~ A DriveWays Review ~
by Frank A. Aukofer

Not everybody is entranced by small drop-top two-seat sports cars. But for those who are, the 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata continues as the best value for the dollars in the U.S. market.

Sure, it’s noisy. Not easy to enter and exit, especially if you’re tall. The stick shift can be sticky in operation. And there’s stingy space for the driver and one passenger.

But ever since it was introduced back in 1989 as a 1990 model, it has been hailed as the reincarnation of the famed British sports cars of the 1950s to 1980s, including Austin-Healeys, Triumphs, MGs and Sunbeams, with one main difference. They have reportedly been more reliable and easier to own than some of the cranky Brits.

More than the brute V8 engines worshipped by American manufacturers, the British sportsters were oriented toward competent handling and braking that complemented their often modest power to deliver driving enjoyment.

The 2023 model from the Japanese manufacturer Mazda follows in that tradition. It shows up in the tested MX-5 Miata Club 6MT (the Miata name started as a sort of nickname but now is part of the official nomenclature).

There are five models, or trim levels as they are known in the industry: Sport, the base version, with a starting price of $29,215, including the destination charge; the tested Club, starting at $32,615; Grand Touring, $34,215; Grand Touring RF, $36,915, and the top-line Club RF, $40,710. RF models have hard tops instead of cloth tops.

The Club name implies a sports car that could be considered for weekend racing by the owner, and the tested Club had that sort of personality. It is powered by Mazda’s Skyactiv-G 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque, or twisting force. The steering and suspension system feel as if they were tuned for a road racing course like Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wis.

Evidence for that includes the equipment listed on the window sticker, which describes a “sport-tuned suspension with Bilstein (high performance) shock absorbers.”

Power is delivered to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox. An automatic transmission is available as an option on other trim levels, though not on the Club—another indication that this roadie has some undercover chops for racing.

It sure speaks the language. The engine fires up with a roar and always makes its presence felt whether cruising, passing or roaring away from a stoplight. Independent tests place the zero to 60 miles an hour acceleration in the five-second range, not too surprising given the MX-5 Club’s curb weight of 2,345 pounds.

However, the shift linkage is stiff and strong, especially when cold. It is positive—there’s never a doubt about which gear is selected, and there’s a hefty shift ball to grip. But it does take some muscle until you get used to it.

The racket in the cockpit is not limited to engine sounds. There’s plenty of road and tire noise as well, which easily makes it inside—a result of the a shortage of insulation, especially in the cloth convertible top.

With just 49 cubic feet of space for the driver and passenger, the MX-5 is one of those sports car the driver is said to wear like a tailor-made suit. The sensation is highlighted by sport seats with grippy cloth covering and substantial bolstering to coddle the torso. Getting in and out, especially for taller drivers, can be a chore. Get in fanny first and twist legs and feet to avoid the door, door sill and steering wheel. Same thing getting out.

Once inside with seatbelts fastened, however, there’s plenty of support and comfort for rapid driving on twisting roads and long, straight stretches of highway.

The tested MX-5 Club came well equipped off the assembly line with safety and driver assistance equipment that included automatic emergency braking with forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross traffic alert, tire-pressure monitoring and standard lane-departure warning.

Outside equipment included performance tires on 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, and taillights and running lights. Inside, there’s air conditioning, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power windows and locks, heated seats, cruise control, Bluetooth audio, SXM satellite radio, HD radio, Android Auto and Apple Car Play, and a glass rear window with de-fogger.

With growing interest in battery electric vehicles, along with SUVS overtaking sedans in the marketplace, the 2023 Mazda Miata MX-5 offers a desirable choice for enthusiasts who favor a traditional sports car.

Specifications

  • Model: 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club two-seat sports convertible.
  • Engine: 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G four-cylinder; 181 hp, 151 lb-ft torque.
  • Transmission: Six-speed manual with rear-wheel drive.
  • Overall length: 12 feet 10 inches.
  • Height: 4 feet 1 inch.
  • EPA/SAE passenger/trunk volume: 49/5 cubic feet.
  • Weight: 2,345 pounds.
  • EPA city/highway/combined fuel consumption: 26/34/29 mpg.
  • Base price, including destination charge: $32,615.
  • Price as tested: $37,710.

Disclaimer: The manufacturer provided the vehicle used to conduct this test drive and review. Photos ©Mazda