launch Edition to those who have stuck with us, believing in our mission to deliver the best-driving vehicles on the road,” said said Robert Davis, senior VP of U.S. Operations for Mazda North American Operations in a statement. When Mazda plans on opening the order books and pricing will be announced at a later date. Source: Mazda Pic Credit: Newspress USA Press Release is on Page 2 Mazda Announces MX-5 Miata RF Launch Edition Mazda’s Most Loyal Customers to Have First Access to Pre-Order IRVINE, Calif. (August 18, 2016) – Revolutionary and breathtaking to look at, yet simple and elegant in concept, the 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF made its debut at this year’s New York International Auto Show with rousing acclaim. MX-5 RF was introduced with a color combination that will be exclusive to MX-5 RF versus the MX-5 soft top: Machine Gray Metallic paint color, Auburn Nappa leather interior trim with a hand-painted black roof panel, based on the Grand Touring trim level. Now, the show car is set to become the MX-5 RF Launch Edition, limited to 1,000 vehicles in the U.S. and destined for Mazda’s most loyal customers. Initially, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) will open up the preorders to a select group of customers who will be notified via email and will have a specific window of time to preorder the MX-5 RF Launch Edition before ordering opens to the general public*. Customers who opt to purchase an MX-5 RF Launch Edition will have but one option available—SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission—with each vehicle being made to order. “MX-5 has enjoyed 27 years of being the world’s best-selling roadster, being named 2016 World Car of the Year and World Car Design of the Year and receiving hundreds, if not thousands, of other accolades,” said Robert Davis, senior VP, U.S. Operations, MNAO. “Rarely does any automaker have a vehicle that garners the sort of loyalty and enthusiasm MX-5 generates—something we don’t take lightly. MX-5 RF is the next chapter of this storied model line, and we can’t think of a better way to give back than to first offer this bespoke Launch Edition to those who have stuck with us, believing in our mission to deliver the best-driving vehicles on the road.” Outside of the exclusive color combination, MX-5 RF Launch Edition customers will receive a custom-designed, numbered 42mm Tourneau watch to complement their cars. For those who may miss out on purchasing an MX-5 RF Launch Edition, other retractable fastback models will be available with many of the same colors and interior combinations—just not the Machine Gray Metallic exterior color on the Grand Touring trim level with the black roof, Auburn Nappa leather interior and badging. While the 2017 MX-5 RF Launch Edition is based on the Grand Touring trim level, other MX-5 RF models are expected to arrive at U.S. dealerships in the first quarter of 2017 in either Grand Touring or Club trim levels. Specific timing for MX-5 RF Launch Edition ordering, as well as pricing, will be announced in the coming weeks. -
If there was one vehicle that surprised everyone at the New York Auto Show this year, it would have to be the introduction of the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF. Everyone figured Mazda would offer a hardtop option for the Miata, but not as a sharp looking fastback. Today, Mazda has announced plans to offer a Launch Edition of the Miata RF. The vehicle that rolled into the New York Auto Show came with a Machine Grey exterior, black roof panel. and an interior finished in Auburn nappa leather. That is how the 1,000 MX-5 Miata RF Launch Edition models will come finished. The only choice a buyer gets to make is what transmission - automatic or manual? Now not everyone will be able to order an MX-5 Miata RF Edition at the beginning. Mazda will be sending out invitations to their "most loyal customers" via email. They'll have a set amount time to place an order before Mazda opens the order books to the general public. “Rarely does any automaker have a vehicle that garners the sort of loyalty and enthusiasm MX-5 generates—something we don’t take lightly. MX-5 RF is the next chapter of this storied model line, and we can’t think of a better way to give back than to first offer this bespoke Launch Edition to those who have stuck with us, believing in our mission to deliver the best-driving vehicles on the road,” said said Robert Davis, senior VP of U.S. Operations for Mazda North American Operations in a statement. When Mazda plans on opening the order books and pricing will be announced at a later date. Source: Mazda Pic Credit: Newspress USA Press Release is on Page 2 Mazda Announces MX-5 Miata RF Launch Edition Mazda’s Most Loyal Customers to Have First Access to Pre-Order IRVINE, Calif. (August 18, 2016) – Revolutionary and breathtaking to look at, yet simple and elegant in concept, the 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF made its debut at this year’s New York International Auto Show with rousing acclaim. MX-5 RF was introduced with a color combination that will be exclusive to MX-5 RF versus the MX-5 soft top: Machine Gray Metallic paint color, Auburn Nappa leather interior trim with a hand-painted black roof panel, based on the Grand Touring trim level. Now, the show car is set to become the MX-5 RF Launch Edition, limited to 1,000 vehicles in the U.S. and destined for Mazda’s most loyal customers. Initially, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) will open up the preorders to a select group of customers who will be notified via email and will have a specific window of time to preorder the MX-5 RF Launch Edition before ordering opens to the general public*. Customers who opt to purchase an MX-5 RF Launch Edition will have but one option available—SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission—with each vehicle being made to order. “MX-5 has enjoyed 27 years of being the world’s best-selling roadster, being named 2016 World Car of the Year and World Car Design of the Year and receiving hundreds, if not thousands, of other accolades,” said Robert Davis, senior VP, U.S. Operations, MNAO. “Rarely does any automaker have a vehicle that garners the sort of loyalty and enthusiasm MX-5 generates—something we don’t take lightly. MX-5 RF is the next chapter of this storied model line, and we can’t think of a better way to give back than to first offer this bespoke Launch Edition to those who have stuck with us, believing in our mission to deliver the best-driving vehicles on the road.” Outside of the exclusive color combination, MX-5 RF Launch Edition customers will receive a custom-designed, numbered 42mm Tourneau watch to complement their cars. For those who may miss out on purchasing an MX-5 RF Launch Edition, other retractable fastback models will be available with many of the same colors and interior combinations—just not the Machine Gray Metallic exterior color on the Grand Touring trim level with the black roof, Auburn Nappa leather interior and badging. While the 2017 MX-5 RF Launch Edition is based on the Grand Touring trim level, other MX-5 RF models are expected to arrive at U.S. dealerships in the first quarter of 2017 in either Grand Touring or Club trim levels. Specific timing for MX-5 RF Launch Edition ordering, as well as pricing, will be announced in the coming weeks. View full article
