2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata - Perfection Refined

[@bartrammeloo5046]

Just wanted to add that you can indeed use the MX-5 as a daily commuter car. I drive mine to the office every day of the week. That's a total of 150 km per day. Half of that trip is on the highway. In my case that adds up to around 35,000 km per year. Even though I live in Belgium (not really known for its great weather), the top is down 95% of the time. You can fit a booster seat on the passenger side, and my five year old just loves it. Worth every single penny.

[@arricammarques1955]

Far superior reliability than Porsche. the MX 5 the ideal roadster.

[@KoalaKoala00]

Oh yeah it’s a good commuter. Absolutely love this car.

[@mikeb1039]

Spent many days with the top down, windows up and heater on in the 12 years I had Miatas. Still boggles my mind that they dont' have heated seats on every trim level. c'mon man!!

[@dchen1763]

Alex squeezed inside a Miata trunk, almost keeping a straight face... Priceless.

[@gene978]

Teeny tiny, Love it! Alex when you stuffed yourself in the trunk. Who else would do that? No one. lol

[@mikeb9569]

Alex, you gave it a "D" for cabin noise. Not fair! It's a convertible! In the video, you have the windows down, you're not shouting and we can hear you very well above any wind noise.

[@adoncapcom5767]

This is the most comprehensive and best review of the Miata RF. Well done and thanks!

[@davidwolf226]

What a fun drive that must have been, Alex. I've also taken that trek from SD up to SLO several times over the years. I've always like the Miata through its several evolutions in the last 30 years. Looking forward to your more comprehensive review when you get the opportunity.

[@DriveAndBeDriven]

Great review, Alex! I personally think the MX-5 is a particularly attractive looking 2-door. Especially in the RF model. Once again, keep it up!

[@venom1k]

LOVE your videos, one of the most informative people on here

[@stephenhendricks103]

As someone with a wife, daughter, a big dog, and a two car garage limit, the MX5 isn't a car for me. Nevertheless, I'm grateful it exists. Kudos to Mazda for resisting the temptation to make it bigger, fatter, give it a turbocharger, oversize wheels/tires, power seats, heads up display, etc., etc. There are many alternatives with all those features and more. The Miata is what it has always been, a classic two seat sports car designed with goals of light weight and linear, balanced performance. For those who insist on "improving" it, a wealth of aftermarket options, including turbochargers and even superchargers are readily available. Thankfully, those who want to experience a classic sports car can walk into a Mazda dealer and buy one without getting a second mortgage.

[@Pube83]

Stephen Hendricks I agree with most of what you wrote, but they should've maintained offering a turbo model since the Mazda Speed miata several generations ago. Not overkill, but something along the lines of 250-300 horsepower for $5k over non turbo models.

[@davidb8831]

Stephen Hendricks There is nothing classic about a 2019 car. You’re deluded.

[@stephenhendricks103]

Interesting...On one hand comes the complaint that the MX5 doesn't have a 250-300 HP motor and from the other that it isn't really a "classic." Given those reactions, I'd say Mazda has hit the sweet spot.

[@davidb8831]

Stephen Hendricks It really never has with the Miata it’s a shirt lifters special. A car for faygella save your money a bit longer and get something decent.

[@Dave-sw2dm]

Buy the Edlebrock supercharger and bolt it on.

[@dbonhoeffer]

Great Review. I've watched some twenty reviews of the 2019 Miata and yours is by far the best. You covered all the basics and a lot of new information I didn't see in other videos.

[@amill1563]

TCI is back! Thanks Alex for being the first car reviewer to review this freshened version of the Miata. I sub to alot of car reviewer channels too, and you were the first on this one for me.

[@keithjackson4985]

Thank you sir. Good job. The improvements may steer me in this direction soon. I'm 6'1. Hated the old seats and non telescoping column. Fixes are in with a new motor! Old man's new MG, with none of the old MG issues!

[@johntechwriter]

I’m an old guy too. Grew up driving my Dad's Alfa Duetto Spyder, 1600 cc. A tough act to follow. But the Miata succeeds. To me the base Sport is the most pur sang version. I pick up my new one this Saturday.

