By: Peter Gregorian
December 18, 2023
Los Angeles, California – Embarking on a journey of pure driving enjoyment demands good roads, great weather, and a vehicle capable of handling the thrill. When Mazda USA graciously entrusted us with the keys to the 2023 Mazda MX-5 Club RF, (also known as the Mazda MX-5 RF GS-P Sport Package in Canada) during our sun-soaked escapade to Los Angeles, California, the stars aligned for an adventure destined with epic drives.
In its standard form, the Mazda MX-5 RF stands as a well-balanced, nimble, and playful companion for the road. Opting for the Sport Package elevates both its driving characteristics and aesthetic appeal, introducing upgrades like the confidence-boosting Brembo front brakes with their iconic red paint and the aggressive multi-spoke 17” BBS wheels finished in Dark Gunmetal. The Aero Kit, harmonizing with the Zircon Sand Metallic paint, enhances the vehicle’s demeanor with side sill extensions, a rear bumper skirt, and a sharper front lip in Brilliant Black. Together, these enhancements create a compelling package that not only turns heads but also makes it nearly impossible to walk away without stealing one last glance.
Inside the Club RF, the interior maintains its minimalist charm, featuring a simple gauge cluster, a 7-inch infotainment display, climate controls, and a button for the powered hard top. The standout upgrade are the ergonomic Recaro bucket seats, a clear indication of Mazda’s unwavering focus on the driver. With Alcantara inserts for comfort on longer drives and Nappa leather bolsters providing support on technical roads, these seats contribute to an immersive driving experience. The integrated speakers in the headrests, part of the 9-speaker premium Bose sound system, deliver a clear audio experience, especially during top-down cruising. Unique touches, such as the Zircon Sand Metallic painted upper door interior trim pieces, add an extra layer of visual connection to the car within the cabin. While Android Auto and Apple Car Play come standard, the touchless controls in the test vehicle proved operationally challenging, leaving room for improvement in the infotainment system.
Any technological shortcomings quickly fade away once immersed in the drive. The precise, 6-speed manual transmission offers an unparalleled level of engagement, seamlessly navigating gear changes with rewarding tactility. Paired with the spirited 2.0-litre 4-Cylinder Skyactiv G engine, boasting a modest 181HP and 151lb-ft of torque, the MX-5 effortlessly maintains legal limits yet induces a grin, whether carving through canyons or cruising the Pacific Coast Highway. The phenomenal chassis balance of the RF, with near-perfect front-rear weight distribution, a curb weight of around 2,300lbs, sticky Bridgestone Potenza S001 tires, and Mazda’s Kinetic Posture Control (KPC), allows for impeccable rotation and poise through challenging turns, inspiring confidence in the pursuit of carving corners on roads like Angeles Crest Highway.
The true beauty of a lightweight, low-horsepower sports car lies in its efficiency at generating “smiles per gallon”. This is epitomized by the MX-5 across 410 kilometers (255 miles) of mixed driving – from spirited canyon blasts to gentle stop-and-go cruising along the Pacific Coast Highway. With an average fuel economy just shy of 8.0L/100km (roughly 30mpg), the MX-5 delivers unbeatable value with each kilometer driven, solidifying its status as Mazda’s iconic sports car.
Quantifying the value of driving enjoyment is no easy feat, particularly when dealing with a vehicle that seemingly occupies a class of its own. In the US market, the MX-5 RF is offered in two trims—the Grand Touring and the Club. Concentrating on the latter as the vehicle tested, its configuration comes with a price tag of $40,510 USD. This amount includes the additional cost of the Zircon Sand Metallic paint, accounting for $395 USD. A noteworthy comparison can be drawn in the Canadian market, where the MX-5 RF GS-P, equipped with the Sport Package and adorned with Zircon Sand Metallic paint, carries a total price of $46,698 CAD.
The Mazda MX-5 Club RF is a testament to brilliance in simplicity and stands as a beacon for driving enthusiasts seeking an unadulterated connection to the road. The MX-5 continues to strike a harmonious balance between modern safety and the exhilarating driving experience it promises without being too overbearing on the former. Its nimble, direct, and communicative handling makes it a point-and-shoot marvel, responding effortlessly to driver commands while offering ample feedback from the suspension and chassis.
This momentum car may not boast excessive power, but within legal limits, it transforms canyon carving into a joyous, trouble-free endeavor. Whether top-down during the day or with heated seats activated on chilly nights, the MX-5 RF offers an open-air experience that stimulates all senses. Despite its areas for improvement—limited visibility, clunky infotainment, and minimal practicality—the MX-5 RF remains purpose-built. It’s not an everyday car; it’s the epitome of a fun, weekend companion designed for the journey as opposed to the destination. As such, the MX-5 RF deserves its spot in any driving enthusiast’s stable.
