Model Tested: 2021 Mazda MX-5 RF Club 6MT
Engine: 2.0-liter I-4, 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft torque
Transmission: 6-speed manual, rear-wheel-drive
EPA Rating: 26-mpg city, 34-mpg highway, 29-mpg combined
Base Price: $33,045
As Tested: $39,255
Performance:
A true sports car
Spirited performance
Very responsive engine and suspension
Excellent Brembo brakes
Super smooth 6-speed manual transmission
Very useful Hill Hold feature for stopping/starting on steep streets
Highway expansion strips are felt, but that’s a sports car trade-off
Ninja-like for slicing through city traffic
Blind spot monitor standard and necessary
Excellent fuel economy—our best was 36.1-mpg
Limited slip differential
Big tachometer, but small speedometer
Comfort:
Quite comfortable once you’re in
Very supportive optional Recaro seats
Heated seats (3 temps)
Manually adjusted seats, but limited range
Not much room for stretching or shifting positions
Fine legroom for driver, somewhat less for passenger
Good headroom
Good quality interior materials
Small tilt/telescopic column range
Utility:
Minimal interior storage
No glovebox or door bins
One hard to reach lockable bin between seats
Trunk is deep and OK sized for soft luggage
Good safety features
WOW Factors:
Impressive retractable hardtop
All-weather fun
Nimble, athletic handling
Great fun to drive—a go-kart for adults
Transmission shifts “like butter”
Handsome styling
Whines:
Minimal interior storage
Too small sun visors
Tight ingress/egress
Premium gas required
Bottom Line:
The 2021 Mazda MX-5 (Miata) RF Club is great fun for two people who don’t need to pack a lot of stuff in order to have a great time. The handsome RF model (retractable fastback) looks slick and adds all-weather functionality. The cockpit is low and slightly challenging to get in and out, but once ensconced the seats are comfortable and supportive, even on long drives. The Mazda MX-5 RF Club does have some compromises, but the fun-to-drive factor outweighs them by a significant margin.
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