+Patrick McCallum You'll have to go up to the Grand Touring model for lane departure warning system. It also has something called "blind spot monitoring" which lets you know if a car is approaching in your blind spot when you are about to changing lanes. I tried this on a Merc E350, it was great.
+mohawk5010 yep, thx. Unfortunately Mazda has decided not to include the lsd on the GT model :-( its a bit of a cluster... I would pull the trigger on the ND if Mazda would either include the lsd on the GT (for the US market) or provide optional heated Recarro's for the club... Fingers crossed for improved configuration options for 2017 models :-)
Club sports style attracts "younger" drivers in my opinion. And, as the guy said the primary buyers of this car is mid-aged man. I am 49 yrs old and owns NC- GT. I really like the idea of GT & Club sports together.
Yes, Yes, Yes, tan leather seats and goodies with the Club Sport package. I have had a 2002 NB LS and a 2008 NC GT PRHT.. Oh man what a pretty car. Sat in one the other day fits like a glove..
It's funny to see that body color in the inside of the car is considered a cool thing today. Back in the seventies it was a "feature" of entry-level vehicles ^^. That said, this new MX-5 is really cool. I saw one at my local dealership and it's damn sexy. Gen 4 is the best no doubt. If I can afford buying a second car just for fun, it'll be it. Thanks for the review with the technical insights by Dave Coleman too.
I've owned a 2016 MX-5/Club w/automatic. I didn't care for the original cloth seats, so I had them redone in Mercedes leather and the drivers seat cut down to fit somewhat and all for approx. $1700.00. I'm sure it could have been done somewhere else cheaper, but this place is known for never having to say you're sorry, so they did the work. I recently traded to a new 2017 Club/manual trans. There was no problem having those seats switched from the 2016 to the 2017. Now have all of what makes a pure sportscar, as I did many years ago in my 1964 MGB and again in a 1966 MGB. I love this driving addictive motorcar. By the way Moto Man does one hell of a job in his reviews!
Seriously the engineer from Mazda is awesome. He was terrific the first time I saw him chat about the new Mazda3. Will be fun to see him chat when they get around to Mazdaspeed editions!
I have a Miata NC with Ohlin coilover suspension, sway bars and chassis brace. It rides so much better. I bought the for my niece when she was in college. Now, it parks in my garage, I do rotate this car with my GT3RS at time driving through the canyons to my business. I do like the simple roadster feel. Yes, I like to buy the grand touring club sport version. Bring this to Mazda. Hard top one would be go too.
I'm in my early 30's, and I'm considering to get a new car in a few months. Miata's has been one of my favorite cars of all time. So, I think is time. My wife is gonna keep the family car and finally, after more 10yrs I'm gonna get my sport car a ND Miata. Yes!!! :):):)
just purchased a 2016 mx5 grand touring. love ,love this car ,so much fun to drive. this car has a lot of passing power. i blew away a nissan altima no problem.
I got a sport. No touchscreen, radio has actual volumenknob, no shark fin, no sound tube, no irritating mouse below your wrist when you shift, slightly lighter, I paid 23k out the door. Brand new. Much better deal than the club or GT.
I am a fan of this ND model and search all the videos about it . It's the first time that I see a clever report on it. Thanks very much . Colin Chapman would have loved this model. With a bit of "cocorico" I would say that the interior design was managed in the californian design office by a young and brilliant French guy.
This could be the successor to my wife's Cooper S Convertible. She enjoys leather interior, so it looks like our only option is the Grand Touring. By the way, the Meteor Gray Mica with Tan Leather (only option for this color) looks pretty incredible. Seeing it in person might be another story. Thanks for the great review!
I will buy a red convertible 2 litre manual Club Sport with leather seats, as soon as I see one. Just as I bought my NC in 2006. But we are still waiting in Australia... I can understand Mazda wanting to sell these in summer, so the southern hemisphere will get them in spring.
I had an opportunity to test a Launch Edition yesterday. It was a blast to drive. Great throttle response, handling and comfort. I will be definitely in the market for one. I wish you order a GT with the Club options. I want the LSD, big brakes and suspension upgrades. Along with the appearance upgrades. In a GT color and leather.
The Club Sport package in Canada is included in both the mid trim(GS) and the GT, but they do not come with the BBS wheels :\. If they can offer the GS trim with leather interior and BBS wheels that would be great.
Certainly a mix of the GT and the CS would be amazing. The suspension will likely get swapped out for anyone who's into true performance - paying for wheels and such you'll be replacing SERIOUSLY impacts my decision to buy a CS. The added features in the GT (electronic assists, nav, etc) are nice to have, but I could never justify losing the limited slip. To me the ideal car would be the GT electronics package + limited slip (a major expense that no one wants to buy two of - and a gizmo that's good enough a true "race version" isn't worth the headache, expense, maintenance etc). The types of "go fast" parts the home enthusiast might sway (wheels, shocks, springs, sways, probably brakes) should be split off. The heavier seats and any premium sound system I can't decide on - it comes down to how good they are for how much they cost/weigh. The options are my only solid complaint on the new car.
