2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Grand Touring Review: Fabulous and Fun

97Stellar2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Grand TouringGeneral Impression Still hard to beat after all these years. The RF doesn't sacrifice the fun to drive character. Price per pointRide HandlingConsLimited Cargo SpaceHeavier than a soft top

The Mazda Miata has been around for 30 years, and the new MX-5 stays true to what made this top-top so popular with enthusiasts. What could be better than ditching the top and going for a weekend drive? For around 35,000 $ you can have a dynamic sports car that is second to none. We recently drove a 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Grand Touring with a powerful retractable top. And it did not disappoint. 

Our tester came with a nice six-speed manual, proving that the MX-5 is still a driver's car. Let's just say we enjoyed the manual transmission to the fullest!

What's new in 2019

The 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata gets an updated engine with more power and a higher red line. The steering wheel is now telescopic to better accommodate all drivers. Mazda has also added new safety features including Smart City Support and traffic sign recognition.

Characteristics Options: good, but not essential

The 2019 Mazda MX-5 RF Grand Touring ($33,335) features adaptive headlights, heated leather seats, cloth top, auto-dimming rearview mirror, automatic climate control, and automatic wipers. Mazda even threw in a navigation system. These features are certainly nice to have, but seem contrary to the Miata's basic nature to us. On the other hand, the folding top isn't exactly simple.

Our Grand Touring tester came with the optional GT-S package ($750), which adds a front shock strut, a limited slip differential, Bilstein shocks and a black-painted roof. The new i-Activsense suite of safety features also appeared on our Miata.

Total MSRP including destination: US$35,405. US. In contrast, the 2019 MX-5 Sport starts at 25,730 $ with manual transmission; 27,080 $ with automatic. The Sport is only available as a soft top. 

2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF.

Overall, the interior quality and appearance is far beyond what loyal followers will remember from previous generations. Click to chirp

Interior highlights: Notable improvements 

Cabin fit and finish is tight and well thought out, with better quality material than in previous models. The Grand Touring's leather seats are comfortable and the driver's seat has a height adjuster, making it ideal for those who want to sit a little higher. Overall, the interior quality and appearance is far beyond what loyal followers will remember from previous generations.

Once inside, the cabin is roomier than it looks from the outside. The new Miata grew in all dimensions, and we could tell there was more rear-seat movement. This allows taller drivers to adjust the seat far enough back. The six footer still has a tag or two of travel left.

Interior highlights: the wind in your hair! 

Our 2019 Mazda MX-5 RF tester came with a Power Retractable hard top (PRHT). The composite roof is convenient in that it lowers quickly with the push of a button. The biggest benefit of the hard top, though, is a quieter ride: it significantly reduces wind noise compared to a soft top. Even on the bumpy dirt road leading up to my house, the hard top was virtually creak-free with minimal outside noise.

And it only adds about 80 lbs. to an otherwise very light car.

It's easy to operate. Once in neutral, you simply extend the inner handle at the top of the windscreen; then press the button on the dashboard, and after 13 seconds the top drops into the boot space. The roof also doesn't reduce boot space.

New # MX5 #Miata stays true to what has made the drop-top so popular among enthusiasts. Click to chirp

engine fuel mileage

The 2.0-litre SKYACTIV-G engine now tops out at 7,500 rpm, developing 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft. of torque in the process. Miata fans may know that's another 26 more horsepower and three more lb-ft. of torque than last year. The new Miata sends power to the rear wheels, turning it into a true sports car. A revised gear ratio from 3.454 to 3.583 enhances acceleration.  

Of course, a six-speed manual gearbox added to that true sports car feel. 

Fuel economy is approximately 26/34 city/highway EPA and 29 combined with the manual transmission. By comparison, the six-speed automatic returns 26/35 city/highway and 29 combined. We think the manual would be the better choice given only marginal gains on the highway and given the higher starting price of the automatic. 

The 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata has a total weight of 2,453kg.

# MX5 #Miata hugs the lines and handles like it's on rails! Click to chirp

Driving dynamics: tight corners Short throws 

On the open road, you can fully savour the MX-5's raison d'etre. With the top down and the engine running on twisty mountain highways, this roadster is hard to beat. The rear-wheel drive Mazda MX-5 has a perfect 50:50 weight distribution. This alone retains the superb manoeuvrability and balanced handling that have made it a favourite among enthusiasts for decades.

The rear-wheel-drive Subaru BRZ or Scion FR-S coupes are the closest to the MX-5 in terms of driving pleasure, but they don't offer a convertible.

The MX-5's 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine revs freely and provides good throttle response when needed. The six-speed manual transmission is the right choice if you like to steer. Mazda's six-speed is one of the best manuals in the industry and worked flawlessly with the high-revving 2.0-litre powerplant. We thought it was easy to find the right gear with short throws. 

Related: Could the Miata outrun one of the best muscle cars in history?

Driving dynamics: on rails 

The 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata has a wider track and a lower centre of gravity, allowing it to corner more than you think possible. The Miata has always been a favourite car to drive on the track. The next best thing for us, however, was the mountains of Colorado. We took some tight turns at high speeds, but the roadster held the corners without any body roll, staying smooth and balanced the entire time. 

Our MX-5 tester came with an optional sport-tuned suspension with Bilstein shock absorbers. With this upgrade, the MX-5 hugs the lines and handles like it's on rails!

Unfortunately, we had a rear-wheel drive sports car right before a winter blizzard hit the Denver area. Luckily, this tester came with Bridgestone Blizzak winter tyres, which we highly recommend for snow and ice. We were able to get home safely before the snow accumulated too deep.

And we were thankful to get some dry roads before it snowed! 

Conclusion: Affordable Fun

The 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF two-seater offers a driving experience that much more expensive sports cars can't beat. Mazda has developed an exceptional, affordable sports car that is hard to beat. Today, the Miata is still attractively priced and relatively easy to maintain; and it won't break your wallet at the gas pump.

We recommend the RF with the Power Retractable hard top as it provides reduced wind noise and increased safety.

For those who want a sports car that offers excellent acceleration and braking; Precise gearbox performance and suspension dynamics, the MX-5 Miata is the obvious choice. At a metre of driving pleasure few can beat it. 

Denis Flier has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in various fields. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy

Mazda MX-5 Miata Interesting Facts

Debut: 1989 Chicago Auto Show.

RF: stands for retractable fastback.

5000: number of miats participating in races around the world

April 2016: the one millionth Miata is released

Weight savings per component compared to 2018

PTO shaft: £3.

Suspension: £26.

Front Rotors: 14 lbs.

Transmission: 16lbs.

2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Gallery

Photo credit: Mazda North American Operations (additional models shown).

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