[@Trendyflute]

"If you're concerned about opening the soft top..." well then you're just being foolish because the Miata's soft top is the easiest top in all automotivedom, soft or hard, powered or manual, it really is. I suspect the soft top ND2s will hold their value the best. These things will be desirable for awhile I imagine!

[@KirkKreifels]

Thanks, Alex. I love the vistas!

[@mikemorales1725]

Beautiful driving environment, perfect for the Miata

[@mindspinn311]

Just picked up a 2018 at a massive discount. I am excited to drive the more powerful 2019 with its higher redline and telescoping wheel, but the 2018 was too good of a deal to pass up. Thank you again for an excellent detailed review as always.

[@peabody2470]

Great review Alex! You are the most comprehensive and unbiased reviewer I've seen! Keep up the great work!...and you look great in the trunk. Rumble seats?

[@ToreHansen]

Chilling the trunk of a MX-5, great video and a amazing car.

[@crippledcrow2384]

Thanks for the info on hot days in the Miata. I live in Texas and it gets plenty warm.

[@Tully3674]

3:56 Turn signals do not look LED by the way they are blinking.

[@mindspinn311]

Tully3674 They are incandescent. Only headlamps, brake lights, and DRL’s are LED.

[@Dongzzzzzz]

It's q shame it's not. Even the Mazda 2 and 3 have led turn signals on side mirrors, and those are designed like a strip of light.

[@gtlegacy8]

watching this makes me want a S2k even more

[@danieltremblay9852]

Alex, you’re very hard to beat ! Great great video

[@stevee8318]

absolutely beautiful car - great review.

[@Fantasytzu]

good job! 2018 rf and am thinking about a trade for the 2019. Great handling, zoom zoom fun

[@clarencewong4895]

Great review as usual. I have been waiting for this review. Thank you.

[@stevensmith8538]

I own a 2011 MX5 touring edition AT hard top with just over 30 K on it and it gets 25 mpg at best . I want a 2019!

[@Brookside975]

Did anyone else notice that when the soft top was up, there was already a wear mark over one of the bows. This has been a problem on the NDs' since introdoced - and this car is brand new!?

[@jamiee9257]

I've always wanted an MX-5, especially since there's no longer a MR2. I think the RF is so good looking. I'd probably pick black or red. I wish Mazda offered a blue like Lexus' Ultrasonic Blue Mica.

[@ysfma755]

there’s a blue mica in the top trim.

[@Greggory1987]

Alex, thanks for your review. I am really tempted to buy one for sure.

[@t.m6347]

トランクに乗った姿は圧巻です！良いところも悪いところも分かりやすいです。

[@MrOdeezie585]

Have a 21 club and love it.

[@bdoleza]

Alex you mentioned that Americans love to complain about the power output in the Miata... To me, those complaints have been well justified. I don't think anyone is looking for a hot rod here or anything like that, but it's 2018 now, and 200+-horse 4 liters are not exactly an engineering feat for today's typical Japanese car company. I realize that keeping this car's size and weight firmly in the ultra-diminutive realm is critical to the Miata's success, but turbochargers are fun happy things and I think Mazda might want to look into them for this car. Same with the transmission; it's 2018 now and it wouldn't kill Mazda to find a way to squeeze a 7- or 8-speed automatic under hat hood for those who want it. Although it sounds like that manual gearbox is still top notch. But I love that this car exists. Like the Dodge Demon or Hellcat series of cars and SUVs, like the Chevy Corvette, like the Mercedes G-Wagon, this Miata is a 1-of-a-kind automobile...at least 1-of-a-kind at its price. The manufacturers of all the aforementioned models understand that they're not going to bring in a ton of revenue by selling these models; hell they may even be LOSING money on them hehe! Yet they live on, largely because the companies know how much we the consumer love having them. How much we appreciate having fun, sexy options in an increasingly generic car world. Great review Alex and I love that it took the form of a road trip!