Great review. But at the beginning you were kind of surprised that Miata is 30% lighter than Boxster GTS, but Porsche has more than 100% more of a horsepower. (155hp vs 325hp) and almost twice the torque.
All for a Grand Touring Club Sport. I was looking into getting a focus rs next year, but I am now considering a 2016 mx-5. I would love to be able to get the tan leather interior since the only way I would option this car is with the BBS wheels and Brembo brake package on the club model.
Mazda is really thinking. That comment about making a metal valve cover was valid. Plastic valve covers look like crap. That one design detail was actually important. Btw, I was never a Miata fan. After seeing this car, it's tech, and in this color. Well call me a fan of the 2016 Miata. Beautiful. Hopefully they still have something like this in another 10 years when it isn't critical I have back seats like today.
Agree with your analysis. If there was a Grand Touring Club sport, I would have bought it. I have a GT coming, but I would really like those BBS wheels and Brembo brakes! Thanks for a great review - enjoying the car before it comes! (And yep, I'm a male over 50 years old.) P.S. - I've owned some powerful sports cars, including a 2000 Porsche Turbo. THAT car taught me that if I wanted to have fun on the street, I needed something more like THIS car.
Yes, I can see that one may want leather seats with the Club trim. I prefer cloth seats for Miata because it is not as hot in the sun. I do wish that there is a lumbar support.
I have a 2001 Porsche Boxster S and although I am not expecting to trade it in for a the new MX-5, I am deeply interested in this car... I'm secretly hoping it blows my socks off and makes me question my 986. Everyone loves a good underdog!
Heated seats are nice for a roadster, whether the seats are cloth or leather (albeit more important if leather). I went with the Club (added NAV) and don't regret it. Wanted the LSD and sport suspension; did not want leather as I live in a hot and rainy climate. Of the GT electronics, I would only want auto-on headlights. All models should have a back-up camera, standard.
The only thing that the Club Sport is missing is leather seats. I plan on buying one by the end of the year. Black on black... and if I have to, I'll get the leather added.
I am interested in the new RF model, but same issue, you can only get the Club with black cloth interior or the the Grand Touring with leather and std suspension. I'd like to see the Club chassis parts as an option package on the GT.
Yes, a Grant Touring Clubsport is something I dearly want. It does look like you can option out an LSD on the Grand Sport right now though, so that's good.
I drove the new Miata and really liked it for its fun factor. With that being said I would like it even more it Mazda would put their 2.5L SKYACTIV engine in the Miata, it's rated at 184 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque. Also, if Mazda is at all listing to what people are saying about the Miata, they need to upgrade the sway bars to reduce body roll. There is nothing worse then when a simple fix is left to linger unaddressed.
Great review. Love the unique style and real information your reviews provide. I'm male and over 50 yrs old but bought a Golf R instead (loved your review on that car too). Hope your subscribers continue to grow.
laznsher Thanks for the kind words . . . GREAT choice on your Golf R . . . Will be getting back into one of those - this time with the DSG (US Car) this weekend . . .
Something like an M edition. Combine the Club advantages with the GT upgraded interior. I live in AZ. I don't want a black interior. Tan is much better. Even though in AZ, I like the leather, I just put towels on the seat in the summer. But I am the person driving through Phoenix with the top down even though it's 103 outside. I don't care to have heated seats so they could leave that one out.
Great review - sorry I missed it when the car was launched. I would like to see the "Sport" with a LSD....the rest I would mod myself. The Sport has none of the tech, which frankly is nice but not needed. We have a Mazda 3 and love it, so bet the ND is great.
I think the problem with a GT club sport would be price and so few people would want to spend that much on a stock miata, but it would be nice to have the option. Most people getting the GT will most likely get aftermarket parts anyways so I think just having the niceties without the performance pack is still a very good option.
I'm definitely waiting for a GT Club Sport with a PRHT. I want navigation and leather but I also want a limited slip dif and a sports tuned suspension. I'd also love to see a 2.5L or supercharged 2.0L and I'd be willing to pay the extra for it. Some people say, well for $35 - $38K you could buy a ________, but I personally wouldn't. IMO A faster MX-5 with a PHRT would be an amazing vehicle, an instant classic... it would take sales from would be buyers of the Boxster/Caymen, 370Z, Mustang, etc. I heard Mazda say that supercharged cars aren't as fun to drive and I heard Mazda use the argument that they don't want to use a bigger engine because it would change the balance of the vehicle. The difference between the 2.0L and 2.5L is only 100lbs in the Mazda3 and if you add the PRHT, which was 70lbs in the NC, they pretty much balance each other out. Hell add a spare tire if you have to. Mazda if you are really worried about balance then make the PRHT and a spare standard equipment with the 2.5L and Bob's your uncle.
