Mazda MX-5 Miata RF

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is not a fast car. It is, and always has been, a momentum vehicle. The kind of thing that requires much more than the mashing of the accelerator pedal to enjoy. It’s a car that asks its driver to think a little bit harder before entering a turn. You plan, strategize, and take advantage of its outstanding agility and impressive balance to keep it moving. Power complements the MX-5 driving experience, but it never defines it.

Raise The Roof:

2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata First Drive: The Whole Package

2018 Mazda MX-5 Club Review: Hold Me Closer, Tiny Dancer

And that’s still true of the 2019 MX-5, a vehicle that’s most notable feature is an extra dollop of power and torque. But while this little roadster packs more punch under the hood, the extra potency is more a quality of life improvement than one that redefines this popular two-seater.

The 2019 Mazda MX-5 has more power than last year’s model, but it doesn’t come at a big premium. Prices start at $25,730 for a base, soft-top Sport, just $435 more than last year’s entry-level model. That year-over-year increase applies to our tester, the enthusiast-focused Club trim with the folding-hardtop body – it rings up at $32,345, while the less-powerful 2018 model starts at $31,910.

As with the MX-5 Club soft-top we tested earlier this year, our tester has all the performance goodies. Highlights include lovely BBS wheels, snug Recaro seats, and ...