Disclosure: The 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF (manual transmission) was provided to me for testing purposes and editorial consideration. All opinions are 100% my own*
You guys already know that I love Mazda, especially the MX-5. So needless to say, I was excited when the guys dropped this year’s model off for me to test out.
The brand totally fits into the lifestyle of a single, sassy woman such as me. And during this time of year, the weather in South Florida is great. It’s not too cold, and not too hot, which makes jumping behind the wheel, dropping the power-folding retractable hardtop (opens in about 13 secs), turning the Bose up and cruising so much fun!
I swear if you are feeling some type of way or if you just want to get lost in your own thoughts the MX-5 won’t fail you! Speaking from experience the fast & spirited acceleration makes it a pure driving pleasure and you will definitely feel better by the time you return home!
Keep reading to learn more about the convertible…
2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
What’s new?
You may be asking yourself what’s new with the 2023 model. Quick answer…not much. There were no significant changes for 2023.
Who is the Roaster for?
My stance stays the same on who this vehicle is for, check the list out below:
- Buyers looking for a cool manual transmission roadster.
- Empty nesters/anyone looking for a smaller car that’s fun to drive.
- Buyers who live in a warm climate and can drive the car year around.
- Young professionals who commute (pre-kids).
- Anyone looking to own a fun and sporty second car.
- Buyer looking for a smaller, manual vehicle with retractable hardtop.
Cruising in the 2023 Mazda Miata RF…
Brief Overview of Models, Specs and Trims:
The roadster comes in two trim levels: Club and Grand Touring…
Club
- Starting MSRP:
- $38,950.00
- Engine/HP:
- SKYACTIV-G 2.0 DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder with VVT
- 181 hp @ 7,000 rpm
- Manual transmission ONLY:
- SKYACTIV-MT 6-speed manual transmission with short-throw shifter
- Drivetrain Options:
- Rear-wheel drive
- EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy:
- Manual
- 26/34mpg (city/highway)
- Manual
- A Few Key Features/Specs (Club trim adds):
- 2-passenger seating capacity
- Bose 9-speaker audio system w/AudioPilot, driver’s and passenger’s headrest speakers and subwoofer
- Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming capability
- Speed-sensing automatic volume control
- 7″ full-color touch screen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay
- Android Auto
- 17 x 7 aluminum alloy wheels
- Heated seats with 3 heat settings
- SiriusXM Satellite radio with 3-month subscription
*The Club model is build-to-order only, and is offered in manual transmission ONLY*
Grand Touring – (Trim Tested – Manual)
- Starting MSRP:
- $35,750.00
- Engine/HP:
- SKYACTIV-G 2.0 DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder with VVT
- 181 hp @ 7,000 rpm
- Transmission:
- Automatic: 6-speed sport automatic transmission with paddle shifters
- Manual: SKYACTIV-MT 6-speed manual transmission w/short-throw shifter
- Drivetrain Options: Rear-wheel drive
- EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy:
- Manual – (Trim Tested)
- 26/34mpg (city/highway)
- Automatic
- 26/35mpg (city/highway)
- Manual – (Trim Tested)
- A Few Key Features/Specs (Grand Touring trim adds)
- Auto on/off headlights
- Adaptive Front-lighting System
- High Beam Control
- Rain-sensing variable-intermittent windshield wipers
- Body-colored heated power side mirrors
- Auto-dimming driver’s side mirror
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- SiriusXM 3-year Traffic and Travel Link subscription includes current information for:
- Traffic
- Weather
- Sports scores
- Fuel prices
- Nearby parking or parking by destination
- Mazda Navigation System
*Grand Touring trim is offered in both automatic and manual transmission*
*Note: SKYACTIV-G = Skyactiv (branded as SKYACTIV) is a brand name for a series of automobile technologies developed by Mazda that increase fuel efficiency*
Raising the retractable hardtop…
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
- Bumper-to-Bumper
- 36 months/36,000 miles
- Corrosion
- 60 months/unlimited distance
- Powertrain
- 60 months/60,000 miles
- Roadside assistance
- 36 months/36,000 miles
I absolutely love the Miata RF! It is not only eye-candy, but extremely fun and engaging to drive and also very fuel-efficient.
True enough the cabin can be a little tight and it gets a little noisy while on the highway, but the good definitely outweighs the bad. I just snuggled in, cranked up the sounds a bit louder and kept it moving. Only thing I would say is if you are 6 feet or over, I would consider a larger vehicle.
Contact your local Mazda dealership and also visit their website to learn more about the 2023 Mazda Miata RF. Additionally, don’t forget to inquire about available loyalty programs.
Have A Happy Healthy, and Remember to Always…
Stay Sassy
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