2022 Mazda MX-5 RF Club: The Brand’s Retractable Hard Top Subcompact Coupe

Highlight: This subcompact roadster is one of the few new vehicles on the road with a rear fixed antenna.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $39,610 (Base Model: $35,565)

Seating Capacity: 2

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a rearview camera; electronic brake force distribution; an electronic blind spot monitor; a stability system; a traction control system; and a tire pressure monitor system

Standard Equipment RF Club: 17-inch alloy wheels; rear wheel drive; front and rear stabilizer bars; front double wishbone suspension system with aluminum arms; a 7-inch infotainment screen; a leather wrapped steering wheel; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering;a leather shift knob; a keyless entry system; a power operated hard top; sport tuned suspension with Bilsteen dampers; a front shock tower brace; a limited slip differential; gloss black front air dam; a rear lip spoiler; LED daytime running lights; and a trunk mounted antenna

Options: Brembo BBS Recaro package: a body color retractable fastback, front and rear red brake calipers, 17-inch BBS forged wheels, heated sport seats, and a rear bumper skirt; and gray metallic exterior paint

Other Trims:

MX-5

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: A 9-speaker Bose AM/FM/HD with SiriusXM

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder/181-hp

Recommended Fuel: Premium

Standard Fuel Mileage: 25-cty/35-hwy

What’s New: The compact roadster adds a new Kinematic Posture Control system, which allows improved handling and extra protection making sure the vehicle stays firmly planted on all four wheels, during normal driving conditions.

Why: 

Premium design

Engaging driving experience

Nimble

Peppy engine

Available with a 6-speed manual transmission or an automatic transmission

A roadster

An easy-to-use power operated hardtop convertible

Supportive Recaro seats

A rear-wheel drive vehicle

The extra protection from the Kinetic Posture Control system

17-inch BBS alloy wheels

Great leisure driving back road vehicle

Coupe appearance

But: 

Limited cargo carrying capacity

Central control system for infotainment center is overly complicated ( Mazda needs to design a simplified system)

Requires premium fuel

Verdict: This subcompact roadster continues to be one of our favorite vehicles, offering an engaging, while cruising around town or on the backroads with the open air retractable power top.

Despite the industry’s shift toward crossovers, trucks, SUVs and electrified vehicles, the MX-5 has a special place in automotive history. For a price point under $40,000, one can have access to a vehicle that seems suitable for a James Bond type movie, with its iconic coupe styling. Its also equipped with a number of up to date safety aids, ranging from the Kinematic Posture Control system to an electronic blind spot system to a lane departure system.

The stylish roadster, with its peppy 181-horsepower engine, can be outfitted with a fun-to-drive six-speed manual transmission. And for those who prefer to shy away from shifting gears, the vehicle can be equipped with an automatic transmission.

Competition: MINI Cooper Roadster