Time and time again, we continue to see players in the automotive segment boasting higher horsepower and better capability. But that is not the case for the miniature 4-cylinder 2-door roadster and I’m talking about the Mazda MX-5 (formerly the Miata) who’s been telling us all along that it’s all about the driver, not the car – for the past 30 years to be exact.
While technology continues to progress, the 2020 Mazda MX-5 has gone backwards in economic intuition by remaining mechanically sound by avoiding computerized wizardry at all costs. As a matter of fact, it is one of the very few cars you can still buy fresh off the lot that still offers the direct bio-mechanical connection between car and driver.
The 2020 Mazda MX-5 continues the heritage of delivering an ultra-rewarding, fun and engaging driving experience now available with a hardtop option in the RF (Retractable Fastback) trim. The rev-happy Skyactive 4-cylinder makes the 2020 MX-5 RF fun and peppy on the straight. Where the MX-5 shines (and always has) is its exceptional handling capability thanks to its perfect 50/50 weight distribution and exceptional suspension engineering.
Onboard is a 4-cylinder 2.0L Skyactiv engine producing 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque directed to the rear-wheel drive with a limited slip rear differential. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard and should be opted for, but the automatic 6-speed shouldn’t be neglected either with its snappy and enthusiastic shift response. Steering-mounted paddle shifters for manual sequential shift mode will be made available if the latter option is selected.
Suspension setup entails a unique front double-wishbone and rear multi-link suspension to deliver maximum performance handling around turns. A hydraulic power-assisted rack and pinion completes the powertrain setup perfected for the track.
The interior, while a bit cramped for larger adults, remains driver-focused and purpose built. A 7” touchscreen infotainment powered by Mazda Connect handles all digital media with full AM/FM/XM, Bluetooth support and smartphone integration with SMS message delivery notification. Its software user interface is all interacted with a dial located on the center console. It works and serves its purpose; though we prefer the updated Mazda Connect software and higher-quality push button knob available in the Mazda 3 lineup.
Black leatherette bucket seats with adequate lateral support helps keep the driver and passenger snug and secure especially on hard turns. The 9-speaker Bose audio system with integrated speakers installed in the front seats also makes a unique and engaging driving experience not limited to the track alone.
There’s nothing quite like the driving experience the 2020 Mazda MX-5 RF delivers. Its featherlight acceleration and zippy agility all makes the 2020 MX-5 a fun and engaging drive while steering goes down to the millimetre precision with exceptional responsiveness and handling on the road.
The Rectractable Fastback (RF) trim will cost $7,000 more than the soft top option. While the soft top option is still very easy to close and retract via a simple pull-lever mechanism, the RF does add another layer of contemporary sophistication with the look and feel of a proper roadster.
The 2020 Mazda MX-5 RF will be made available in two trims: GS-P and GT priced at $42,070 and $45,120 respectively. The extra $3,000 gets you 17” gunmetal alloy rims, adaptive front-lighting system, power exterior mirrors, leather trimmed seats navigation and Sirius XM support and traffic-sign recognition system. You can’t go wrong with either option as both will deliver the joyful driving character the MX-5 has always offered.
