This car shocked me! 2024 Mazda MX-5 Manual Full Review

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I go to Mazda Canada to pick up a new refreshed 2024 MX-5 Manual for the week.
I was blessed last year to be able to borrow an RF, which I thought I'd prefer since I own a small light weight coupe, but I jumped at the opportunity to drive the car that shocked me in refreshed convertible form this year!
I never understood why people liked this unassuming, relatively inexpensive little sports car so much until I drove one. Since then it is has become my new benchmark for all other cars to meet.
I dare anyone to say that there is a better driving experience out there - aside from a low volume hyper car, or something even more impractical like a BAC Mono or equivalent cool mini race car.
I look to show you why I now measure all other driving experiences against this legendary car and why the refresh has made it even more fun to drive.
Let's go!
0:00 introduction
0:48 walk around - exterior updates
3:46 walk around - engine and performance
7:28 walk around - trunk and practicality
9:39 walk around - interior
11:30 walk around - infotainment
14:03 acceleration and braking test
16:07 highway test
19:12 night time test
19:24 handling test
20:18 top down test
23:34 final thoughts
Let's go!
2023 MX-5 RF Manual Full Review
• I GET IT NOW! The Miat...
NOTE: I try to source my specs from the manufacturer first and then resort to the most reputable journalists who professionally tested the vehicle after them. That said, I have the memory of a gold fish and often misquote information so please do your own research if you can.
Also, I believe in following the laws of the road and that stunt driving should be left to the professionals and not me. I try my best on or off camera, like everyone else, to comply, because it helps keep us all safer.
Thanks for watching and I will see you again next time!

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Опубликовано:

27 июн 2024

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Комментарии : 92

@tomc8854 Месяц назад

Had a FR-S , now on my second ND2 had a 2019 sport and now a 2023 Grand Touring . Perfect car for me. Everything I need, nothing I don’t. It does feel more solid on the highway. But I did really like the seating position of the FR-S a little better. Drivetrain though the Miatas engine revs smooth and willingly while the FR-S was like really , do we have to , you’re killing me! 😄 Nice review, every other reviewer misses the little cubby hole storage behind the seats.

@Neutralreviews Месяц назад

Thank you and interesting to here from an owner both:)

@itaybutavia1204 Месяц назад

Thanks for your review and information. My dream car !

@Neutralreviews Месяц назад

Thanks for that! Agreed on the dream car:)

@tomstamatakos8027 Месяц назад

Great review thank you!

@Neutralreviews Месяц назад

Thank you 😊

@OpT1c_NRG Месяц назад

Looks like you really enjoyed reviewing this car.

@Neutralreviews Месяц назад

My head tan would agree 🤣

@dannyphamous 28 дней назад

Great review!

@Neutralreviews 28 дней назад

Thank you for saying that! It was a fun one:)

@jasmiinee.vro1444 18 часов назад

great review very helpful! nice color eyes btw

@BlackNAVYAmericanVET Месяц назад

I personally loved the SNAKE LED FANG day time running lights ❤, I will miss them

@ag4allgood Месяц назад

I agree but the LED headlights have better range brightness so having the DRL's integrated now is probably a cost savings.

@EchoSigma6 Месяц назад

I enjoyed your review and as a current owner of a Miata NC, I think the ND3 is impressive. I’m lucky to have access to mountain roads within 30 minutes of where I live here in the Los Angeles area, it simply is magical. A joy to drive.

@Neutralreviews Месяц назад

Thank you! That sounds like a great place to drive!

@Eelgnotsa 28 дней назад

Absolutely informative and great neutral review

@Neutralreviews 28 дней назад

Thanks for the kind words! Tone of fun to review

@AJ-kineticU 27 дней назад

Love your enthusiasm and narration. I Love my gen 1 manual BRZ. My ND1 is okay, fun for nice Florida days. My MK8 golf R is my DD. I like your rides! How’s the manual transmission in the BRZ VS THE MANUAL in the mx5?

