2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF

2018 MX-5 Miata RF Photos
The Mazda MX-5 Miata has an unbroken winning streak of successful redesigns since 1990. 2018 is the third model year for this fourth-generation version, referred to internally and by enthusiasts as the ND. 2018 MX-5s get a 7.0-inch infotainment center as standard equipment, and offer an optional red convertible top and optional Recaro seats. There's also a new package with Brembo front brakes and BBS wheels.

The 2015 redesign marked a return to Miata sports-car roots: a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive, two-seat roadster. It's simple, straightforward and traditional. Like a classic British MG or Austin-Healey from the '60s, only better.

This latest-generation MX-5 is the best ever. It is truly a delight: nimble and fun to drive, whether in curves or on city streets. You can drop the manual top while belted in the driver's seat, even while at parking-lot speeds. And if a thunderstorm occurs, you can pull it up and latch it just as easily, without getting out of your seat.

The Miata RF gets a retractable hardtop roof that gives it a fantastic fastback appearance. And it's not just stylish, it's stiffer and quieter than the soft top.

Looks are more contemporary and a bit more aggressive than the previous generation. The wheelbase is a bit longer at 91.1 inches, but it's slightly shorter at 154 inches and slightly wider at 68 inches. It weighs just 2331 pounds.

The MX-5 is powered by a simple 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder engine making a modest 155 horsepower, but that light weight enables it to accelerate from zero to sixty in a solid six seconds flat. It's available with either a 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual gearbox. We like the manual because it's perfect in a car of this character, but the automatic works well in Sport mode and is much less work in the city.

Its main rival might be the Fiat 124 Spider, which is built on the MX-5 platform in a joint Mazda-Fiat venture. It has its own styling with an Italian flair, and uses a smaller but slightly more powerful engine, a turbocharged four. The MX-5 is more refined, which isn't surprising, but it also looks better and handles with more precision, which might be surprising, since beauty and cornering are what Italian cars are known for.

Fuel mileage is excellent, with the 6-speed automatic getting 26 mpg city, 35 highway and 29 combined; while the 6-speed manual is rated at 26/33/29 mpg. That's about what we got in one week behind the wheel of an RF with the retractable roof.
Full Review

The Mazda MX-5 Miata has an unbroken winning streak of successful redesigns since 1990. 2018 is the third model year for this fourth-generation version, referred to internally and by enthusiasts as the ND. 2018 MX-5s get a 7.0-inch infotainment center as standard equipment, and offer an optional red convertible top and optional Recaro seats. There's also a new package with Brembo front brakes and BBS wheels.

The 2015 redesign marked a return to Miata sports-car roots: a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive, two-seat roadster. It's simple, straightforward and traditional. Like a classic British MG or Austin-Healey from the '60s, only better.

This latest-generation MX-5 is the best ever. It is truly a delight: nimble and fun to drive, whether in curves or on city streets. You can drop the manual top while belted in the driver's seat, even while at parking-lot speeds. And if a thunderstorm occurs, you can pull it up and latch it just as easily, without getting out of your seat.

The Miata RF gets a retractable hardtop roof that gives it a fantastic fastback appearance. And it's not just stylish, it's stiffer and quieter than the soft top.

Looks are more contemporary and a bit more aggressive than the previous generation. The wheelbase is a bit longer at 91.1 inches, but it's slightly shorter at 154 inches and slightly wider at 68 inches. It weighs just 2331 pounds.

The MX-5 is powered by a simple 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder engine making a modest 155 horsepower, but that light weight enables it to accelerate from zero to sixty in a solid six seconds flat. It's available with either a 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual gearbox. We like the manual because it's perfect in a car of this character, but the automatic works well in Sport mode and is much less work in the city.

Its main rival might be the Fiat 124 Spider, which is built on the MX-5 platform in a joint Mazda-Fiat venture. It has its own styling with an Italian flair, and uses a smaller but slightly more powerful engine, a turbocharged four. The MX-5 is more refined, which isn't surprising, but it also looks better and handles with more precision, which might be surprising, since beauty and cornering are what Italian cars are known for.

Fuel mileage is excellent, with the 6-speed automatic getting 26 mpg city, 35 highway and 29 combined; while the 6-speed manual is rated at 26/33/29 mpg. That's about what we got in one week behind the wheel of an RF with the retractable roof.
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Retail Price

$31,910 - $32,750 MSRP / Window Sticker Price
Engine 2.0L I-4
MPG Up to 26 city / 33 highway
Seating 2 Passengers
Transmission 6-spd man
Power 155 @ 6000 rpm
Drivetrain rear-wheel
Curb Weight 2,445 lbs
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