The 2023 Mazda MX-5 RF is a fun convertible to drive around and it will never get boring. But it’s not so fun during the winter and especially on snowy days. It’s cute to look at and fun to be in but again I think it’s a great seasonal car. The only new update in 2023 is the new color zircon sand metallic.
Engine/Transmission
The MX-5 RF has a 2.0L Inline 4-cylinder that produces 181hp and 151lb-ft of torque. It has enough power to still enjoy the drive. The MX-5 is available with a 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmission although I do believe a manual transmission is a must on a fun ride like the MX-5 and I’m sure a lot of people would agree with me on this. It is more engaging to drive and just feels sportier in my opinion. The MX-5 6MT is rated for 9.0L/100km in a city and 7.0L/100km on a highway with the 6AT being slightly better in fuel economy. I averaged a combined 8.7L/100km with mostly highway driving.
Handling/Performance
Fun little bug is how I describe the MX-5. It is awesome when driving on windy roads as it is very sporty, handling is sharp. It is one of those cars that makes you feel confident when making sharp turns as it reacts quickly to the driver’s inputs. Driving in and out of traffic is very easy of course due to its size. The gear shifts are very smooth, as it doesn’t feel rough when shifting. Driving over potholes can feel a bit rough so its best to avoid driving over them when possible. While driving on highways the road noise is a bit louder but honestly it isn’t a big deal, it is a convertible after all and sits low. You don’t need all that much power to have fun with it and that’s the great thing about it. During the winter however, I didn’t enjoy it as much. You need to crank the heater up to keep warm and this was during -10c in Vancouver which isn’t the norm. If you are a taller adult, it becomes squishy to fit comfortably while wearing boots and thick jackets. I had no issues when I drove the MX5 during the summer but found myself squished during the winter.
Comfort
Space is barely there, although at 5ft10 I would be able to fit perfectly but when wearing bulky clothes, well not so much space. There is barely any space to move around, and this is why I now say this is a great seasonal car. Leg room was decent for someone my height or shorter and visibility was ok as well. I had the hardtop during my time with the MX-5 and it was very simple to put the top down or up with the push of a switch. Trunk space is very limited because it is narrow, but it is a bit deep and so I was able to fit quite a few large items. Few bags and small items will fit just fine. This may not be a car of choice for a daily driver but if you do decide it works for you, I think you would be just fine if you can fit in it comfortably.
Interior
The 2023 MX-5 RF is equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen. Very easy to use and no issues of it being slow. It is also equipped with leather upholstered seats, and something I really like is the body-coloured interior door trim. In my opinion this car, like many other things, looks best in red. It has manual 6-way adjustable driver seat and 4-way for the passenger seat. The cup holders are detachable so when not in use, you can hide them for more leg room for the passenger and more elbow room for the driver. You get a bit of storage space in the centre console cubby.
Exterior
The MX-5 has strong front features that you just can’t say this is a girly car. And I’m not complaining, I love how it looks, strong features, bit subtle on the back and looks great. The MX-5 is equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels black metallic just looks so sexy again why a red exterior makes it pop or stand out even more. If you opt for the sports package, you will get 17-inch BBS forged wheels, Brembo front brakes, red painted front/rear brake calipers, and Recaro sport seats.
Pros/Cons
Let’s start off with the good things about the MX-5 RF. First, it’s a fun car to drive. As mentioned earlier, driving around is simple yet engaging. It is exciting even on a rainy gloomy day, it will put a smile on your face but not so much on snowy day. It is decently good on gas. I found it to be comfortable ride during the summer, so that is something you will need to judge for yourself if you plan on using it year-round. Road noise is a bit loud at higher speeds so if that is something that would bother you, then maybe not an option. Now on to the not-so-great things, its on the expensive side. It has a starting price of $33,900 CAD with the soft top and manual transmission and $33,384 USD for the MX-5 Grand Touring. It looks great but it might not be for everyone as it is quite small and can be squishy for some people. There is no space for belongings so even if you wanted to, a road trip is not ideal in the MX-5. This makes for a great second vehicle in my opinion.
2023 Mazda MX-5 RF Gallery
