Photo: Mazda
Compared to the 2018 model year, the MX-5 sports car is better in every single way for 2019 even though it’s hard to pinpoint what has changed in such a small amount of time. Following the Miata, the Retractable Fastback is up for discussion. Going on sale in August 2018, the newest version of the MX-5 RF is priced from $33,335.
First things first, Mazda worked the 2.0-liter SkyActiv-G without turbocharging the four-cylinder engine. The result comes in the form of 181 horsepower (that’s 26 more than before) and 151 pound-feet of torque, making the 2019 Mazda MX-5 a better competitor to the Abarth 124 Spider (164 horsepower).
Even though it’s more expensive than the previous model year, the 2019 Mazda MX-5 RF is worth it when you go through all that’s new and standard. Tilt and telescoping steering column now made out of aluminum instead of steel, redesigned cupholders, rearview camera, and the list goes on. To it, customers can add options such as Traffic Sign Recognition, Smart City Brake Support, and so forth.
Two trim levels are available, either with a six-speed manual transmission or an automatic with the same number of forward ratios. Go for the least sporty transmission of the two, and the final drive ratio is increased from 3.454 to 3.583 to suit the character of the setup better than before. In addition to the Grand Touring, which is centered on comfort more than anything else, the Club is the one to have if the driving experience is your top priority.
Something new that Mazda added to the range is the GT-S package for the MX-5 RF Grand Touring with the manual transmission. Retailing at $750, this package adds a limited-slip differential, Bilstein dampers and a tower face for the front shock absorbers, as well as a black-painted roof.
Those who want to extract the most out of the MX-5 RF Club, on the other hand, should go with the Brembo/BBS or Brembo/BBS/Recaro options. The latter adds heated Recaro bucket seats on top of Brembo rotors and calipers, 17-inch dark gunmetal BBS forged alloy wheels, side sill extensions, and a skirt for the rear bumper.
Even though it’s more expensive than the previous model year, the 2019 Mazda MX-5 RF is worth it when you go through all that’s new and standard. Tilt and telescoping steering column now made out of aluminum instead of steel, redesigned cupholders, rearview camera, and the list goes on. To it, customers can add options such as Traffic Sign Recognition, Smart City Brake Support, and so forth.
Two trim levels are available, either with a six-speed manual transmission or an automatic with the same number of forward ratios. Go for the least sporty transmission of the two, and the final drive ratio is increased from 3.454 to 3.583 to suit the character of the setup better than before. In addition to the Grand Touring, which is centered on comfort more than anything else, the Club is the one to have if the driving experience is your top priority.
Something new that Mazda added to the range is the GT-S package for the MX-5 RF Grand Touring with the manual transmission. Retailing at $750, this package adds a limited-slip differential, Bilstein dampers and a tower face for the front shock absorbers, as well as a black-painted roof.
Those who want to extract the most out of the MX-5 RF Club, on the other hand, should go with the Brembo/BBS or Brembo/BBS/Recaro options. The latter adds heated Recaro bucket seats on top of Brembo rotors and calipers, 17-inch dark gunmetal BBS forged alloy wheels, side sill extensions, and a skirt for the rear bumper.
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