2023 Mazda MX-5 Revealed With Zircon Sand Paint And Small Price Bump

It now starts at $28,050 for the soft top and from $35,350 for the RF.

2023 Mazda MX-5

Adrian Padeanu

By: Adrian Padeanu

Nov 17, 2022 at 8:00am ET

Add Motor1.com as a preferred source in Google

Comment

The MX-5 is getting up there in age as the fourth generation of Mazda's iconic roadster was unveiled in September 2014 before entering production in March 2015. The venerable sports car will live to see another generation, but until that happens, the ND soldiers on in the United States with minimal changes. New for the 2023MY is a Zircon Sand exterior paint, an optional color we've already seen on the Japanese and European versions of the Miata.

Introduced for the 2022MY, the Kinematic Posture Control has apparently been well-received by customers and will remain embedded into the rear-wheel-drive convertible. As a refresher, KPC applies a gentle brake to the inner rear wheel during cornering to diminish body roll and keep the MX-5 glued to the road. It's not the only Mazda to feature this technology as the new CX-60 midsize SUV (sold outside of the US) also incorporates the system.

2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF: Review

2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Club

There aren't any changes underneath the hood where the MX-5 retains the naturally aspirated 2.0-liter gasoline engine. The four-pot mill continues to produce 181 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 151 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm, following the introduction of the ND2 for the 2019MY. Depending on the trim level, the NA engine is linked to a six-speed manual or an automatic with the same number of gears.

In other markets, Mazda continues to sell its popular cabrio with a 1.5-liter unit, which was initially supposed to be the only engine available for the Miata. Later in the development phase, the company figured out Americans wouldn't buy the car with such a small powertrain and installed the 2.0-liter unit before upgrading it a few years later.

As far as pricing is concerned, the math starts at $28,050 for the MX-5 Miata Sport with a six-speed manual gearbox. Only available with a black soft top, the base trim level costs $400 more than before. If you prefer the added sophistication and comfort of the hardtop version, the RF begins at $35,350.

The huge gap between the two is explained by the fact the RF is not available in the Sport trim as it starts off as a Grand Touring with more equipment included. As before, the automatic is available only for the fancier Grand Touring, at $33,550 for the soft top and $35,900 for the RF. This trim level also gets an exclusive Terracotta Nappa leather interior for an additional $300.

What do you think?

View

Comments

The most expensive of the bunch remains the manual-only Club with the Brembo BBS Recaro Package, at $36,050 for the soft top and $38,550 for the RF. Destination and handling are an extra $1,275 or $1,320 if you happen to live in Alaska. It means you'll be spending just under $40,000 for the MX-5 Miata Club RF with the Brembo BBS Recaro Package.

The Miata Has A Bright Future Ahead:

Mazda Pledges To Keep MX-5 On RWD Platform With Gasoline Engine

2024 Mazda MX-5 To Get SkyActiv-X Mild Hybrid Engine: Report

We could be dealing with the final year for the ND-generation Miata as spy shots of a test mule have been caught by car paparazzi. Mazda has pledged to retain the RWD formula with a combustion engine, but expect a dose of electrification to keep regulators happy. A mild-hybrid system could be planned, and hopefully, it won't bring a major weight penalty.

We want your opinion!

What would you like to see on Motor1.com?

Take our 3 minute survey.

- The Motor1.com Team

Share this Story

GO TO COMMENTS

(

)

Got a tip for us? Email: tips@motor1.com

View all comments ( )

Popular

Bugatti Restores One-Off Veyron With A Mirror-Like Aluminum Body

BMW Kept This Hatchback A Secret For Decades

Skoda Wants You To 3D Print Pieces Of Your Car At Home

The Gas BMW M3 Isn't Dead: Next-Gen Prototype Roars