@Neutralreviews 27 дней назад

I thought I loved my BRZ manual until last year when I borrowed the MX 5 RF manual lol. I personally think the newer Miata manuals are my favourite and one of the best money can buy. Inline with a Type R or GT4 in my opinion for engagement and shift feel. Not to mention even my short throw feels like I'm driving a tractor;) Thanks for the kind words

@paulm3033 26 дней назад

I prefer the running lights where they used to be and I'm glad the car hasn't changed much .I love my 2018 RF ,it's the most fun driving car I've ever owned.

@Neutralreviews 26 дней назад

Thanks for your comment. Always nice to hear from owners. Absolutely my favourite car in the world!

@karolsienkiewicz5066 Месяц назад

Great review. How tall are you ?

@Neutralreviews Месяц назад

Thank you! Around 5" 7'.

@ag4allgood Месяц назад

He said 5' 7" 22:56.

@steveo85 27 дней назад

Nice seeing people realizing there is more to life than 911s

@Mr1wd Месяц назад

Really suprised Canada manual cars get adaptive cruiser control but US ones don't.

@dlg5485 Месяц назад

This is the story of life for US car enthusiasts. We always get less then other markets and typically pay more, even though the US tends to be the most profitable market for most brands. It's infuriating.

@ColtonBlumhagen Месяц назад

I heard some cars are made in Mexico now I wonder if that’s why they limit options.

@jamesd7469 29 дней назад

Miata’s are all made in Japan.

@wesleywalls7582 26 дней назад

Wait, what? It’s offered, but not in the U.S.? The GTI gets adaptive cruise on its manual in the U.S.

@ColtonBlumhagen 26 дней назад

@@jamesd7469 Well in that case it makes no sense. I was thinking they were just saving costs by limiting parts to ship but if they're all Japanese that wouldn't work.

@gryphon123456 Месяц назад

Head scratcher is the placement of the battery being right up front. For a sports car they usually try and put it closer To the firewall.

@Koishishibaman 17 дней назад

They used to be in the trunk. Tiny little one like a motorcycle

@phillipyau4234 Месяц назад

Hey what's happening driving a manual transmission it's lots of fun 😊❤

@DrewM91105 Месяц назад

Good info and good to see my own feelings about the Miata confirmed, but I didn't learn much that most people familiar with the Mazda Miata wouldn't already know -- good to drive, good handling, peppy engine, all the usuals. I liked your all-too-brief comparison to your Subaru BRZ, one of which I owned. But I sold mine after 6 months for good reasons, and since they're both small high-quality drivers' cars, it would have been helpful to do more direct comparing of them. That you barely compared the two cars was disappointing. And you have a VW GTI? Why not also compare that to the Miata? It doesn't have to be the main focus, but a minute or two of comparing the three cars would have been really helpful. I now own a VW GTI, by the way. People don't just go out and buy a car. They go out and compare a few cars. I also have to say the video was not the most pleasant thing to listen to. So much talking, and so much of it fast talking. How can that be pleasant to listen to? Say less and for goodness' sake, talk more slowly. Make your point briefly and then show that it's accurate. Wind noise or handling, for example, don't require you repeating the same point. Just say what you want to say and then show the viewer. Less is more. It's also less annoying. And "knobs" are not "dials" which are gauges like clocks, tachometers, speedos. You turn a knob. You can also dial a knob, I suppose, but that doesn't make it a dial. Plus a few other corrections, but this is already too long. You'll get better.

@Neutralreviews Месяц назад

Thanks for the feedback. Definitely an awesome car! Enjoy 😊

@shkarlin Месяц назад

Can you please share any thoughts on how well the radar cruise control works? It’s a shame Mazda didn’t include it on the US MX-5 manual transmissions.

@Neutralreviews Месяц назад

I unfortunately only used it in the most bore circumstance of crushing at 6 gear. Worked fine but I never tried it where I needed to go down a gear or in traffic like some vehicles now have. Sorry.

@shkarlin Месяц назад

@@Neutralreviews Cruising in 6th gear is really the only time I’d ever use it. Whenever the time comes for me to pull the trigger, I’ll seriously explore purchasing in Canada if Mazda doesn’t bring the feature to the US by then. Hopefully they’ll add it for 2025. Thanks a lot for your response and great job on the video!

@ag4allgood Месяц назад

I have not used my regular cruise control on my 2016 Club soft top yet after 7+ years of driving. Its a driver focused car not a point A to point B mundane drive. Disagree with you & keep the cost down TY North American Mazda !

