The fourth generation of Mazda’s iconic roadster was unveiled in September 2014 and went into production in March 2015. The MX-5 is getting on in years. The classic sports car will endure for another generation, but in the meantime, the ND continues to be produced in the US with few modifications. Zircon Sand exterior paint, an optional shade we’ve already seen on the Japanese and European versions of the Miata, is new for the 2023MY.
Kinematic Posture Control, which was introduced for the 2022MY and appears to have been well received by customers, will continue to be a feature of the rear-wheel-drive convertible. Remind yourself that KPC gently brakes the inner rear wheel during corners to reduce body roll and keep the MX-5 firmly planted. This technology is available in other Mazda vehicles as well, including the brand-new CX-60 midsize SUV (sold outside of the US).
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Under the hood, where the 2.0-liter gasoline engine with naturally aspirated combustion is still present, nothing has changed. After the ND2 was introduced for the 2019MY, the four-pot mill still produces 181 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 151 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. The NA engine is connected to a six-speed manual transmission or an automatic transmission with the same number of gears, depending on the trim level.
In other markets, Mazda is still offering its well-liked cabrio with the 1.5-liter engine that was initially intended to be the Miata’s sole engine option. The 2.0-liter engine was installed after the company realised later in the development phase that Americans wouldn’t buy the car with such a small powertrain, and it was later upgraded a few years later.
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When it comes to pricing, the MX-5 Miata Sport with a six-speed manual gearbox is the starting point at $28,050. The base trim level now costs $400 more than it did previously and is only offered with a black soft top. The RF starts at $35,350 if you prefer the added comfort and sophistication of the hardtop version.
The fact that the RF is not offered in the Sport trim as it begins as a Grand Touring with more equipment included explains the stark difference between the two. As before, only the more opulent Grand Touring is offered with the automatic; the prices are $33,550 for the soft top and $35,900 for the RF. For an additional $300, this trim level also includes a special Terracotta Nappa leather interior.
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The manual-only Club with the Brembo BBS Recaro Package continues to be the most expensive of the group; it costs $36,050 for the soft top and $38,550 for the RF. It costs an additional $1,275 for destination and handling, or $1,320 if you live in Alaska. That means the MX-5 Miata will cost you just under $40,000.
We could be dealing with the final year for the ND-generation Miata as spy shots of a test mule have been caught by car paparazzi. Mazda has pledged to retain the RWD formula with a combustion engine, but expect a dose of electrification to keep regulators happy. A mild-hybrid system could be planned, and hopefully, it won’t bring a major weight penalty.
