Here's Why We Love Driving the Mazda MX-5 Miata | One-Lap Review

Carlos Lago gets behind the wheel of the new 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club RF. Updates to this version of our favorite roadster include more power, a higher redline, and improvements to the suspension and the interior. The Club variant comes with firmer Bilstein shock absorbers, and RF speaks to the retractable folding hardtop. Why do we like this little car so much? Ride along at the Edmunds test track to find out.

Q: What kind of engine and transmission does the 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata have?
A: The Miata MX-5 Miata has a 2.0-liter inline-four that makes 181 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive are standard, while a six-speed automatic is optional.

Q: How much does the Mazda MX-5 Miata cost?
A: Our 2019 test car, a Club RF, starts at $33,240 (including destination). It has a few options, including Brembo brakes, BBS forged wheels and an appearance package, that bring the as-tested price to $38,628.

Q: How fast is the Mazda MX-5 Miata?
A: During testing, the 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club RF reached 60 mph in 6.6 seconds (6.3 seconds with a 1-foot rollout, as on a drag strip) and clocked a quarter-mile time of 14.8 seconds at 91.8 mph.

Q: What are the 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata's main competitors?
A: The Mazda MX-5 Miata remains one of the last few traditional roadsters available. The closest vehicle in terms of size, price and intent is the Fiat 124, which is actually an MX-5 Miata with a different engine and exterior design. Other rear-wheel-drive sports cars at this price, such as the Subaru BRZ and the Toyota 86, are only available as coupes. Similarly, the Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang and Nissan 370Z are much larger and heavier, lacking the lightness that's crucial to the Miata driving experience.

Find out more about the 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF here: https://www.edmunds.com/mazda/mx-5-miata-rf/2019/convertible/

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