Since I live in the North East, if they produce a 2017 hard top Grand Touring Club Sport, I may buy one as a third vehicle. We've purchased two loaded CX-5's since 2013 (replaced a 2014 with a 2016) so as a current customer, they should listen to me!
I want this car in a hardtop, because I'm not a girl and male over 50 years old, I really appreciate the simplicity and the focus on being a drivers car.
Surprised that Mazda has not wrung more power out of the 2.0 ltr. But, since the S2000 is longer around I suppose that's a moot point. I'll stick with my 05 S2K with 55k miles on it. Some people even think it's a Miata.
Yes, I would like a GT club sport. They put leather seats in the 2018 club sport, but still you can't get some of the luxury items. What I really would want is the GT with a limited slip diff. You can get that in Canada, but not in New Hampshire. huh?
It's weird that the club edition is actually more money with all the options than the touring model is. No navigation available in the club according to the Mahs the website navigation is only available in the touring model . That's pretty stupid you should be able to combine both in order what you want . Club Edition with the leather option and navigation would be cool
Having an overpowered motor is not a good idea, a light sports car-like this gives a different feel. I'm considering getting the 2017 GTbecuase its fun to drive, instead of overpowered engine and die or a bad accident. Like you said people who love driving a manual they need to drive it to see how beautiful drive it is.
Motorman... Excellent review, thanks. Can you confirm if the 2017 club will come with Recaro seats? And, I believe it would be awesome to see some of the basic safety features in the club!
I had the 99' 10AE miata up until a couple of years ago, and a 2008' Miata MRHT Grand Sport. I am Liking the 2016 Miata, and may have to test drive one in anything except Red, or Black, Maybe try a White or Silver Grand Sport, its either this or the 2016 Porsche Boxster GTS
My question: why (in a 2016) does it have a large antennae on the right trunk side? Order models have it but this is 2016. I dont remember any recent cars to have that still.
2Juiced4Me most of the new cars get absolute shit radio reception , people i know are all ways noticing how much better the radio is in my old jeep . it's because like this miata my jeep has a real antenna .
As a previous owner of an NA and a current owner of an NC1, If the engineers would simply oval the mouth I could get behind the ND. I'll wait to see the PRHT version and give it a few years to refine.
Nice review... would love to see more footage with the car right on the limit though. BTW CS + touring options together would be the bomb, and throw in another fifty horses while you are at it Mazda. Miata Speed anyone????
I absolutely love the scientific reasoning behind the entire car. Horsepower quantity goes out the window when you start to talk power-to-weight. I think you guys explained that beautifully.
Got to say, MotoMan, this is one of the best reviews of the new Miata so far. Up there with Autocar's, which everyone else copied, and Consumer Report's, which was based more on the history and marketing aspects. Thumbs up, papito. Oh, yeah, I'm definitely a life-long Miata enthusiast having owned and tastefully modified each of the previous incarnations of the car.
I'm on Miata.net for awhile. I'm so tempted to trade in my 15 WRX for the ND, but no leather or Recaro in club is a deal breaker. Waiting for PRHT club with leather or Recaro option.
The club is what I had to have. The GT is things I'd like to have. I definitely think Mazda should offer an option that gives the GT comforts to those wanting the club performance. (LSD, suspension, etc.)
Really, the only thing I want from the GT is the active front-lighting system. I had it on my last Mazda3, & loved it. I'd have it on every car if I could.
While, I agree the color option is nice... however most serious Miata NC owners switched their leather GT seats to cloth, because they were more comfortable and wore better. Mazda has been using really cheap painted leather seats that have an abysmal wear rating. I would rather Mazda installed better seats or at least made a deal with Recaro or someone to offer a seat upgrade, than I would a GT/Sport package. One big issue with the NC was finding seats that fit, because the space between the tunnel and door was too narrow for most aftermarket seats. Also the ND, like the NC, has horrible negative lumbar support so anyone who drives this for more than an hour will be seat shopping.
I can't argue with the comfort, quality, or wear, but your comment that most owners swapped leather seats for cloth is an EXTREME exaggeration. I've been a member of 3 different Miata clubs from 3 different regions of the country over the past 8 years, am active on Miata.net, and have observed an extremely small number who made that swap, though I have seen a few who installed racing seats. Perhaps the swap was unique to your region.
I am being a bit hyperbolic, but for people who live in areas where having the top down is the norm, swapping to cloth or aftermarket is the de rigueur. This is especially true for those of us who had the 06-07. There are a lot of people who couldn't afford or find alternative seats who ended up covering them in Wet Okole or Katzkin leather covers. As a side note the Recaro seats that Europe got on the special edition sucked, despite looking fantastic. Recaro just shrank a normal seat, meaning that anyone with more than a 24" (I am a 28-30) waist couldn't fit comfortably between the bolsters.
