Mazda MX-5 Getting Refreshed Yet Again

Derek Kreindler
by Derek Kreindler

Mazda will be refreshing the MX-5 for 2013, as they attempt to hold us over for the long-awaited “ND” Miata, due in a couple years, that will share a platform with the Alfa Romeo Spider.

Although *some* uninformed enthusiasts claim that the current car is a heavier, uglier abomination not fit to carry on the legacy of the MX-5, I couldn’t disagree more. The NC MX-5 is brilliant. Full stop. The only thing that puts me off is the goofy front fascia. Otherwise, it’s just about perfect, especially with the “dreaded” Power Retractable Hardtop. I would go so far as to say that it’s better in every single way than my beloved NA Miata, with no additional drawbacks.

The refresh is subtle, and helps diminish some of the “smiley face” character of the awful Nagare styling language, but as far as I’m concerned, it’s impossible enough to do away with that blight. The headlights, grill opening and air intakes are only slightly changed, but it does help. Even though the front is still ugly, I’d buy one over an FR-S. I suspect I’m not alone.

Thanks to The Car Lounge for the photos

Derek Kreindler
Derek Kreindler

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  • Racer-esq. Racer-esq. on Jul 02, 2012

    This fixes a lot of what the 2009 refresh screwed up. I see the FR-S/BRZ as what you have to settle for if, like me, you do not fit in an NC Miata. If you fit in an NC Miata then go get a ridiculous deal on a 2008 PHRT Touring (not Grand Touring) with the sport package.

    • Rx8 Rx8 on Jul 08, 2012

      The 'screwed up' 2009-2012's (manuals) has the better engine with forged internals, crank/rods, updated trans internals (from 2009 RX-8)..so the 'screwed up' current NC has no 5-6th gear change grind, and no failed con-rod through the block that ALL previous NC's could have and have had happen at some stage of their life.

  • Mitchw Mitchw on Jul 02, 2012

    When the lightweight ND comes out, there may be a lot of geezers finally selling their NAs. So supply may go up for vintage Miatas, while the NC becomes the unloved step child. Buy the NCs at your pecuniary peril, girls.

  • Ryoku75 Ryoku75 on Jul 02, 2012

    The later Miatas always looked fine to me, until they threw that embarrassing smile on them. Now instead of an evil grin we have a very very "DUHHH!!!" expression. And... it still looks like a Koffing!

    • Daiheadjai Daiheadjai on Jul 04, 2012

      Excellent use of the pokemon reference. Many car companies are guilty of the pokemon look, but none quite as egregiously as Mazda.

  • Junebug Junebug on Jul 03, 2012

    I don't know, but it "seems" the folding hard top would be a much better idea than cloth. All I do know is that for the past few days it's been too damn hot, and every cloth top anything I saw at the stop light, had a miserable looking soul at the steering wheel.

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