Not everyone who drives automatics does so because they can't drive stick. Some people just don't feel like shifting gears. Other people have disabilities that make driving a manual dangerous. That doesn't mean they're missing out by driving an automatic. There are plenty of other ways for enthusiasts to enjoy their cars. A manual gearbox is not the be-all-end-all of sporty driving, and I wish enthusiasts would recognize that there's room at the table for everybody.

I swear every time he reviews a Mazda he drones on and on about what he wishes the car had even though he begrudgingly admits they make some of the best cars in their respective classes.

I picked up a 2017 Sport, automatic in July of 2018 for $20,400 new off the lot. I didn't want a manual, nor did I want an infotainment system. I just wanted a great handling two-seat convertible with cruise control and bluetooth (which the sport comes with). I'm 6'4" with peripheral neuropathy and after owning two different manuals in the past few years in heavy traffic, I'd had enough. I don't want to row through gears, I don't have any desire to track the car--I just want to hit some twisty roads every now and again and enjoy the car, top down. If Mazda only made the Miata two inches taller and two inches longer for leg room, tall guys would have a much easier time shifting. Either way, I love my Miata and when I don't feel like cramming myself into it, I drive my 99 Lexus GS (105k miles) or 2000 Dodge Ram 1500. (59K miles) But man, every time I get in my little clown car, I smile ear to ear! I'll never get rid of it!

Sofyan, I've driven a model from 1999 and loved it. Every Miata owner I run into always love their car! They've always been a cool little car in my humble opinion.

The Miata is the perfect example of a manual done right

I hired a Miata RF automatic last month, 10 days of bliss. It was THE first time i have driven an automatic,and the first time I’ve driven a Miata MX5. I miss it so much that I’m buying one In December. A Christmas present to myself. Im 57, female and so into this car that it’s changed my perspective on driving. It fits my body like a glove, I feel empowered when I drive it, it’s very fitting for my style and my empress energy. Divine feminine driving her own Miata Mx5, that will be me. 😊

I've tried an automatic miata RF and I absolutely loved it, my one and only gripe is the speedometer. It is super hard to read, especially because they jammed so many numbers into a small space. They should just replace it with a digital speedometer. Doesn't even need to be a fancy digital speedometer. There's already a digital display in the instrument cluster but it doesn't show speed.

Had a chance to drive the automatic GT RF in Hawaii, and while I still love my manual counterpart, the paddle shifters make up for the lack of stick.

there are customers like me who want a miata just because its beautiful....i dont care about the performance :D

70% of all the Miata sold in Japan are automatic. Trust me, they're good.

I'm happy you made a review for the automatic transmission.. :-)

Mx5 has been setting sales records this year - (Despite pandemic) Woo Hoo❣️

I drove a Vette for a long time. I love this (hard top) Miata. The trouble is I'm over 70 and don't drive much. Don't forget, the Mazda is HALF the price of a Corvette but just as much fun.

I just looked it up and 76% of soft top and 52% of RF Miatas are sold with a manual. That's a very high take rate for the US. I still love the MX-5, especially with the updated engine. I'd definitely still buy one of these with a manual. It would also be a great car to customize, which is a nice project I'd like to take on when I retire.

The color on this test car is gorgeous.

Thanks brother. I've been waiting for a professional review of this car, with the automatic transmission. I want this car. 🎯

Congrats on 800 K 🔥🔥🔥🎊🎉

Put the Auto Shifter from D(Drive) to M(Manual) and use the paddle shifters - you are not getting the best out of the auto gear box. Doing this, the car turns into a manual - the gearbox will NOT down shift in this mode, holds the revs as high as you want to go to give max power and torque. Please go and drive it again and try my suggestion. You will have a different opinion. The Auto will rev out to 6500RPM in every gear. On down shifts, the auto rev matches with the engine speed and booms. P.S The upshifts and down shift in M(Manual) mode are also quicker - you can also push the sport button to ON, but in M(Manual) mode does not make any difference. The sport mode only helps when you are driving the car in D(Drive)mode or semi-auto mode. This auto transmission is way better than you have described it.

