Mazda reveals upgrades to US-spec 2023 MX-5 Miata

MANILA: Mazda North America Operations has unveiled the upgrades to the 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata, which carries on its long-standing legacy as a genuine expression of carefree, enjoyable driving. The Mazda MX-5 has been a popular driver's car, thanks to its excellent power-to-weight ratio. The 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata will go on sale in the US later this year and offer a new exterior paint color option in Zircon Sand.

The 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata is powered by a Skyactiv-G 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces an impressive 181hp at 7,000rpm and 151lb-ft of torque at 4,000rpm. The engine is mated to a six-speed transmission. All Mazda MX-5 Miata variants have a front engine, rear-wheel drive layout. The Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring is available with either a manual transmission or a quick-shifting six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters on the steering wheel. The Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport and Club variants are only available with a six-speed manual transmission.

The Kinematic Posture Control (KPC), a software-based suspension performance technology innovation by Mazda, will remain a feature of the 2023 Mazda MX-5. KPC helps the vehicle manage various systems to help the Mazda MX-5 have enhanced precision and confidence in high-g cornering and act as a harmonious extension of the driver's body without adding an extra gram of weight. While the Mazda  MX-5's rear suspension already helps in maintaining stability when braking, KPC also slightly brakes the inner rear wheel during high-g cornering. This pulls down on that corner, reducing body roll, and making steering response more linear through tight or rough turns. When accelerating through a corner, brakes are applied slightly more forcefully, improving the limited slip effect.

The 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport includes a slew of standard features and is only offered with a black soft top. Safety is the two-seat roadster's top priority as it comes with dual front airbags, side-impact airbags, side-impact door beams, and several i-Activsense safety features including Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Smart City Brake Support, and Lane Departure Warning.

The Mazda Connect infotainment system, which can be operated using the multi-function commander knob and is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, has a seven-inch full-color touchscreen display. To make it easier for a wider range of drivers to select their ideal seating position, the three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel features a tilt and telescoping function. There are also mounted buttons for audio, Bluetooth, and cruise control on the steering wheel. Other interior features include leather shift knob and parking brake, cloth bucket seats, six-speaker audio, dual USB inputs, Mazda Advanced keyless entry, climate control, two removable cup holders, padded door armrest, power doors, and power windows with one-touch down feature. 

Exterior features include metallic black 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels, dual exhaust, LED headlights and taillights, gloss black door mirrors and high mount brake light cover, daytime running lights, variable-intermittent windshield wipers, and rear glass window with defogger.

The 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club raises enthusiasts' expectations for the dynamics of the roadster. This variant is sport-tuned with Bilstein dampers, a front shock tower brace, and a limited slip differential.

The 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club has a black soft top and sporty design elements including a gloss black front air dam, rear lip spoiler, and seat back trim to match the dynamic driving experience. The new Zircon Sand exterior paint is available in Club models and above. The Mazda MX-5 Miata Club comes with black metallic 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, trunk lid-mounted shark fin antenna, body-color high mount brake light cover, black cloth seats with light gray stitching, and vinyl leather material throughout the interior.

With wireless Apple CarPlay available on the 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club, the driver or passenger may easily connect their enabled iPhone to the car's infotainment system. Mazda MX-5 Miata Club comes equipped with SiriusXM satellite radio, which comes with a three-month trial subscription, and Bose nine-speaker premium audio, which includes a subwoofer and headrest speakers for the driver and front passenger seats to keep the premium experience even with the top down.

Both novice and experienced drivers will appreciate the upgrades in the 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club with Brembo BBS Recaro package. The package includes Brembo front brakes with red-painted front and rear calipers, dark gunmetal 17-inch BBS forged wheels, and heated Recaro sport seats . It also includes aero kit with gloss black side sill extensions and rear bumper skirt.

The MX-5 Miata Club with Brembo BBS Recaro package is available with a retractable fastback, a black roof RF, or a black soft top. Pushing a button allows the Mazda MX-5 RF to instantly open or close its roof, giving it the looks of both a sporty coupe and a stylish convertible.

The 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring carries all of the excellent performance and dynamic features of the Mazda MX-5 Miata Club while also including additional comforts without compromising on being an authentic, lightweight Mazda MX-5 Miata. A black soft top and a body-color RF are options for the Mazda MX-5 Grand Touring. Additional safety features include an Adaptive Front-lighting System, High Beam Control, and Traffic Sign Recognition.

The 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring is equipped with dark silver 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, body-color heated door mirrors with an auto-dim driver's door mirror, and door sill trim plates. The headlights have automatic on and off function and the windshield wipers are rain-sensing.

The standard black leather seats on the 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring may be upgraded to terracotta Nappa leather ones. The interior also features bright silver finishes, heated leather seats, Mazda Navigation system, automatic climate control, auto-dim rearview mirror with HomeLink, and three-year SiriusXM Traffic & Travel Link subscription.

Pricing for the 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata ranges from $28,050 to $38,550 (approximately P1.6 million to P2.2 million).

Photo from Mazda North America Operations

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