[@lukasvnenk5664]

Yes, mx5 and all the other cars you mentioned are one-of-a-kind vehicles.. and mx5 is one-of-a-kind because of its weight, engine and transmission.. giving it a turbo or an automatic would create a completely different car, with different dynamics (more power, faster shifting, less car-driver connection, less nimbleness (if that's a word)) than what mx5 is supposed to have.. James May of topgear once said the most fun he ever had in a car was in Fiat Panda, because he could drive full throttle with tires squeaking while not breaking all the existing laws haha I have mx5 nb 1.6 and even though on long straights I wish I had a bit more power, I completely forget about this where the car shines - in corners. Regards :)

[@mindspinn311]

If you want a turbocharged 2019 Miata buy a 2018 Fiat 124 Spider. The MX5 is naturally aspirated on purpose.

[@airgliderz]

Perfect carriage for an LS transplant.

[@johntechwriter]

Mazda a knocking themselves out to avoid turbocharging. And they are right. A turbo'd car has reduced drivability. I know - I owned a 270 hp Flyin' Miata turbo. It bogged when I booted it, then in mid-corner there'd be a rush of power that could bring out the rear end instantly. A turbo took driving my Miata from “fun” to “stressful”.

[@chirsh123]

what are the numbers? how much quieter is the hard top than the soft top?

[@barrsm]

There were noise reduction measures put into the 2018 which carried over to the 2019. Also, I think you were driving the Club model, not the Sport model.

[@willkolbe3290]

Just stumbled on this video and channel. Great job!

[@yahtzeejimbob]

Tried to find your new updated 2019 review but couldn't find it. Whenever you do take a longer look at the new Miata, see if you can find a power adapter anywhere in it. Seems like it doesn't have one.

[@cptsilver651]

The rear turn signals don't look like they're LEDs from the way they blink

[@abcdLeeXY]

I really appreciate that cabin noise rating

[@clairekennedy8767]

Change title to 2019! Great car and review!

[@han666]

I installed an aftermarket backup camera on my RF, it's mounted below the bumper just above the number plate. Works perfect and much more discreet.

[@TheMeakster]

Seriously. Do you not have a neck like other people?

[@han666]

@@TheMeakster Judging by your comment, you have not driven RF before. The buttress creates a serious blind spot.

[@TheMeakster]

Yeh but its not like there's another twenty feet of metal behind your head, you can practically reach the tip of the boot lid from the driver seat.

[@caseydamiano269]

Great job as always, Alex! "looks like a fun lil' car! I'm curious to know if Mazda's wind tunnel tests show much difference between the soft-top & hard-top with tops down. The hard-top has essentially a Targa profile with its top down. Hence I have a hunch it might score a tad better in drag coefficient & thus a bit lighter on fuel consumption at highway speeds. 'Any web links we can check-out?

[@stevee8318]

I have a '19 RF and after 5k miles I'm average 35 mpg.

[@DrivenMind]

You mistakenly said at the end of the video, that you had been reviewing a base model Miata. Its not. Its a Club model with the BBS/Brembo/Recaro package which adds like 4,500 to the cost of the Club with a 6 speed. So what you're reviewer is closer to a $36,000 car.

[@chrishisted1851]

How do the Recaro seats compare to the standard cloth club seats? Any change in comfort, cabin room, or holding ability in corners?

[@smolvobuild4949]

Trunk comfort index - love it

[@chrisa2223]

Love the review as always. Is that a return of Copper Red? It looks orangish compared to the current Soul Red. Copper red isn’t available for 2018 that I can see.

[@Laz_Arus]

Alex needs to colour grade his videos. They are way off standard. The 'red' displayed here looks nothing like the Soul Red Crystal.

[@chesterchaz135]

Which is more fun,,This or Mini 2 door Cooper S ?

[@vanquish421]

The hard top is far nosier with the top down, as it creates a vacuum for the air that goes over your head in the soft top. You also don't get nearly the same sense of openness with the top down, as it's more of a targa top than a full convertible. The only bit you can see behind you in the hard top (with it down) is through the little read window, whereas the soft top of course allows you to see everything.