I love my automatic 2021 RF jet black

For those who are bashing the auto mx5 and joking those who buys them, c’mon guys, the manuals are still dominating the sales figure. And mazda has no plan to ditch the manuals because they knew that the majority of the segments buying mx5s are prefering manuals. But there are a few that either can’t or don’t want to drive the manuals (for whatever reasons that u can’t deny) and still want this car. And from business’ perspective, an auto is a good addition to boost sales. Look at what Hyundai is doing w some of their N cars lately. Look at 86/BRZ. Look at the Golf GTI. Hell, look at Mazda’s own RX-8s before. Mazda’s current autos are great (and autos in general had been improved a lot nowadays). Maybe not the best, but it up/downshifts quick when ur using the manual shift, it has the correct sequential style manual shift mode, it’s responsive and it’s reliable. The MX-5 was, and still is, supposed to be a great affordable roadster that many people will enjoy driving it anytime. Not necessarily a sports car exclusively for enthusiasts. The auto may not get the good stuff such as LSD, Bilstein, Brembos like the manuals got. Or as u oftenly stated that autos aren’t “fun to drive”, but if that person is enjoying their brand new auto ND, then it serves them a purpose, right? Additionaly, in some countries, myself included, the ND is only sold as an auto (plus only the RF model for my country) because the majority will likely to buy auto in those countries so why bother to sell the manuals anyway. How do i prove? Many of the RX8s sold in my country are in auto even though they do sell manuals as well and i occasionally saw manual rx8s, either on sale or just driving around, excluding the swapped ones. Same goes w 86 and BRZ. An auto MX5 may not be ur cup of tea, but for some, it greatly suits them. Peace. P.s: i’m here just sending a message and personal opinion regarding this. not meant to wage a war between manuals vs auto as this war is endless

Most DCT units are not compact enough to fit in a small car like a Miata. I'm sure if Mazda tries, they can absolutely shove one in but they (Mazda) will probably be concerned about the weight increase as, DCT units are also heavier than something like a ZF8. The best solution is to basically shove a ZF8 in it without the car gaining unnecessary weight.

Great car, awesome review!

For medical reasons I had to get the auto and knew there would be a compromise with a low bhp car (my previous autos were 400+ BHP so no probs). If you want to get close to the ‘manual experience’ then 1) always drive on the paddles and 2) flip into sports mode. This way it gets close and always makes me grin! I did notice how much more the 2020 revs than my 2017, very jealous!

Yay!!! Another excellent video!! ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🖤🤍🤎

I needed a updated version of this video because I'm considering to get one as my first car in 4 to 5 years when the value depreciates.

We have a 2006 MK3 automatic as a second car, it hibernates through the winter in the garage only being used in the warmer months, it's a keeper.

Have a 2016 club auto. Also tuned via versatune with a true 93 tune, and I have a cobalt axle back and jbr air filter. The tune cleaned up a lot of the issues with the low end power on the auto, especially now with the sport shift. Feels like a different car

This guy is trying so hard not to admit he's having fun with the automatic. Get over it.

No, just continue to make the manual better, and refine the engine. This isn’t a lap time blistering car; it’s a driver’s car.

A dual clutch you prefer? Are you nuts? Most dual clutch transmissions are abhorrently expensive to maintain. Either standard or an actual 8 spread . Dual clutch stinks - and most mechanics will tell you exactly that.

Why does he say he’s like to see a new key fob then they update it and then he prefers the old one???? *rips out hair*

It's supposed to be "Miata Is Always The Answer" (MIATA), not "The Answer is Always Miata" (TAIAM). :)

Congradulations on 800K subscribers Sofyan!

tbh im surprised they havent reimagined the miata as an suv

Gonna be honest, I would love to see a dct in a miata, I’ve driven both a manual Mazda (2017) and a automatic Mazda (2019, the one after the engine update), manuals are no doubt fun but slow and inefficient, regardless how quick you can shift, dct/skyactiv automatic is always quicker

My buddy has a 2012model with the flip top. I'm 6 feet tall and I felt awfully crowded until I lost about 20 pounds. LOL

What matters most to me is the fact it's still exclusively built in Japan, right near Mazda's Hiroshima headquarters. MIJ automobiles = Perfection.

My friend just got an auto and I love driving it , make believe it has 400 hp and dual clutch and is getting 12 mpg

I have a manual ND2 Club, but can see why some would want the automatic. I doubt Mazda will go DCT even in the NE due the limited sales numbers. But, I would expect to see a revised auto at some point.

