The Mazda MX-5 Miata has arrived for the 2023 model year and comes with a new exterior color option and, sadly, a price hike. No changes have been made to the 181-horsepower, 2.0-liter engine. So what's different?
Let's start with the new shade called Zircon Sand Metallic. It's a rather sophisticated shade and offers buyers more choices than before. As you'd expect, this shade is optional and demands $395. This hue is only available on Club and above trim levels. Metallic paint is also the only option available on the MX-5.
The little roadster is still a performance bargain. The Sport variant kicks things off at $28,050, which is $400 dearer than the equivalent 2022 model. For your chunk of change, the MX-5 Miata Sport is equipped with everything you'd reasonably want.
Several driver assists are standard, and so is the seven-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The seats make do with cloth upholstery, but the steering wheel, gear lever, and parking brake are covered in supple hide. Other nice-to-haves include LED headlights, climate control, and keyless entry.
Next up is the Club derivative. At $31,550, it's not much pricier than the 2022 model, with an MSRP of $31,150. This model will serve you well if you're looking for a little more luxury. Aside from 17-inch alloy wheels, the Club receives a nine-speaker Bose premium sound system with a subwoofer, wireless Apple CarPlay, and more.
The 2022 Club sold out within six months, so let's hope Mazda makes more models available for the 2023 model year.
Performance-minded individuals will make a beeline to the MX-5 Miata Club with Brembo BBS Recaro Package. Priced at $36,050 for the soft-top and $38,550 for the hard-top MX-5 Miata RF, these sportier derivatives introduced Brembo front brakes (with red painted calipers, front and rear), heated Recaro sports seats, and 17-inch BBS forged wheels in dark gunmetal.
Those who want the plushest MX-5 will find the Grand Touring derivatives to their liking. Four variants are offered; a soft-top and an RF, both available with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. All models receive satellite navigation, automatic headlights, and rain-sensing wipers.
If the heated leather seats aren't to your liking, Terracotta Nappa leather can be specified for $300.
Pricing for the Grand Touring is as follows: soft-top manual ($33,050), soft-top automatic ($33,550), RF manual ($35,350), and RF automatic ($35,900).
Mazda's celebrated Kinetic Posture Control remains part of the lineup's performance-enhancing equipment. As a reminder, the technology uses the brakes to apply pressure to the inner rear wheel while cornering. This not only improves the steering feel but reduces body roll as well.
It's not the most significant update, but we're glad Mazda hasn't fiddled with an award-winning recipe. Those looking for more change can wait for the facelift model, which is expected to arrive in the 2024 model year.