MKTech, my '08 GT's saddle leather seats look like new. The car only has 31,000 miles but the only marks on the seat is from me getting in with a comb or screwdriver in my back pocket. They haven't even wrinkled like my S2000 seats did.
These cars are a joy to drive. They are for the driver and meant to be on the road working the suspension overtime through corners. Fun is the key word for the car, drag strips are NOT where these cars belong. One big downside to the car, the roll of its body does make you question weather the car will hold, trust me it will but for the inexperienced it may cause a little panic, which in the very worst situation is deadly. Is it the greatest car in the world? Defiantly not. Is it worth 32,000 for the upgraded club? Hell Yes!
+Kuniku778 Everything on this car is deliberately engineered, I think the body roll is, too. I'm guessing it's to make it feel a bit like the old English roadsters of the '60s that inspired the original Miata NA.
No..I love the fact that mazda went back to the roots of keeping the mazda light and sporty for the enthusiasts, more options= more weight=less performance. Of course the debate will be but its only 30-40 lbs but that "its only" statement is the reason you cant get a sporty/drivers car for under 2700lbs nowadays
How were the seats in the Club Sport? I heard they were awful and lacked any support. If the Grand Touring takes care of the seats problem, then a Grand Touring Club Sport would be great. I also agree with others that this car could definitely use more power. Sure it's a fun, balanced car right now, but imagine how much more fun it would be with at least 200+ HP and 200+ lb/ft torque.
Well done Mazda. It's good to see they still have the touch of the past while still being modern. People bitch and moan at the spec sheet but they are all smiles once that drive this thing. Can't wait to have a test drive drive if it myself. Never really been a Miata guy but this is sexy and can already see some dam good visual mods for it if not engine swaps.
carzakone333 Not at all. That said, there is something underneath the car - probably the cat - that cuts in the passenger footwell. It is cleverly hidden towards the base of the passenger seat - so does not impede on actual foot room - you just can't lay something down flat on that side.
Definitely YES to the "Grand Touring Sport" question. I want it all or at least most of it: heated seats AND LSD AND sport tuned suspension. I'm on my second NC and it'll be my last Miata if I can't get the sports package in a GT (they can leave out the sport bodywork bits if they want).
most people locally are getting autos at my dealer, so they probably are fine with GTouring without sporty club seeing how you lose the club's advantages when ordered with an auto anyways. I think it's fine that they have club being more down to business and not high-tech and all luxe. think of Boxster spyder and it's stripped down options.
This has to be the best car review I've ever seen, having a Mazda engineer talk over the exposed power train was incredible
YES, bring on the option of heated leather seats in the club sport and option to add lane departure etc. I want it all Mazda !
+Patrick McCallum You'll have to go up to the Grand Touring model for lane departure warning system. It also has something called "blind spot monitoring" which lets you know if a car is approaching in your blind spot when you are about to changing lanes. I tried this on a Merc E350, it was great.
+mohawk5010 yep, thx. Unfortunately Mazda has decided not to include the lsd on the GT model :-( its a bit of a cluster... I would pull the trigger on the ND if Mazda would either include the lsd on the GT (for the US market) or provide optional heated Recarro's for the club... Fingers crossed for improved configuration options for 2017 models :-)
I am the prototype MX-5 buyer. 69 year old white male who will be purchasing one soon. Life is good!!
Club sports style attracts "younger" drivers in my opinion. And, as the guy said the primary buyers of this car is mid-aged man. I am 49 yrs old and owns NC- GT. I really like the idea of GT & Club sports together.
Yes, Yes, Yes, tan leather seats and goodies with the Club Sport package. I have had a 2002 NB LS and a 2008 NC GT PRHT.. Oh man what a pretty car. Sat in one the other day fits like a glove..
It's funny to see that body color in the inside of the car is considered a cool thing today. Back in the seventies it was a "feature" of entry-level vehicles ^^. That said, this new MX-5 is really cool. I saw one at my local dealership and it's damn sexy. Gen 4 is the best no doubt. If I can afford buying a second car just for fun, it'll be it. Thanks for the review with the technical insights by Dave Coleman too.
I've owned a 2016 MX-5/Club w/automatic. I didn't care for the original cloth seats, so I had them redone in Mercedes leather and the drivers seat cut down to fit somewhat and all for approx. $1700.00. I'm sure it could have been done somewhere else cheaper, but this place is known for never having to say you're sorry, so they did the work. I recently traded to a new 2017 Club/manual trans. There was no problem having those seats switched from the 2016 to the 2017. Now have all of what makes a pure sportscar, as I did many years ago in my 1964 MGB and again in a 1966 MGB. I love this driving addictive motorcar. By the way Moto Man does one hell of a job in his reviews!
Seriously the engineer from Mazda is awesome. He was terrific the first time I saw him chat about the new Mazda3. Will be fun to see him chat when they get around to Mazdaspeed editions!