@Neutralreviews Месяц назад

@@shkarlin You're very welcome. One of those review weeks I was really looking forward to!

@jasmiinee.vro1444 18 часов назад

funny video but also helpful😂you sort of look like John Travolta

@alphabeta8403 Месяц назад

21:00 More engaging, better differential

@ag4allgood Месяц назад

Don't know about that. I have been daily driving a 2016 MX-5 Club soft top with the Brembo / BBS package. That snap oversteer he kept referring to I've not experienced. Now the Grand Touring & Sport models in the US didn't come with the Bilstein shocks plus different springs / they also didn't have the LSD either. So when he talks about snap oversteer THAT is what those cars had not the Club models ( US specs ). I placed an order for a 2024 Club soft top with the BBR package but have not had a chance to drive one because they are rare to find. So in July I'll find out if my 2016 will be replaced which will be bittersweet because that 2016 is a blast to drive.

@junhuama68 Месяц назад

Thank you for the video. In your opinion, is the $5000 dollar miata brembo/bbs package upgrade worth it?

@johnsanfelipe7493 Месяц назад

Personally, it's the only way to go with the MX-5.

@junhuama68 Месяц назад

@@johnsanfelipe7493 Could you please let me know why? I want to buy one but unsure how brembo/bbs package can make a $5000 worth difference. because the normal breaking pads are enough for breaking already yeah?

@Neutralreviews Месяц назад

Yes and no. Meaning I know not everyone has a lot of extra money anymore so that's why I agree with the similar more economic pad/fluid changes for better track performance and I've now driven both and unless you are really pushing it you can't really tell. The car literally weighs about 1k lbs less than most hot hatches or enthusiasts vehicles looking to shed weight. But for those with the means, to me it's a good deal. Yes mainly for looks but isn't that also the point. Those wheels I believe are lighter and stronger and those Recaro seats are awesome. Good question

@junhuama68 Месяц назад

@@Neutralreviews Thank you. So if I don't drive on the tracks, then I can just get the normal model yeah?

@oemj7147 Месяц назад

@@junhuama68 Yes, the truth is that you don't NEED the Brembo, Recaro package. Those are extra goodies for people who want the best factory version of the Miata.

@carlosbrigett2574 27 дней назад

I notice the gear shifter looks like it has a lift-up plunger for going into reverse? I haven't heard anyone talk about it in any of the new videos. Please address this.

@Neutralreviews 27 дней назад

I mentioned it actually in the turnaround test. You have to push it down. It was easy to use. One of my favourite shifting experiences:)

@markpaneras9608 29 дней назад

Hi , Do you think the direct injection will be an issue ? Probably the only concern I have before I pull the pin and get one ?

@Neutralreviews 28 дней назад

Good question. I'm not an expert, but like many realize direct injection can cause carbon buildup on the valves. This is because with direct injection the fuel is delivered directly into the cylinder, unlike port injection, where the carbon gets flushed away off the valves by the new fuel being injected into intake ports first. That said, I believe some engines have gotten better at it than others including Mazda. I haven't really heard many major complaints about MX-5 engines of the last few years (other years may be ok, I just wasn't paying attention then). It might be helpful to comb the forums if you haven't already. Maybe others who have owned one can comment. I would never want to spend someone's money (especially now a days) but I don't think for this car - don't quote me - it might cost $1K to clean but from my understanding only every some many years. Nothing in life is perfect so I think with how relatively affordable they are used or new, the probably low overall maintenance cost being a small Japanese car, the huge community of parts and support around the car, not to mention the fact that I personally think it is the best car money can buy for engagement and value, you should do it.

@markpaneras9608 28 дней назад

@@Neutralreviews thank you so much for your answer … I think I will !

@Neutralreviews 28 дней назад

@@markpaneras9608 I will be jealous lol. Best of luck and enjoy

@Koishishibaman 17 дней назад

You are driving a club with the brembo ,recaro bbs wheel, package. Nice car! My question to Mazda is why build a package that costs $4500 usd, and the car rolls around corners like a drunken sailor? Stiffen up the suspension to use all the great parts properly. I cant justify the cost of a 24 because of the expence for me to correct the handling issues. Suspension, and exhaust, around $3000 usd. For me, better to buy a 19-21 car. I had a 90, 92 autocross car, and a 93LE. All handled very well.

