The best-selling two-seat convertible on the market joins a new “club” with the 2013 Mazda Miata MX-5. The Club edition adds some testosterone to the MX-5 Miata line. From first glance its appearance is edgier and it’s not just the color.
There is a red and black theme throughout that oozes coolness from rooftop to tread. Starting with its black retractable roof over a classic red color sports car frame with black outside mirrors down to the dark gunmetal 17-inch alloy wheels. Inside there is the black leather wrapped steering wheel and gearshift with red piping and the black cloth seats with red stitching. The badge on the exterior features a graphic of the “Club” from a playing card.
The Mazda MX5 Club edition falls in line with what can be said with all the Miata’s over the years — it’s fun to drive. The ease of shifting the manual transmission is first rate and shatters expectations of a sports car at its price point and is a welcomed improvement to what you may expect from Mazda. The short throw shifter rushes the driver through the gears, which can seem demanding but the rewards of having that type of control over the engine’s output are worth it. Driver’s note: Placing your water bottle in the door is a great idea because using the cup holders in the armrest get in the way of shifting.
Although the vehicle sits low to the ground, its seat positions the driver more upright and at eye level with most sedans making height deficiency less noticeable. The taught suspension package in the Club line allows it to absorb the shocks of patchy roads and potholes without taking the joy out of the drive.
The Club Edition is all sports car. It’s lightweight and sleek. There are not a lot of bells and whistles but all the more to be focused on the driving experience. The rear wheel drive 2.0-liter engined Club Edition checks in at a deceptively nimble 167 horsepower. It is not a speed demon, but no insecurities here, what it lacks in speed and aggression it makes up for in agility, handling and attitude.
The convertible top doesn’t define this car; it’s a bonus. The single button power retractable hard top is designed to drop in any climate in a cool 12 seconds. I took a road trip in the vehicle and was happy to notice the top does not affect trunk space.
Playing music in the Miata Club line won’t remind you at all of a nightclub. The sound system is basic, at best, but allows the driver to tune in to the hum of the engine and get in tune with the MX-5’s driving experience. Fuel economy is an EPA-estimated 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. Base price is $26,705.
There is an available Grand Touring trim to the 2013 Miata that brings together more luxury and technology. But who wants to tour in a Miata? Enjoy the drive and go straight to the Club.