Another beautiful Mazda!! A good driver can get all the power out of any transmission!! The reason they don’t put a turbo is for reliability!!

I will own one someday. Once I learn to drive standard!

I’ve got 2017 RF gt and its a breath taking experience

While I agree on the dual clutch update, the present AT does not "suck the life" out of this car. I drove both, and chose the AT. It is a sense of freedom not having to shift ALL THE TIME, and going in manual mode (+ Sport mode) with the AT is gobs of fun. One can relax & cruise with the AT, and drink your coffee; not with the manual! Oh, and who's having a better time in congested city traffic?

Mazda Miata my favourite. Sweet nice color and bad ass interior. I rate 💯👌. Am getting one real soon . My investments got me covered.

Take a shot every time Sofyan says "thing."

Spellcheck a bit blurry too :) Love the Miata!

A dual clutch will add to much complexity and cost

I have a 2016 Club, and at 6'2", and around 230 lbs, I fit comfortably. I routinely drive between DC and Southeastern NC (About 350 miles one way) and it's comfortable for me..... My car has 118K miles on it, and the clutch is still fine. I find it odd that the 2016 Club managed 0-60 in 5.9 seconds, but the 2020, with almost 30 more horses is still essentially the same in terms of speed. Odd. Ah, well! This my 2nd Miata (I had a 2000 NB) and I find that there are few other cars (Regardless of price) that I'd rather have!

requesting a DCT is like asking for a ribeye steak at Mcdonalds.

How come you never get a speeding ticket????🤔🤔🤔

Excellent review

Honestly I prefer autos because I think it’s nice the car shifts gear for you and in a manual during traffic you always gotta do some extra steps to stop the car (mark me if I am wrong about that) but autos are great since you can just stop and go

Honda needs bring back a revamped S2000 that would be worth buying.

Love your reviews soyfan! How is the helmholtz resonance when the top is down?

I traded in my 2004 automatic Miata for the 2020 automatic RF Club Miata. Love them both. I have to engage the emergency brake to put the top down. Did you disable this feature? Also, I had snow tires for my 2004 and did well in the winter. But due to lack of storing them, do not have snow tires for the 2020. Does anyone have any experience driving in just a little snow?

why are alot of people disliking this video, this content is great

I am driving a 21 rf automatic rental. Great twisty bit and backroad vehicle. The speedometer on small side and really tight with another person. On long trip can get uncomfortable so get out stretch. Trunk deep enough for two if luggage duffle bag styles Acceleration good enough and sport mode noticeable. Automatic does not hinder, unless want more. I own 370z, roomier, comfortable more of grand touring, and a bit more hp.

Well I had a manual and yes it was fun. But at 60 I am slowing down and I have had enough fast starts and changing gears. I guess you can say I am an old gueezer but I like the new GT I just got with automatic.

Okay, stop. At 12:15 you do what every other driver of this automatic does. I found that 1. Automatic+sport is meh 2. Shifter paddle+sport takes way too long to shift BUT 3. Sport+Bump shifting the sequential shifter like an automanual is precise and awesome. No car reviewer does this! DO IT! the shifter is perfectly placed and the sequential shifter works wonderfully! Please, Please try this. There is a huge difference! My left knee is partially disabled so I cant do clutches anymore otherwise I would have a manual. The old 6 speed auto is Simple, cheap to get parts for, not overly computerized. Do Not use the paddles they may be even worse than plain auto sport. Use the sequential shifter! It works perfectly, lets you use All the revs and saves the sports part of this car in my opinion. No reviewer has made this distinction, if you watch Sarah N Tuned review the CX-30 in this mode (the only one I can find) she is impressed even in a CUV.

Where, pray tell, would more screen fit in that cockpit? How much viewshed do you really need to sacrifice to Apple Carplay?

2020 club sport owner. BBS Brembo. I test drove 124 spider, auto. It was really good, liked the paddle shifters. Kinda wish I had the auto. Drove z06, mustangs mpoars. All sticks. The new autos are good, blip throttle on downshift. Plus a lot less work, MX5 has no torque, constantly shifting

A turbo or a dual clutch will raise the price thousands which would put it out of many buyers budgets. What they should have done is give an extra 4"to 6" of leg and head space.