[@CalvinHikes]

Telling us it has more horsepower isn't helpful. We could read that. How does it compare? Does it feel faster? Does it feel better? Is it more fun? Is it less fun?

[@BorisW150]

Beautiful car - very good review. Thanks.

[@shiftintohigh5564]

I am really glad you do cabin noise!!👍👍👍Cause that’s a thing with me!!👍👍👍 It completes the car👍👍😎😎

[@AvidMovieMan]

Backup camera for Miata cracked me up :D

[@Lee-70ish]

The stainless after market grill imho makes the front look much better. In the UK the rag top outsells the RF by a quite a lot probably the same reason the 1.5 outsells the 2.0 , weight . The ND 1.5 has always been 7500 rpm engine but I can understand why the US prefer the more powerful 2.0 and the UK prefer to concentrate more on handling and feel. Basically the infrastructure to drive on. Where I live single lane twisty country roads with passing lay-bys are common so getting up to the 60mph speed limit is not likely. I like the addition of the steering column adjustment. but come on guys Auto box? really? why not bung a bag or two of concrete in the trunk and totally destroy the fun factor. Good review happy MXing friends

[@rightlanehog3151]

It's a tough job but somebody's got to do it, right, Alex?

[@jimmytman]

Great review, great video, very informative. I drove a 2017 model MX-5 roadster a while back and totally loved it. Looking forward to checking out the RF model now that it has a little more power. Back in the late 70's, I owned a wonderful 1976 Fiat X1/9 that had the removable roof panel with the fixed rear window and buttresses, and the RF model reminds me of that car, which I also loved, despite Fiat's terrible reputation for reliability. Still, at nearly $40K out the door, it is seems rather expensive.

[@charlesrogers8420]

Another great review

[@stever41g]

Another excellent review. Thx Alex.

[@Joe-eg7ml]

With thr RF is the bllind spots that bad? Drove the soft top and it was great in regards to rear visibility. This top down of course.

[@DaBinChe]

made for a Japanese size person. At 5'7" it fits like a glove.

[@RajKumar-zm4ll]

Hello watched your wonderful video much appreciated. I am going to be purchasing the RF in a couple of months but a little indecisive whether to go for the safety package as the entry level pixelated camera is not particularly great but the other ones are but cannot be purchased separately. The safety package in the UK include adaptive led lights blind spot monitoring rear cross traffic alerts and reversing camera. Is this add on feature worth the extra spend when the camera is basic level entry but other features are good?

[@Benjamin-David]

Is this film in Montana De Oro state park?

[@BrainDesmo]

Good review. Sweet car. 1 Soft-top please.

[@kathleenbergeron1292]

So, if you’re driving north from San Diego, why is the ocean on the right hand side?

[@bondjames652]

The cars lightweight also creates less load on all the bits and pieces within the engine transmission and differential making it last longer.

[@wengerfam]

At 3:59.... very sure those are not LED turn signals (unfortunately)

[@BillySmith808]

Up late, thank you for this!

[@stephanematis]

Nice roads to drive!

[@chucksterrett950]

Cabin noise - I had a 2009 Miata with the retractable hardtop and run flat tires. Commuting on the PA turnpike was noisy. I now have a 2008 Miata with the soft top and normal tires. Much better ride and less noise. Of course I no longer commute to work so the Miata enjoyment factor doubled.

[@azura13liss]

would you guys say the ND1 with a good tune and headers come close to the power of the stock ND2? and would 16 inch light weight wheels make it even quicker? Thanks.

[@1PITIFULDUDE]

Considerably louder? Decibels please. Overall an excellent review.

[@JuanMartinez-ny1vf]

I like it but no spare donut sucks.

[@risetoalina]

I have 2007 Miata automatic, is that meant for high rep rpm as well?

[@VincentComet-l8e]

Very informative, very comprehensive. Thanks!

[@austinthornton4150]

Currently driving a 90 miata but if i get to a point where i would need a new car id definitely go with the newer miata.

[@toddgersh]

Alex, if you bought this as an extra car would you still prefer the hardtop?

