The track-focused model of the MX-5/Miata will get a sporty makeover with Bilstein dampers, beefier brakes, and trendy BBS wheels
1 hour in the past
Right here’s a tragic admission for you. Previous to just some weeks in the past, I had by no means had the chance to drive the ND-generation Mazda MX-5. I’ve pushed the NB and NC fashions up to now however the present mannequin has at all times evaded me. Fortunately, that’s now modified and I can fortunately report that it lived as much as my lofty expectations.
A dizzying array of various MX-5 fashions are provided in markets around the globe. In Australia, the outgoing 2023 mannequin is topped out by the GT RS and RF GT RS variants and it’s the latter of those two that we not too long ago lived with for per week.
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Probably the most particular of MX-5s
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So, what makes the RF GT RS totally different from the usual mannequin? Nicely, other than it having a reputation extra akin to a brand new Porsche 911 mannequin, it advantages from quite a few welcome upgrades. For starters, the RF within the identify displays the truth that that is the model with the retractable fastback roof, somewhat than a tender prime. Then there may be the GT RS bundle itself the place the actual magic is occurring.
Firstly, Mazda has outfitted the automotive with a novel set of solid 17-inch wheels from BBS with a beautiful black end and clad in Bridgestone Potenza S001 tires. It has additionally been upgraded with new four-piston Brembo brake calipers up entrance clamping down on enlarged 280 mm (11-inch) discs with efficiency brake pads. For as good as these upgrades are, it’s on the suspension entrance the place the actual magic occurs due to trick Bilstein shocks in any respect 4 corners and a entrance strut tower brace. Extra on that later.
Photographs Brad Anderson / Carscoops
Aussies can solely buy the ND MX-5 with a 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder, though there was a 1.5-liter out there earlier within the automotive’s lifecycle. We’ve heard this engine was notably spritely however not many individuals opted for it, so it’s hardly a shock it was dropped from the vary. Within the case of the RF GT RS, the two.0-liter is nice for a decent 135 kW (181 hp) at 7,000 rpm and 205 Nm (151 lb-ft) of torque at 4,000 rpm. Lesser variations of the automotive can be found with an automated ‘field however the GT RS is bought solely with a six-speed guide. Not solely does this vastly enhance the driving expertise nevertheless it brings with it the added perk of a limited-slip differential, a function not discovered on automated fashions.
Again to fundamentals
The cabin of the MX-5 is a decent squeeze for anybody that’s over 6 ft tall however that’s nothing new, earlier generations have been like that too. Taller drivers should push the seat again totally and recline it so far as attainable however even nonetheless, your head can be pressed firmly towards the roof, forcing you to drive round in a crunched place. Fortuitously, there may be loads of width within the seats and leg room is enough too, offering loads of clearance from the underside of the steering wheel and your knees.
Photographs Brad Anderson / Carscoops
Talking of the steering wheel, it’s a gem of the factor. Not like so many different sports activities vehicles these days with their flat-bottomed wheels, the rim of the MX-5 RF GT RS is spherical and has the right diameter. There aren’t any frills about it and whereas the multi-function buttons it has are made out of easy black plastic, they do the job.
A draw back of the 2023 MX-5 being 9 years outdated is the infotainment system. The display is small and has the model’s outdated MZD Join software program. This can be very outdated and whereas it has been out there with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto since 2018, it’s not notably pleasing to the attention neither is it very intuitive. Fortuitously, the not too long ago launched 2024 MX-5 has been up to date with a much bigger display and Mazda’s present UI. We’re hoping to get behind the wheel of this mannequin early subsequent yr.
All the things else within the cabin is easy and well-positioned. The HVAC controls are straightforward to function and consumers can be happy that there are heated seats too. Cupholders that may be repositioned are additionally a pleasant function, as are the audio system within the headrests, making Bluetooth calls a breeze even with the roof down.
The enjoyment of driving
Out on the open highway is the place the MX-5 actually shines. In a world the place vehicles are regularly rising in measurement and including overly advanced powertrains, it’s fairly exceptional that Mazda remains to be in a position to construct a automotive that weighs simply 1,052 kg (2,319 lbs) in Roadster guise and 1,101 kg (2,427 lbs) in RF kind.
The automotive’s weight, or lack thereof, implies that the two.0-liter engine offers stable and pleasant efficiency regardless of its modest energy and torque figures. The four-pot revs to a contact over 7,000 rpm and pulls strongly all through everything of the rev vary nevertheless it actually involves life above 5,000 rpm and is an absolute pleasure to wring the life out of. It additionally sounds surprisingly meaty from behind the wheel and will idiot you into believing it’s a 2.2-liter or a 2.5-liter. In fact, no engine feels full with out being paired to the suitable transmission. The six-speed is simply nearly as good as we had hoped.
The shifter is completely sized and positioned proper the place you need it. It has a rifle-bolt-like motion with little or no play and solely requires quick, sharp actions to completely place into the subsequent gear. The weighting of the shifter is nearly excellent, as is the sunshine clutch, and through my time with the automotive, I used to be regularly rowing by way of the gears only for the enjoyable of it.
There’s no automated rev-matching function like most manuals on the market for the time being, however that’s no difficulty as rev-matching is a stroll within the park. Heel and toeing can be straightforward, though drivers with large ft may discover the pedals are somewhat too shut collectively. As talked about, the MX-5 RF GT RS comes fitted with beefed-up Brembo brakes as commonplace and so they too are excellent, exhibiting no indicators of fade regardless of how a lot stress I put them underneath.
Supremely snug
I used to be notably impressed with the automotive’s Bilstein dampers. So many automotive producers with performance-focused fashions priced within the area of AU$50,000 (~$33,000) are responsible of creating their vehicles too stiff and too harsh. That is notably true amongst scorching hatches the place manufacturers try to conceal their weight by making the whole lot somewhat too stable. That’s not the case with the MX-5 GT RS. Actually, the experience of the automotive shouldn’t be solely snug, it’s plush.
A strip of suburban highway close to my home consists of 16 pace bumps over lower than 2 kilometers (1.2 miles). Among the bumps are notably harsh and in most new vehicles I check, I’ve to decelerate to round 30 km/h (18.6 mph) to recover from them comfortably.
Within the MX-5, I didn’t even have to brake for them and will comfortably glide over them at 50 km/h (31 mph) and not using a care on this planet, not one thing that may be mentioned of the Nissan Z and Toyota Supra I not too long ago examined. The poise and management of the dampers is outstanding and so they make the automotive a snug each day driver so long as you don’t want a lot inside or cargo area.
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The consolation supplied by the suspension set-up doesn’t negatively the dealing with both. Pitch the Mazda right into a nook at excessive pace and whereas there may be extra physique roll than chances are you’ll anticipate, it stays steady and the Bridgestone tires present loads of grip. The MX-5 has at all times been like this however I wasn’t so positive the GT RS could be the identical due to the Bilstein dampers. Fortunately, they’ve been developed in only a method as to make sure confidence-inspiring dealing with on the restrict of grip and luxury surpassing that of many sports activities vehicles costing twice as a lot.
Ought to I get one?
Mazda seems to have plans to proceed manufacturing of the ND MX-5 for a number of extra years, presumably extending till 2028. There are rumors suggesting that the next-gen mannequin might be bigger and may undertake a hybrid rotary powertrain. Because it stands, the MX-5 stays one of many most interesting sports activities vehicles in the marketplace, though the value of the RF GT RS model does make it somewhat exhausting to justify until you’re a diehard MX-5 fanatic.