@Neutralreviews 17 дней назад

Interesting!

@GianmarcoLatcovich 7 дней назад

Even with Bilstein, the car is very soft and doesn’t perform well as it could. I’m thinking about a Ohnlins upgrade, but my ND has just 5 month and 3600km.

@RPSartre01 День назад

Starting to look like the Pontiac Solstice.

@Neutralreviews День назад

I remember those! I liked them.

@Trigger-xw9gq 6 дней назад

So, you're pushing a brand new engine to the max, and slamming on the brakes as is NOT recommended until everything's broken in?

@Neutralreviews 6 дней назад

Agreed but thankfully it's a press car and the reviewers that take them on track tests really beat them up lol. But yes, when buying a car, especially a performance oriented one the break in is critical:)

@johngidman4574 Месяц назад

Good review but I think you set a record for mispronounciation. It's Aston Martin, not Austin. FYI

@Neutralreviews Месяц назад

😂😝 Thanks/good one lol.

@jennvidIQ 29 дней назад

talk about an intro!

@paulm3033 26 дней назад

Where's the R in Mazda ? 😄

@Neutralreviews 26 дней назад

😄

@Koishishibaman 17 дней назад

In 94 Mazda built an R car. Stripper , no air, power steering, lowered suspension with bilstiens. Built to race in stock classes. The 93le had the same suspension.

@screamingstrings76 12 дней назад

Miata is always the answer.

@Neutralreviews 12 дней назад

Always!

@mrporsche4236 Месяц назад

No one has been able to prove the 0-60 claim of mid to high 5 second range. Most people are getting mid to high 6s. I dont care if want one

@Neutralreviews 28 дней назад

I go by how they feel, because the magic and schemes they use to market these numbers sometimes are not reflective of how fast they are in reality. And to me it feels quick. It feels way faster than my 2020 BRZ with the higher gear ratio and increased power over the original FRS and about the same as the new BRZ/GR86. But in some ways it feels faster and that's the point. It's about how you feel. The car involves emotions both because of its gorgeous sporty looks but also and more importantly because of how it makes you feel when you behind the wheel. I tested the new Maserati Gran Turismo Trofeo but if money wasn't a thing I'd go with the Miata all day long. Yes it's the star quarterback but he's not the life of the party. It was so numb and insulated. With it I looked down and went wow I had no idea I was going so fast, where as with the MX 5 I'm like wow I'm going to lose my license and look down only to see I haven't even reached highway speeds lol. It is a riot yet civilized.

@kfm908 7 дней назад

I think my 2012 RF is better looking!

@Neutralreviews 7 дней назад

I was always a fan of that generations look.

@tonyireland2234 День назад

It wasnt available in 2012.

@bicmac333 8 дней назад

How often you tell us you drive a BRZ? Yes... 😅 👎

@Neutralreviews 8 дней назад

😆

@DK-wr6mq Месяц назад

You are in Canada mate, it is Z'ed' here. Let's minimise the americanisms. Cheers!

@okboomer1340 Месяц назад

If "Z" is "pronounced "Zed" up your way, is "T" pronounced "Ted"?

@tariqalr Месяц назад

@@okboomer1340do you pronounce “tear” (ie tear the paper) the same way you pronounce “dear”?

@Neutralreviews Месяц назад

Ha! Normally I'd agree but I have never actually heard anyone including here call it a BRZ'ed'....just sounds weird lol. Plus well over 1/2 the audience is US;) We love our cars, there just aren't as many Z'ed' enthusiasts as there are Z lol. Thanks for commenting. It really is one of my favourite cars ever now!

@ag4allgood Месяц назад

@@Neutralreviews The Z or Zed is a Nissan & you got the car brands confused !

@Neutralreviews Месяц назад

@@ag4allgood The original comment was about calling my car - a Subaru BRZ - a BR"Zee" (US way) and not BR"Zed" (Canadian way where I am from and the commenter). The Nissan Z is one of my favourites!