Piero Rocca I cannot wait for that as well . . . (BTW, you should see him drive on a track!)
Yeah, Dave is really super great. Makes me like Mazda all the more.
I have a Miata NC with Ohlin coilover suspension, sway bars and chassis brace. It rides so much better. I bought the for my niece when she was in college. Now, it parks in my garage, I do rotate this car with my GT3RS at time driving through the canyons to my business. I do like the simple roadster feel. Yes, I like to buy the grand touring club sport version. Bring this to Mazda. Hard top one would be go too.
I'm in my early 30's, and I'm considering to get a new car in a few months. Miata's has been one of my favorite cars of all time. So, I think is time. My wife is gonna keep the family car and finally, after more 10yrs I'm gonna get my sport car a ND Miata. Yes!!! :):):)
just purchased a 2016 mx5 grand touring. love ,love this car ,so much fun to drive. this car has a lot of passing power. i blew away a nissan altima no problem.
I got a sport. No touchscreen, radio has actual volumenknob, no shark fin, no sound tube, no irritating mouse below your wrist when you shift, slightly lighter, I paid 23k out the door. Brand new. Much better deal than the club or GT.
I am a fan of this ND model and search all the videos about it . It's the first time that I see a clever report on it. Thanks very much . Colin Chapman would have loved this model. With a bit of "cocorico" I would say that the interior design was managed in the californian design office by a young and brilliant French guy.
This could be the successor to my wife's Cooper S Convertible. She enjoys leather interior, so it looks like our only option is the Grand Touring. By the way, the Meteor Gray Mica with Tan Leather (only option for this color) looks pretty incredible. Seeing it in person might be another story. Thanks for the great review!
Yes a grand touring interior with the sport engine and parts sounds like my number 1 choice.
I will buy a red convertible 2 litre manual Club Sport with leather seats, as soon as I see one. Just as I bought my NC in 2006. But we are still waiting in Australia... I can understand Mazda wanting to sell these in summer, so the southern hemisphere will get them in spring.
My favourite American car show presenter, I enjoy watching and listening him.
I had an opportunity to test a Launch Edition yesterday. It was a blast to drive. Great throttle response, handling and comfort. I will be definitely in the market for one. I wish you order a GT with the Club options. I want the LSD, big brakes and suspension upgrades. Along with the appearance upgrades. In a GT color and leather.
The Club Sport package in Canada is included in both the mid trim(GS) and the GT, but they do not come with the BBS wheels :\. If they can offer the GS trim with leather interior and BBS wheels that would be great.
Certainly a mix of the GT and the CS would be amazing. The suspension will likely get swapped out for anyone who's into true performance - paying for wheels and such you'll be replacing SERIOUSLY impacts my decision to buy a CS. The added features in the GT (electronic assists, nav, etc) are nice to have, but I could never justify losing the limited slip.
To me the ideal car would be the GT electronics package + limited slip (a major expense that no one wants to buy two of - and a gizmo that's good enough a true "race version" isn't worth the headache, expense, maintenance etc).
The types of "go fast" parts the home enthusiast might sway (wheels, shocks, springs, sways, probably brakes) should be split off.
The heavier seats and any premium sound system I can't decide on - it comes down to how good they are for how much they cost/weigh.
The options are my only solid complaint on the new car.
Great review. But at the beginning you were kind of surprised that Miata is 30% lighter than Boxster GTS, but Porsche has more than 100% more of a horsepower. (155hp vs 325hp) and almost twice the torque.
All for a Grand Touring Club Sport. I was looking into getting a focus rs next year, but I am now considering a 2016 mx-5. I would love to be able to get the tan leather interior since the only way I would option this car is with the BBS wheels and Brembo brake package on the club model.
Yes, Club should have tan leather interior theme option or something similar!
Mazda is really thinking. That comment about making a metal valve cover was valid. Plastic valve covers look like crap. That one design detail was actually important.
Btw, I was never a Miata fan. After seeing this car, it's tech, and in this color. Well call me a fan of the 2016 Miata. Beautiful. Hopefully they still have something like this in another 10 years when it isn't critical I have back seats like today.
This guy reminds of Bill Nye the Science Guy. I like him! Different style than most journalists.
Agree with your analysis. If there was a Grand Touring Club sport, I would have bought it. I have a GT coming, but I would really like those BBS wheels and Brembo brakes! Thanks for a great review - enjoying the car before it comes! (And yep, I'm a male over 50 years old.) P.S. - I've owned some powerful sports cars, including a 2000 Porsche Turbo. THAT car taught me that if I wanted to have fun on the street, I needed something more like THIS car.
Yes, I can see that one may want leather seats with the Club trim. I prefer cloth seats for Miata because it is not as hot in the sun. I do wish that there is a lumbar support.
I have a 2001 Porsche Boxster S and although I am not expecting to trade it in for a the new MX-5, I am deeply interested in this car... I'm secretly hoping it blows my socks off and makes me question my 986. Everyone loves a good underdog!
