I’ve owned two NBs, two NCs, and now an ND (2020 RF) and I gotta say it by far is the best Miata yet. Mazda really nailed it on this one and I absolutely adore this car. Great review! I enjoyed it very much.
I've just bought this version, Soul Crystal Red 2021 2.0 litre and in the sport package so the most basic one. If you are not taking it on the track you don't need a limited slip diff although both the Recaro seats and the Brembo brakes are amazing the shocks are firmer on the pricer versions and I prefer the cheaper and smoother ride from the standard shocks which are still perfectly balanced and as much as you will ever need on the road. This basic modle Still has Electric windows, Cruise control, Air conditioning, Electric Mirrors,Cross traffic warning, blind spot warning, Traction control, Lane departure warning, Apple carplay, and Android auto so I just plug in my phone and use Google maps on the cars screen. Just take down the top and you'll quickly discover that's pretty much all you need. I couldn't be happier with this one. Oh and don't buy the Automatic. If you cannot drive a stick shift then do yourself a favour and learn. My wife took one look at this car when I bought it home and said "Teach Me Now!"
Definitely one of the last 'honest' sportscar you can buy today in 2020 - alongside the Porsche 718s with the naturally aspirated 4.0 flat six with manual, next generation 992 GT3 with manual and next generation BRZ/86. Do you guy prefer this car over the Abarth 124 Spyder? And to the owners of these ND2s, what would you guys do to improve on this car? Thanks in advance.
@@fragu123 Interesting. BBR GTi in the UK offer a 'Super 220' which involves cams, exhaust manifold/header, valvesprings and takes the power up to 220 with a higher 7800rpm redline. They're developing an ITB package like they did with the NC's 'Super 225', so hoping that provides some more aggression. But regardless, the 718 GTS 4.0 must be an incredible car to drive!
@@joetaka7620 ...I test drove the 220HP car with modified brakes, suspension, etc... at SPS Motorsport in Germany, pot. Europes most famous MX5 specialist and it was definitely a huge improvement over the standard car. Tons of fun.... still I opted for the GTS4.0, assuming that n/a, manual Porsche’s won’t be around for that much longer. Cheers...
@@fragu123 Wow, I didn't expect to hear that! I respect your decision - many people are speculating that the next generation 718s will be electrified and as we all know, naturally aspirated engines will be extinct soon, so I don't blame you for going for the infamous flat 6 with the manual! Enjoy your ride 👍
Thanks so much nice review for base model of MX-5 , I was really wanted see base model review. There are many MX-5 reviews, but there is little information on the base model. The base model enough for me. I would like to buy this one next. Again, thanks so much.
Would be stoked if Mazda made a 2+2 coupe with the same formula but just a bit bigger everywhere. Still rwd, manual , double wishbones all around and LSD but maybe the 2.5t. Something to harass GR Supras with. A spiritual successor to the RX-7 but without rotary, to then easily have an uprange version if they were to finalize a new rotary. Kinda like they did with the 929 /RX-4s and others in the 70s
I’ve had both! The hardtop is absolutely a little bit quieter, feels more solid, and it gives me piece of mind security wise when not being parked in a garage. Highly recommended. :)
@@sonictonic_ cheers for the help. Yours were NDs? Experienced any difference due to to the 50-70kg extra weight of the RF version in terms of driving?
@@martonerdosi8289 Not at all. They reduced so much weight on the ND, my RF feels lighter on the road than my NC with soft top by far. I'm not basing this on any numbers or stats I'm basing this on normal driving and how I feel driving it. Just my opinion and impression. :)
Wish you would’ve gone in depth. It would’ve been nice as well to hear why just getting a base model is absolutely fine and how you’re not missing much (if thats what you agree with)
Hello from Australia. Lovely review! I did hear a lot of beeps from the GoPro (low battery warning, is it?) and also some really nice heel-toe rev matching blips on downshift (did I hear that correctly?)...
@@rafaelcordoba13 I feel good about the trade. I have another Porsche, a 1974 914, so I’m not totally giving up Porsche. I like that the Miata will be less expensive to maintain, and repairs if need be will be less expensive, and I’m getting a targa convertible whereas the Cayman was strictly hardtop. I really like the look of the Miata ND2 RF GT. If you were to get a Porsche, I’d recommend a Boxster S. I had two, and are fast and fun. If you go for a Porsche, buy 2009 or newer. Earlier years of those engines has problems with the chain bearing. Buy a 6 speed. The Porsche is faster but the Miata will easier to upkeep. Porsches are pricey to maintain new or used. A cheap used Porsche is the most expensive one in the long run. The Miata is smaller but you’ll get much better fuel mileage, and people said they get up to 40 mpg, if that is important. I used to get about only 23-25 on the Cayman. Both are fun cars, but their different. The Miata is like a British 60s car. The Porsche is like a race car. If you have any other question, give a shout.
