The Mazda MX-5 Miata, the world’s top-selling roadster, offers an intimate connection with the road and an attractive starting price of under $30,000, setting it apart from competitors like the Porsche Boxster and BMW Z4, making it an enticing choice for an affordable yet exhilarating driving experience.
DESIGN
This petite roadster demonstrates a high level of design expertise, featuring an elongated front end, efficient trunk space, and gracefully flowing contours. The front grille sports a welcoming expression, complemented by a dramatic front section that seamlessly transitions over curved lines toward the rear.
There, you’ll find circular taillights that add a distinctive touch. Our test vehicle sported an exterior finish in Snowflake White Pearl, which paired elegantly with the modest black interior.
The ease of operating the convertible cloth top with just one hand is a standout feature. Opting for the Brembo BBS Recaro package on the Miata Club model not only enhances its performance but also elevates its aesthetics. This package includes a striking black-painted convertible roof and eye-catching red brake calipers, found both at the front and rear.
These elements seamlessly complement the 17-inch BBS forged wheels, which snugly embrace the car’s sleek contours, infusing an extra dose of style into its appearance. Furthermore, the Club’s appearance package includes a front air dam and a rear lip spoiler to complete its sporty look.
As you step inside the cabin, you’ll notice a dominant black theme, extending to the cloth upholstery and plush surfaces embellished with luxurious soft-touch materials. The steering wheel and controls introduce a touch of sophistication with their chrome-plated plastic accents, aligning perfectly with the car’s minimalist design philosophy.
PERFORMANCE
The 2023 MX-5 boasts a naturally aspirated inline-4 engine, featuring a 2.0-liter displacement that delivers a robust 181 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. This latest rendition of the MX-5 showcases impressive performance metrics, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds and conquering a standing start 1/4 mile sprint in a mere 14.5 seconds, attaining a top speed of 95 mph.
With its robust engine enhancements, the MX-5 features a standard 6-speed manual transmission that has garnered acclaim as one of the finest manual gearboxes in the realm of contemporary sports cars. Celebrated for its exacting gear engagement, finely-tuned shifter operation, and consistently responsive clutch, the Club model delivers an exceptional driving experience.
Furthermore, when combined with its lightning-fast steering response, exceptional traction provided by the tires, and outstanding visibility offered in all directions, the MX-5 delivers an unparalleled driving experience that remains unmatched, regardless of price point.
VERDICT
The 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club, equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission, is priced at $31,550 as the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP). When factoring in the cost of various optional enhancements, the final tally reaches $37,510.
Competition
The pursuit of producing budget-friendly sports cars poses a significant hurdle, leading many carmakers to join forces in order to enthrall aficionados and strengthen their brand identities. Among these collaborative endeavors, a standout example is the collaboration that has given birth to the Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 sport coupes, now in their second generation.
These iterations not only deliver augmented horsepower but also boast improved suspension systems. In another notable partnership, Toyota and BMW have joined hands to inject fresh vitality into the Supra. Drawing inspiration from the Z4 roadster, this revitalized Supra emerges as a formidable contender against the Miata.