[@cadsux]

18:30 Yes, Alex said he would pick the popular RF trim as well.

[@Gweeper64]

You didn't give Nathan a cameo?

[@Dave-sw2dm]

Awesome! I need the Recaro seats, but want an RF. I asked the dealer if I could buy and RF and have them order the seats separate to put in it and they said Mazda won't let them. I am putting money away for the RF manual with Recaro seats. Hopefully in two years I will have enough saved. Getting the limited slip without having to get the Brembo / BBS package will be a plus also.

[@petewebb6952]

Good review thanks.

[@JG-bx2xg]

As much as the numbers improved when ND was released, my wife's love of her 2012 NC GTPRHT were too strong to even make us go look at a new one. That and the lack of TRUE RED. This is worth a look .

[@TheCarCrazyGuy]

Your description says 2018...

[@TaijiArban]

title*

[@BoopSnoot]

Indeed, shocking. This could be a sign of major drug abuse; possibly heroine or benzo abuse. Probably benzo. Another life ruined. Poor Alex. :(

[@ElroyMcDuff]

The horror!

[@ag4allgood]

Yep , Alex reviewed a 2019 ND2. Everything else in his video is really well done. All the improvements for the 2019 MY are noted in this review. He also mentioned how much fun these cars are to drive. The emphasis should be on the value you get plus the fun factor that is really hard to beat at the price. Plus reliability of these has been going up ! Talk about bang for the buck if room is not a factor in your commuting life. Almost as much fun in winter here in Illinois as a set of dedicated winter tires / wheels transforms this car into a car to enjoy driving in any weather. I own a 2016 Club ST Brembo / BBS pkg ND which is a total blast. Can't tell you how many times I've taken the car out for a drive just to have fun ! Few cars for the price offer this ! Premium gas required but at 26 MPG & driving it 85% in the city.

[@BoopSnoot]

The one thing I would have improved though is that its only true competitor is not the Mustang IMO, but the sister Fiat Spider. Considering that Spider sales are horrific, you can get an Abarth now well below invoice. As such, the question begs, is the lesser powered turbocharged and heavier Abarth worth it compared to the lighter and now higher horsepower Miata for 2019, because the Spider does NOT get any engine improvements for 2019 and previously the argument was that while the Spider was heavier, at least it had more power. Now it has less.

[@geraldpasion3378]

that FULL Tank...

[@rickc2102]

Somewhere out there in internet land, Bette Midler is like, yeah, my boy!

[@drchipper6503]

Great review. Interesting Fly-by @ 20:11, upper right hand corner.

[@sapounngin2237]

Hi. Can the trunk fit golf club?

[@stanleykania7184]

I like it.. I get to move to South Carolina in a few years, there will be some used by then..

[@EverydayRoadster]

In Switzerland Mazda jumped the price tag without adding any feature (other than engine upgrade). Lucky you.

[@landonthomas8543]

Saw you at the summit store yesterday in an Alfa Romeo stelvio, is that what we can expect in an upcoming video?

[@EM.1.]

2019 Alex, not 2018 Mazda Miata, this may affect your traffic.

[@kraenk12]

E M1 Only Americans use this strange rule.

[@perpelle]

No. It's a big difference between model year and actual year.

[@toddgersh]

Yes, I heard him say that. But I was just curious if he meant that in the context of having it as an everyday car or having it as an extra car.

[@bitronic1]

i don't like it how the hard top has the chunk at the back instead of folding everything in the trunk like the soft top does

[@1SaG]

With all that talk about seating position, perhaps you should've mentioned the biggest change on the interior-front ... namely the availability of the Recaro seats. Which were even fitted to your car ... :P

[@michaelginyard6281]

Those turn signals look incandescent not LED

[@mindspinn311]

Michael Ginyard You’re correct they are not LED.

[@johntechwriter]

Incandescent is better in this application.

[@dlroto]

A good contender to this car would be the brz/frs

[@gluedmynuts]

Oh I didn't know you can drop the roof on the brz

[@peteskeet9443]

I wonder if fiat will change there engine on 124 spider?