@Ryuichi Tanaka that blows, but still as it is with the 2.0 n/a it's still heaps of fun. It just would've been an extra fun trackweapon with a turbo engine on board. Not that we Scandinavians would ever see one of those anyways..
@@lessmasterdark I agree with you, that is one thing where the previous generation NC is better than the ND (not to mention the hydraulic steering feel) - not only the engines the NC have are modular, the bonnet (or hood) is higher than the ND, so it can fit the taller engine. On a positive note, BBR GTi (based in the UK) have plenty of reliable naturally aspirated upgrades for the ND that give an 'OEM'-like feel. Super 220 is a cam + exhaust manifold + valvespring + ECU remap which make 220hp. They're going to make an ITB package for another 20hp ontop of that too. They also have a turbo kit as well.
Ex-Koenigsegg testdriver Robert Serwanski owns a NC MX-5 and has a Nurburgring video on youtube beating a GT3RS twice. Also Christian Von Koenigsegg owns an NA MX-5 too. Another fact is that you don't even have a driving license, and you're just a pathetic poor virgin
Dude, that's how they say Mazda in Canada. Technically that's not even correct. The proper Japanese pronunciation is closer to "Matsuda". If you're gonna correct him, you need to at least be correct yourself.
7:05 real beginning.
GSP: suspension, Limited Slip Differential
GSP + Sport package: adds Brembo brakes
GT: includes standard
I’ve owned two NBs, two NCs, and now an ND (2020 RF) and I gotta say it by far is the best Miata yet. Mazda really nailed it on this one and I absolutely adore this car. Great review! I enjoyed it very much.
I've just bought this version, Soul Crystal Red 2021 2.0 litre and in the sport package so the most basic one. If you are not taking it on the track you don't need a limited slip diff although both the Recaro seats and the Brembo brakes are amazing the shocks are firmer on the pricer versions and I prefer the cheaper and smoother ride from the standard shocks which are still perfectly balanced and as much as you will ever need on the road. This basic modle Still has Electric windows, Cruise control, Air conditioning, Electric Mirrors,Cross traffic warning, blind spot warning, Traction control, Lane departure warning, Apple carplay, and Android auto so I just plug in my phone and use Google maps on the cars screen. Just take down the top and you'll quickly discover that's pretty much all you need. I couldn't be happier with this one. Oh and don't buy the Automatic. If you cannot drive a stick shift then do yourself a favour and learn. My wife took one look at this car when I bought it home and said "Teach Me Now!"
Definitely one of the last 'honest' sportscar you can buy today in 2020 - alongside the Porsche 718s with the naturally aspirated 4.0 flat six with manual, next generation 992 GT3 with manual and next generation BRZ/86. Do you guy prefer this car over the Abarth 124 Spyder? And to the owners of these ND2s, what would you guys do to improve on this car? Thanks in advance.
I'd absolutely have the ND over the Abarth! There's definitely something to be said about a turbo engine, but I enjoy Mazda's just a bit more
....owned an ND2, missed some aggressiveness, bought now a GTS4.0, still - the MX5 is a fab car and rare proposition....
@@fragu123 Interesting. BBR GTi in the UK offer a 'Super 220' which involves cams, exhaust manifold/header, valvesprings and takes the power up to 220 with a higher 7800rpm redline. They're developing an ITB package like they did with the NC's 'Super 225', so hoping that provides some more aggression. But regardless, the 718 GTS 4.0 must be an incredible car to drive!
@@joetaka7620 ...I test drove the 220HP car with modified brakes, suspension, etc... at SPS Motorsport in Germany, pot. Europes most famous MX5 specialist and it was definitely a huge improvement over the standard car. Tons of fun.... still I opted for the GTS4.0, assuming that n/a, manual Porsche’s won’t be around for that much longer. Cheers...
@@fragu123 Wow, I didn't expect to hear that! I respect your decision - many people are speculating that the next generation 718s will be electrified and as we all know, naturally aspirated engines will be extinct soon, so I don't blame you for going for the infamous flat 6 with the manual! Enjoy your ride 👍
Thanks so much nice review for base model of MX-5 , I was really wanted see base model review.
There are many MX-5 reviews, but there is little information on the base model. The base model enough for me. I would like to buy this one next.
Again, thanks so much.
I am glad you found the review helpful, thanks for watching!
@@RoadsUntraveled
doumo arigatou 🙂
A flat bottom steering wheel looks like it would work really well in that car.
Agreed, would be practical instead of just a looks thing.
The miata is just such a fun lightweight car to toss around! My fiance has been contemplating on getting one
First time ive heard someone hype the sound tube. I actually plan to delete mine.
