2019 Mazda Mx-5 RF Review by David Colman

2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club RF

10 Stars out of 10, you can't get better than that

By David Colman
Special Correspondent to
THE AUTO CHANNEL

2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club RF

Since its introduction, Mazda's two seat sports car has evolved through 4 production cycles (NA/NB/NC and ND). The ND, Mazda's latest interpretation of the Miata for 2019, also comes in 4 different guises. The baseline model is dubbed Club, next up comes the Grand Touring, followed by the retractable hardtop variant (RF, and subject of this test) and finally the Sport version.

The RF model features a weather-tight, solid metal roof that folds and stores electrically. Unlike the fabric topped convertible, there is no latching or unlatching to be done manually with the RF. In addition to the roof's security and ease of operation, our test Mazda also looked significantly different from the standard MX-5, with flying buttresses faired into the tail behind both side windows. These impart a streamlined, dynamic look to a Miata shape that has otherwise become all too familiar.

2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club RF

In addition to the augmented visuals, our test RF also featured a bevy of operational improvements that significantly heightened the pleasure of driving this sports car. Soul Red Crystal Paint ($595) is an eye popping shade of highly metallic deep red. Complementing the hue are a pair of Recaro Sport Seats outlined in red stitching, with deep buckets, and large face "Recaro" script incised into the headrests. Dark alloy BBS rims support a set of Bridgestone S001 high adhesion radials (205/45R17). Behind the rims lie Brembo brakes with red calipers. The seats, rims and brakes comprise a special $4,670 "385" package that also tints the roof black and provides heaters for those racy Recaro seats.

Even without the extra expense of the BBS/Recaro/Brembo package, the RF (base price $32,485) is fully equipped for fast motoring. Standard this year is a significantly uprated engine, backed by a gold standard 6-speed manual transmission. Also standard is a limited slip differential, front shock tower brace, and sport tuned suspension featuring Bilstein shock absorbers. Suspension is text book race car, with double wishbones up front and multi-links in back forming fully independent geometry all around. Incredibly precise double pinion electronic power assist steering allows you to place the RF with absolute precision. The marriage of all these carefully chosen components makes the RF a very serious sports car.

2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club RF

But the best improvement for 2019 lies under the hood, where you'll finally find an engine worthy of the car's superlative chassis architecture. Back in the early days, the Miata, as it was then called, placed a 1.6 liter inline 4 under the hood. This produced just 116hp and 100lb.-ft. of torque. That output made for an entertaining but busy driving experience which required constant shifting to keep the engine operating in its narrow power band. Successive displacement increases over the year have resulted in the most potent combination to date for 2019: a 2.0 liter inline 4 now producing 181hp and 151lb.-ft. of torque. While the MX-5 is hardly overpowered, for the first time ever, it enjoys sufficient horsepower and torque to make full use of its suspension refinement. This year's version bumps horsepower by a whopping 26hp over previous models, and elevates the MX-5 into a new and much higher echelon of performance.

2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club RF

It seems somewhat presumptuous to call the RF an everyday vehicle in view of the fact that it offers just 5 cubic feet of trunk storage. However, if you can make do with a pair of duffel bags, or a quartet of grocery sacks, the Miata's tidy little footlocker will accommodate your daily needs. You'll want to stow just about everything in the trunk too, because the tight confines of the cockpit offer virtually no storage for ancillaries. There's no glovebox in the dash, tiny pockets in the tiny doors, and a vertical compartment between the front seats just big enough to stow the owner's manual.

2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club RF

The appeal of the MX-5 however is not contingent on cockpit dynamics. Rather, the essential thrust of the car is entirely directed at optimization of the driving experience. In that regard, the latest MX-5 RF is peerless. Its uprated motor gladly sprints to its lofty 7200rpm redline, the manual gearbox snicks from one gate to the next with the positive assurance of a rifle bolt, and the stiffly sprung suspension claws at the pavement with leach-like aggression. The 205/45R17 Bridgestone Potenza S001 tires carry a treadwear rating of TW260 and put the final touches on a suspension calibration that is designed for track events, autocrossing or the windiest back road you can find.

2019 MAZDA MX-5 MIATA GRAND TOURING

HYPES: Hyperkinetic Handling, Swell New Motor

GRIPES: Wind Leak Atop Passenger Door

STAR RATING: 10 Stars out of 10