Heated seats are nice for a roadster, whether the seats are cloth or leather (albeit more important if leather). I went with the Club (added NAV) and don't regret it. Wanted the LSD and sport suspension; did not want leather as I live in a hot and rainy climate. Of the GT electronics, I would only want auto-on headlights. All models should have a back-up camera, standard.
The only thing that the Club Sport is missing is leather seats. I plan on buying one by the end of the year. Black on black... and if I have to, I'll get the leather added.
I am interested in the new RF model, but same issue, you can only get the Club with black cloth interior or the the Grand Touring with leather and std suspension. I'd like to see the Club chassis parts as an option package on the GT.
I'm going to place my order this spring. I agree the tan leather with soul red is gorgeous
Leather seats is a must have option on the Club.... so for me ideally 2017 Club RF + leather seats.
By far the best review on YT. Fanboyism on a minimum and a lot of interesting technical details. subscribed.
Yes, a Grant Touring Clubsport is something I dearly want. It does look like you can option out an LSD on the Grand Sport right now though, so that's good.
You forgot to mention the most important option that the Club model has, the limited slip differential.
Sweet! I have got to drive one! And, yes I am an MX-5 owner.
I drove the new Miata and really liked it for its fun factor. With that being said I would like it even more it Mazda would put their 2.5L SKYACTIV engine in the Miata, it's rated at 184 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque. Also, if Mazda is at all listing to what people are saying about the Miata, they need to upgrade the sway bars to reduce body roll. There is nothing worse then when a simple fix is left to linger unaddressed.
Donald VanKleeck BBR has a diy kit that brings you over 200hp and in April there will be a turbo kit that makes about 260hp
Yes !! Leather interior option !!!
Valve cover is cool....good job
GT Club Spec should be the BIG KAHUNA! Owned a 92 Nardi Edition, always felt like it was worth every penny!
Great review. Love the unique style and real information your reviews provide. I'm male and over 50 yrs old but bought a Golf R instead (loved your review on that car too).
Hope your subscribers continue to grow.
laznsher Thanks for the kind words . . . GREAT choice on your Golf R . . . Will be getting back into one of those - this time with the DSG (US Car) this weekend . . .
Something like an M edition. Combine the Club advantages with the GT upgraded interior. I live in AZ. I don't want a black interior. Tan is much better. Even though in AZ, I like the leather, I just put towels on the seat in the summer. But I am the person driving through Phoenix with the top down even though it's 103 outside. I don't care to have heated seats so they could leave that one out.
I don't need the leather myself!!! Love my NC PRHT which I want to see on that Club Sport!!! PRHT is what made me buy a Miata over an S2000 in 2007!!!
Great review - sorry I missed it when the car was launched. I would like to see the "Sport" with a LSD....the rest I would mod myself. The Sport has none of the tech, which frankly is nice but not needed. We have a Mazda 3 and love it, so bet the ND is great.
I hope they make another MazdaSpeed Miata. The new Miata looks amazing as is but if the sales support it why not go crazy and make it?
Because I'm paralyzed on my right side, I require an auto trans. Yes, to a GT/Club version but, for me, an a/t.
I wish they would put the limited slip differential in the base model, that is all I need
I think the problem with a GT club sport would be price and so few people would want to spend that much on a stock miata, but it would be nice to have the option. Most people getting the GT will most likely get aftermarket parts anyways so I think just having the niceties without the performance pack is still a very good option.
Tan leather interior is what I want in the Club Sport!
I'm definitely waiting for a GT Club Sport with a PRHT. I want navigation and leather but I also want a limited slip dif and a sports tuned suspension. I'd also love to see a 2.5L or supercharged 2.0L and I'd be willing to pay the extra for it. Some people say, well for $35 - $38K you could buy a ________, but I personally wouldn't. IMO A faster MX-5 with a PHRT would be an amazing vehicle, an instant classic... it would take sales from would be buyers of the Boxster/Caymen, 370Z, Mustang, etc. I heard Mazda say that supercharged cars aren't as fun to drive and I heard Mazda use the argument that they don't want to use a bigger engine because it would change the balance of the vehicle. The difference between the 2.0L and 2.5L is only 100lbs in the Mazda3 and if you add the PRHT, which was 70lbs in the NC, they pretty much balance each other out. Hell add a spare tire if you have to. Mazda if you are really worried about balance then make the PRHT and a spare standard equipment with the 2.5L and Bob's your uncle.
Since I live in the North East, if they produce a 2017 hard top Grand Touring Club Sport, I may buy one as a third vehicle. We've purchased two loaded CX-5's since 2013 (replaced a 2014 with a 2016) so as a current customer, they should listen to me!
I want this car in a hardtop, because I'm not a girl and male over 50 years old, I really appreciate the simplicity and the focus on being a drivers car.