[@Dave-sw2dm]

They need to. Should have gone with a Japanese engine. I like the look of the spider. Hate Fiat/Chrysler reliability.

[@JohnBustico]

Professional and good work! Thank's

[@davidkean5680]

Very good

[@acchaladka]

Nothing compares? I’d like you to give the Fiat 124 (Abarth) a more serious look and direct comparison. For thousands less, made in Japan, quieter ride, higher ride height, bigger trunk, and the turbo / tune-ability, I think it’s a great option. Motor Trend ran them and had them super-close on auto-x. Also, with that backup camera placement I’m guessing it will be obscured quickly in any kind of bad weather and get blocked with dirt. Will be curious to hear folks’ experience. Also wonder if a hack will allow the camera to function as a kind of better rear mirror: I test drove the RF and the rear visibility was blocked by the buttresses.

[@jjpianist1]

I disagree. I have a 2018 6-speed manual 124 and the power, especially at the low end around 2K rpm is very impressive and faster, (which is where I do 90% of my daily driving) with little or no lag.(a 6 speed manual is really the sportiest way to drive these cars)(maybe a bit of lag in the automatic) I have driven the car up into the 90+mph range and it still has plenty of power and torque to spare even at that rpm. I don't intend to take this car to the race track, so maybe thats the difference. The exterior fit and finish on the 124 is every bit equal to the MX5 (when my car was delivered, the exterior was flawless)(they are built on side by side assembly lines in Japan) and the interior (especially with the saddle colored leather seats) is actually more upscale than the MX5, with back up cameras that are spread out over 4 places on the rear bumper rather that just 1 (that gets distorted when wet) under the trunk release of the MX5. The interior of the FIAT is quieter with sound-proof glass in the windshield and more sound deadening materials in the soft top than the MX5. The ride even with the bigger wheels is more compliant, but handling is just as fun as the MX5. I test drove and researched both cars extensively before purchasing. The turbo Lusso is quieter than the MX5, which is a little bit more growly sounding. Maybe some people like that. But the Abarth is pretty awesome if you want a loud, racey sounding car. Many people I have spoken to actually prefer the more British-classic Italian-retro styling of the FIAT, although I realize that this is a question of personal taste.

[@dlg5485]

I finally pulled the trigger on a 2021 MX-5 GT soft top in polymetal grey. I almost got the RF, but ultimately decided it wasn't worth the extra $3000. This will be a strictly fair weather pleasure vehicle for me, only seeing about 5000 miles per year, so the noise level and soft top durability weren't huge concerns, and I live in Ohio so it rarely goes above 88 deg f here. Also, the visibility in the RF is awful, both with top up and down and operating the top is too slow. All in all, I absolutely love the car and have already decided that I will never sell it.

[@zacha8071]

2018 Grand Cherokee High Altitude?

[@quacksackerthegreatstarfir6996]

All my friends laugh when I tell them I want a Miata and then I tell them you would too if you'd ever driven one

[@1985cactus]

Why are they laughing at you?

[@johntechwriter]

Yeah, some guys laugh because they think the Miata is effeminate. And with the automatic/hardtop it definitely can be configured as a “chick” car. But the manual-shift soft-top is a 100% guy-oriented sports car. Any motorhead would love driving it, even muscle car types. But those guys are often too insecure about their masculinity to “risk” being seen in a Miata.

[@silvafox07]

@@johntechwriter I'm a muscle guy who owns a c5 vet and an 07 shelby mustang... I'm planning on getting one lol.

[@96BlackSVT]

I'm also a muscle car owner ( 96 Mustang Cobra, 97 Saleen ) and was looking to buy a newer GT350. But then I tried out a 19 Mx-5 RF. Long story short, after doing research on the MX-5 RF for cost and maintenance , Insurance .. etc, I bought one. What a blast and got 39 MPG on the ride home.

[@sherbo777]

@@96BlackSVT Have you driven the GT350? Was your decision entirely about cost, or was the MX-5 actually more fun to drive? I know it's subjective. I love the Miata but keep wondering if the power is enough...

[@Omnis2]

Title says 2018 Al