Would be stoked if Mazda made a 2+2 coupe with the same formula but just a bit bigger everywhere. Still rwd, manual , double wishbones all around and LSD but maybe the 2.5t. Something to harass GR Supras with. A spiritual successor to the RX-7 but without rotary, to then easily have an uprange version if they were to finalize a new rotary. Kinda like they did with the 929 /RX-4s and others in the 70s
@Rubedo Alaberti No I want something at Supra level. A BRZ with a sorted torque dip is far from what the FD RX-7 stood for :)
@Rubedo Alaberti No more torque dip in the new 2022 model !
Soul red metalic... The next color of my Renault Clio mk1 👍 perfect!!!
Thanks for the review!
Anyone who tried both the soft and RF (hard top) version?
What is the difference in terms of driving experience?
Cheers!
I’ve had both! The hardtop is absolutely a little bit quieter, feels more solid, and it gives me piece of mind security wise when not being parked in a garage. Highly recommended. :)
@@sonictonic_ cheers for the help.
Yours were NDs? Experienced any difference due to to the 50-70kg extra weight of the RF version in terms of driving?
@@martonerdosi8289 Not at all. They reduced so much weight on the ND, my RF feels lighter on the road than my NC with soft top by far. I'm not basing this on any numbers or stats I'm basing this on normal driving and how I feel driving it. Just my opinion and impression. :)
@@sonictonic_ thanks for sharing your experience! Drive safe and enjoy!:)
@@martonerdosi8289 No prob! Cheers!
Wish you would’ve gone in depth. It would’ve been nice as well to hear why just getting a base model is absolutely fine and how you’re not missing much (if thats what you agree with)
Upgrading to a trim with the heated seats will allow top down driving into the winter.
Hello from Australia. Lovely review! I did hear a lot of beeps from the GoPro (low battery warning, is it?) and also some really nice heel-toe rev matching blips on downshift (did I hear that correctly?)...
In the US its Sport, Club and Grand Touring. You should mention this in your videos which many of us in the USA watch.
Would you get this car or a used Porsche Cayman 981 for the same price?
This.
I traded my 2014 Cayman for this 2020 Miata RF GTS
@@redbxstr can you elaborate on your feelings after the trade :-)
@@rafaelcordoba13 I feel good about the trade. I have another Porsche, a 1974 914, so I’m not totally giving up Porsche. I like that the Miata will be less expensive to maintain, and repairs if need be will be less expensive, and I’m getting a targa convertible whereas the Cayman was strictly hardtop. I really like the look of the Miata ND2 RF GT. If you were to get a Porsche, I’d recommend a Boxster S. I had two, and are fast and fun. If you go for a Porsche, buy 2009 or newer. Earlier years of those engines has problems with the chain bearing. Buy a 6 speed. The Porsche is faster but the Miata will easier to upkeep. Porsches are pricey to maintain new or used. A cheap used Porsche is the most expensive one in the long run. The Miata is smaller but you’ll get much better fuel mileage, and people said they get up to 40 mpg, if that is important. I used to get about only 23-25 on the Cayman. Both are fun cars, but their different. The Miata is like a British 60s car. The Porsche is like a race car. If you have any other question, give a shout.
This is the club model, right?
@Roads Untraveled how tall are you ?
Awesome review
Imagine this with the 2.5t from mazda3..
@Ryuichi Tanaka that blows, but still as it is with the 2.0 n/a it's still heaps of fun. It just would've been an extra fun trackweapon with a turbo engine on board. Not that we Scandinavians would ever see one of those anyways..
@@lessmasterdark I agree with you, that is one thing where the previous generation NC is better than the ND (not to mention the hydraulic steering feel) - not only the engines the NC have are modular, the bonnet (or hood) is higher than the ND, so it can fit the taller engine. On a positive note, BBR GTi (based in the UK) have plenty of reliable naturally aspirated upgrades for the ND that give an 'OEM'-like feel. Super 220 is a cam + exhaust manifold + valvespring + ECU remap which make 220hp. They're going to make an ITB package for another 20hp ontop of that too. They also have a turbo kit as well.
I really want that car so bad
The Mazda wanted me to stay, the music wanted me to go. In the end, the music won. Bye.
Why does their logo look like the logo from THE RACE youtube channel lmao
note to mazda:
take my money
Dude! Why are you sitting on that mans car! Not cool. Good review though.
I turned off after 1 minute !
One woman car
Ex-Koenigsegg testdriver Robert Serwanski owns a NC MX-5 and has a Nurburgring video on youtube beating a GT3RS twice. Also Christian Von Koenigsegg owns an NA MX-5 too. Another fact is that you don't even have a driving license, and you're just a pathetic poor virgin
Stop saying mazda wierd lol. If you're going to pronounce the first a that way then do it with the second. Wtf.
Dude, that's how they say Mazda in Canada. Technically that's not even correct. The proper Japanese pronunciation is closer to "Matsuda".
If you're gonna correct him, you need to at least be correct yourself.
slow