Surprised that Mazda has not wrung more power out of the 2.0 ltr. But, since the S2000 is longer around I suppose that's a moot point. I'll stick with my 05 S2K with 55k miles on it. Some people even think it's a Miata.
yeass club sport really needs that leather toned interior just that and only that could make the miata love bigger and better
Yes, I would like a GT club sport. They put leather seats in the 2018 club sport, but still you can't get some of the luxury items. What I really would want is the GT with a limited slip diff. You can get that in Canada, but not in New Hampshire. huh?
It's weird that the club edition is actually more money with all the options than the touring model is. No navigation available in the club according to the Mahs the website navigation is only available in the touring model . That's pretty stupid you should be able to combine both in order what you want . Club Edition with the leather option and navigation would be cool
Just buy the SD card with the NAV data and plug it into the SD slot in the Club, and you have navigation.
We want Recaro seats on the Club Sport, as it is offered in Canada and other markets, and also on the US Fiat 124 Abarth.
This guy is really channeling his inner Shatner.
Heck yeah! Grand Touring Club Sport
Yeah, I'd like to have a leather interior option. I have a question for you Motoman, MX5 or new MINi Cooper S?
StanO011 the mini gets auto rev match for your downshifts
StanO011 FWD with a sunroof or RWD with a folding top? Surely you jest:) MX5 hands down.
MotoManTV
Having an overpowered motor is not a good idea, a light sports car-like this gives a different feel. I'm considering getting the 2017 GTbecuase its fun to drive, instead of overpowered engine and die or a bad accident. Like you said people who love driving a manual they need to drive it to see how beautiful drive it is.
Drove this car and it's freaking amazing!
go manual! if you're over 6ft you will feel really crap with the roof on
Leather interior in club sport is necessary!
santa Maria reaction. love it
Motorman... Excellent review, thanks. Can you confirm if the 2017 club will come with Recaro seats? And, I believe it would be awesome to see some of the basic safety features in the club!
I had the 99' 10AE miata up until a couple of years ago, and a 2008' Miata MRHT Grand Sport. I am Liking the 2016 Miata, and may have to test drive one in anything except Red, or Black, Maybe try a White or Silver Grand Sport, its either this or the 2016 Porsche Boxster GTS
the skyactiv engines are bulletproof reliable. you cant get a better value sportscar. shame they dont offer the 1.5 in the usa.
Sure ..why not? I dont mind the GT features in the base model for the base price.
The Club Sport should be an options package.
It doesn't matter whether there's a Touring Club Sport as long as the club sport is reasonably priced.
My question: why (in a 2016) does it have a large antennae on the right trunk side? Order models have it but this is 2016. I dont remember any recent cars to have that still.
2Juiced4Me most of the new cars get absolute shit radio reception , people i know are all ways noticing how much better the radio is in my old jeep . it's because like this miata my jeep has a real antenna .
2Juiced4Me The stand up antennae is for the radio and the shark fin is for XM.
Buy a Stubby...they work great.
As a previous owner of an NA and a current owner of an NC1, If the engineers would simply oval the mouth I could get behind the ND. I'll wait to see the PRHT version and give it a few years to refine.
Nice review... would love to see more footage with the car right on the limit though. BTW CS + touring options together would be the bomb, and throw in another fifty horses while you are at it Mazda. Miata Speed anyone????
I absolutely love the scientific reasoning behind the entire car. Horsepower quantity goes out the window when you start to talk power-to-weight. I think you guys explained that beautifully.
Gt club sport please, for the UK too.
Got to say, MotoMan, this is one of the best reviews of the new Miata so far. Up there with Autocar's, which everyone else copied, and Consumer Report's, which was based more on the history and marketing aspects. Thumbs up, papito. Oh, yeah, I'm definitely a life-long Miata enthusiast having owned and tastefully modified each of the previous incarnations of the car.
papo LAROCHE Thanks for the kind words . . . LOVE the Papito reference . . . :)
I'm on Miata.net for awhile. I'm so tempted to trade in my 15 WRX for the ND, but no leather or Recaro in club is a deal breaker. Waiting for PRHT club with leather or Recaro option.
you can buy new seats if its that big of an issue.
+Lucisus Palmer buy what again? OEM leather or Recaro? either one, it will cost you more than 1k.
If you want it so bad, you'll buy it.
+Lucisus Palmer I don't have time to reasoning with you, but I can tell you don't know how to digest one.
Great review. I wonder what kind of milage it gets? Small and light must be good. with $4 gallon gas it will popular. Fun economical car.
The club is what I had to have. The GT is things I'd like to have. I definitely think Mazda should offer an option that gives the GT comforts to those wanting the club performance. (LSD, suspension, etc.)
Totally agree! Love my Club with the upgraded suspension, LSD, etc, but would love to at least have the option of a few of the GT features.
