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Automotive News Sep 5, 2025

Which MX-5 engine is best?

Which MX-5 engine is best?

How much is the Mazda MX-5 RF automatic?

The MX-5 RF is a hot hatch and sports car, but its main attraction is that it's an all-automatic roadster. The current version of the MX-5 RF, dubbed the MX-5 RF Mk II, is Mazda's first major production model since the RX-8, which was also offered with a manual transmission. Like its predecessor, the RF Mk II employs Mazda's Skyactiv engine technology.

The RF's powertrain is largely based on Mazda's existing 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, now turbocharged and mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). As with the previous model, the RF Mk II uses a continuously variable transmission. It is capable of changing gears automatically at speeds up to 150mph and can be switched to manual mode via a button on the center console.

The RF is Mazda's third model to employ the Skyactiv technology. It incorporates Mazda's patented rotary engine, and the company's new lightweight, high-strength steel.

The RF has become a cult-status car since its release in 2025, and it is the top-selling car in Japan. Despite this success, the manufacturer struggled to keep up with demand for the model, so a redesign is planned.

The RF's new interior was designed by the Japanese firm's European subsidiary, KISAN. The RF also offers a larger rear cargo area compared to the outgoing model.

All of these features are available with the standard automatic transmission. When equipped with the optional manual transmission, the RF produces more torque than the standard four-speed automatic and provides extra control over the car's engine and transmission.

The manual transmission shifts via a steering wheel-mounted paddleshifter and lever and includes paddle shifters for faster gear changes. Unlike the manual models of the RX-7, the RF does not feature a clutch pedal. The RF is available with the i-Activ AWD system or the G-Vectoring Control, which can vary the amount of torque between front and rear wheels in a situation where traction is lost.

How many miles does a Mazda MX-5 last?

I ask this because I am planning to buy a used Mazda MX-5 but I want to be sure it has good miles on it. I just can't seem to find anywhere reliable info for this.

I am in the US, and all cars over 125K MMI have an automatic. The manual gets about 11-12MPG.

What I'd recommend is go to any dealership that has a lot of used Mazdas (and not a small number of them) and see what they are getting on them. To go a bit off topic, my family has had pretty consistent mpg from my carpooling days until now. My last carpool trip put me at about 11.7 mpg, though during our last trip, I drove my truck alone with three teenagers (including me), and averaged about 6.5 mpg. So a Mazda is certainly capable of better mileage than that.

You shouldn't feel like you have to put down such a small sum of money just because you don't have a decent amount of room in your budget right now. Thanks for your help! I live in the US. Not looking to go for anything fancy, just a nice basic 2 door sedan.

Does the Mazda MX-5 come in automatic?

mazda mx 5 automatic for sale Does the Mazda MX-5 come in automatic?

When asked about the absence of a manual transmission for its MX-5, Mazda's global director of marketing Tim Paluck told us Yes it comes in automatic but we didn't want to do that. We found that the MX-5 is an extremely good car in the hands of an experienced driver. If you put a nice automatic one on, you might have less fun driving, but it would better to be able to focus on the driving experience. And for anyone who wants to keep their MX-5 manual, Mazda dealers can still sell them with a small package of extras called the Sport Plus package. The most important accessory for the MX-5 is the sports front fascia (shown at right), which has a sport-tuned steering wheel, pedals and engine sounds from the 1.8's naturally aspirated rotary engine. The Sport Plus package includes a black rear spoiler and two-tone paint.

Mazda MX-5. I tested the car's handling and performance throughout a series of spirited laps around the Nurburgring proving track and it felt solid, stable, and fast in any gear thanks to a combination of light weight, aerodynamic and chassis tuning.

Which MX-5 engine is best?

Is it a question of what you want to go for?
If your going for more power and torque, you will need an N/A engine. If you want fuel consumption, then V6 engine is the way to go. If you prefer style and power then look at a 2.0 liter 4 cylinder.

You can always take the engine out and put in something else in the place of that. That would be an easy upgrade.

That depends on what you mean by better. If you mean higher performance in most categories - then I think that the turbo 4 will be slightly faster from the 2.0 litre at the end of the day because you won't have the turbo lag - but if your planning on doing a track car then the 2.0 litre will pull very similar times. The N/A turbo will also get you better economy as it has no throttle body to clean up.

What car am I driving and when did I want it? What is my budget? How much time do I have to find the time and money? And what do I want it for? What are some specific reasons why? Let's say you want an AWD coupe with power steering; but don't have much money for it and have to pick your ride up in a weekend. Then the 2.0L might be the answer to your problem. You just have to know what you need and go with that. The only way you know what is the best for you is to just try it and see. That's what I suggest!

I've driven the 2.0 turbo and the N/A 3.0L engine with the ZF shifter. The difference in power between the 2.0 and the 3.0L is substantial enough that one should not be compared. The 3.0L is definitely overkill for the MX-5, but for the price it's worth it. The main thing is do not forget the power assist which is what makes the difference in drivetrain.

But to answer the question, you want power and the N/A 2.0T delivers and you want high mileage.

Which engine will provide the best response on the road and provide the best mpg while in the slow and smooth cruise type speeds?


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