Really, the only thing I want from the GT is the active front-lighting system. I had it on my last Mazda3, & loved it. I'd have it on every car if I could.
you can now get the GT with the club suspension its a $550(really thats all) option
While, I agree the color option is nice... however most serious Miata NC owners switched their leather GT seats to cloth, because they were more comfortable and wore better. Mazda has been using really cheap painted leather seats that have an abysmal wear rating. I would rather Mazda installed better seats or at least made a deal with Recaro or someone to offer a seat upgrade, than I would a GT/Sport package. One big issue with the NC was finding seats that fit, because the space between the tunnel and door was too narrow for most aftermarket seats. Also the ND, like the NC, has horrible negative lumbar support so anyone who drives this for more than an hour will be seat shopping.
I can't argue with the comfort, quality, or wear, but your comment that most owners swapped leather seats for cloth is an EXTREME exaggeration. I've been a member of 3 different Miata clubs from 3 different regions of the country over the past 8 years, am active on Miata.net, and have observed an extremely small number who made that swap, though I have seen a few who installed racing seats. Perhaps the swap was unique to your region.
I am being a bit hyperbolic, but for people who live in areas where having the top down is the norm, swapping to cloth or aftermarket is the de rigueur. This is especially true for those of us who had the 06-07. There are a lot of people who couldn't afford or find alternative seats who ended up covering them in Wet Okole or Katzkin leather covers.
As a side note the Recaro seats that Europe got on the special edition sucked, despite looking fantastic. Recaro just shrank a normal seat, meaning that anyone with more than a 24" (I am a 28-30) waist couldn't fit comfortably between the bolsters.
MKTech, my '08 GT's saddle leather seats look like new. The car only has 31,000 miles but the only marks on the seat is from me getting in with a comb or screwdriver in my back pocket. They haven't even wrinkled like my S2000 seats did.
Motoman simply explains things so well in plain english. Much appreciated. Thanks.
These cars are a joy to drive. They are for the driver and meant to be on the road working the suspension overtime through corners. Fun is the key word for the car, drag strips are NOT where these cars belong. One big downside to the car, the roll of its body does make you question weather the car will hold, trust me it will but for the inexperienced it may cause a little panic, which in the very worst situation is deadly. Is it the greatest car in the world? Defiantly not. Is it worth 32,000 for the upgraded club? Hell Yes!
+Kuniku778 Everything on this car is deliberately engineered, I think the body roll is, too. I'm guessing it's to make it feel a bit like the old English roadsters of the '60s that inspired the original Miata NA.
No..I love the fact that mazda went back to the roots of keeping the mazda light and sporty for the enthusiasts, more options= more weight=less performance. Of course the debate will be but its only 30-40 lbs but that "its only" statement is the reason you cant get a sporty/drivers car for under 2700lbs nowadays
honestly i like this review. this dude is awesome.
Yes, tan leather seats in the Club Sport!
How were the seats in the Club Sport? I heard they were awful and lacked any support. If the Grand Touring takes care of the seats problem, then a Grand Touring Club Sport would be great. I also agree with others that this car could definitely use more power. Sure it's a fun, balanced car right now, but imagine how much more fun it would be with at least 200+ HP and 200+ lb/ft torque.
I sat in one for a bit. First impression was the seats feel more comfortable, better supported than my '12 SE with the leather.
Well done Mazda. It's good to see they still have the touch of the past while still being modern. People bitch and moan at the spec sheet but they are all smiles once that drive this thing. Can't wait to have a test drive drive if it myself. Never really been a Miata guy but this is sexy and can already see some dam good visual mods for it if not engine swaps.
Club model with GT extras please!
The car weighs just over 2300 lbs, so 155 hp is enough to have fun with it.
Awesome review of an awesome car, but my wife says wait until 2017 :-(
Hi MotoMan, will you be reviewing the RF version soon?
Yep . . . Already shot THREE episodes on it. Should be starting the series shortly . . .
Is it possible to buy one of these right now for MSRP or less, or all the dealers marking them up?
One question, if you place the cup holder in the passenger side, does it bother the leg space of the passenger?
carzakone333 Not at all. That said, there is something underneath the car - probably the cat - that cuts in the passenger footwell. It is cleverly hidden towards the base of the passenger seat - so does not impede on actual foot room - you just can't lay something down flat on that side.
MotoManTV thx for the answer
Awesome review. Good job
Definitely YES to the "Grand Touring Sport" question. I want it all or at least most of it: heated seats AND LSD AND sport tuned suspension. I'm on my second NC and it'll be my last Miata if I can't get the sports package in a GT (they can leave out the sport bodywork bits if they want).
Filmed in Santa Monica mountains?
Yep.
most people locally are getting autos at my dealer, so they probably are fine with GTouring without sporty club seeing how you lose the club's advantages when ordered with an auto anyways. I think it's fine that they have club being more down to business and not high-tech and all luxe. think of Boxster spyder and it's stripped down options.
hand brake was not released completely?
Very nice review. Subscribed. Got me very excited about this new MX-5.