“If it ain’t broken, don’t fix it.” The Miata continues to be THE most successful sports car. Why does Mazda need a DCT ? They tried adding turbocharging with the old Speed version, and gave it up quick. If you want to enjoy the Miata for what it is without any effort, a torque converter can’t be beat for comfort by a DCT. If you want a Miata that alludes to all your senses and limbs, a manual can’t be beat for involvement by a DCT. Please tell me why the DCT is necessary again ? I was glad the day I got back to a traditional manual after my GTI bored me to death with its DSG. Some cars just shouldn’t have a manual and / or turbo engine. And until somebody pays me to shave seconds off my shifts for the best lap time, DCT is just a novelty. Modern ZF autos and Japanese CVTs will be the death of DCTs soon too.

Three weeks ago I traded in my 2020 MX-5 RF Grand Touring (gray) automatic for a 2022 Soul Red Grand Touring soft top automatic. I thought the RF looked great but you can't drop the top from the remote (major negative for me) and as you mentioned the noise is pretty bad at highway speeds. Last point is the RF felt closed in so I prefer the Soft top. As for the automatic, when you're 40 years older you may have a different opinion on the automatic.

1:47 R.I.P Right rear wheel. Curb rash :(

I have driven manual for a while in my BRZ until someone rear ended the shit out of it on the highway. I got a wrx and love driving it but I can’t get over the anxiety that I get while driving manual now, which stems from the accident. I’m getting an auto 2017 Miata soon and I’m sure I’ll have a ton of fun with it!

the automatic is good, they always down play the automatic. the car is beautiful and it's better then walking as long as you could drive thats awesome manuel automatic atleast you have a car some people have nothing.. just be happy you have a mazada who cares if it's automatic or not be grateful.

I live in Mexico and the soft top is only manufactured as a manual transmission and the rf only as an automatic so if you want and rf there’s no choosing, you have to get automatic

Doug Demuro takes some time to put up a video I like how you just do it so fast thank you for doing that so fast.

Everyone has their own opinions but the Miata is a drivers car. For me, A/T just removed some of that connection that makes the Miata a great car. I don’t think I’d be nearly as happy with my Miata if it was an automatic. I’m a little older have to remember, these days kids aren’t growing up learning how to drive a stick, so there’s those out there that have no idea what I’m talking about when I say more of a connection with the manual.

What kind of sunglasses do u wear? I love all of them.

Small car big key. Hmm Mazda is compensating?

2.5 liter naturally aspirated engine, and updated automatic (quicker shifting) transmission. Winning formula, untill the end of days. Forget Toyota(BMW) Supra and all others. Best car for the money.

I love it! A gorgeous and charismatic lil' Japanese sports car. Would fit a smaller built guy like like me to a "T". :)

If Mazda used the 2.5 skyactive that is on the Mazda 6 and CX-5 that have 185hp would be amazing, and tune it to have near 200hp and used the 6 speed manual and a ZF 8 speed auto or a DCT

Looking to get this for my wife. She drove stick for a yr but hasn't driven stick for 2 yrs. It'll be her daily driver in Virginia. Recommend a manual or auto for her?

They really need to make a british racing green paint option

Mazda sells a huge number of Auto MX5s, more than people would expect. I fully suspect they improve it in the next generation with a proper sports car automatic like a DCT, but they are such a small company they cant design their own that fast. when the next gen large car platform arrives with its RWD layout we will see a much better FR layout automatic transmission.

This is one of the few hard top convertibles that I like.

Please do the CX-9 carbon edition!

I have a 2006 GT with a automatic and the 2L . From a stop if I slam the pedal down it will spin the wheels and mine shifts kind of snappy and it came with a strut tower brace.

Bought a Soul red crystal mx5 2020....great car

16:30 a brand new miata thats about $34K is not affordable for me lol

Sorry people still want manuals. Manufacturers made less manuals so they could sell those expensive automatics. Manuals last too long and that doesn't benefit them. New autos are a little bit better and really fast but still suffer from their low quality

Is manual transmission as a commuter car still a good option if I live in a busy city like L.A? I live 10 miles away from work and my commute takes at least an hour one way.

I think the most important facelift change was the fully adjustable steering wheel. But sadly I cant fit in any MX-5 :(. I was too tall for it. Sad noises...

Which camera is the one sticked on the window?

Hope they bring back the popup headlights for miatas

Nice car but ~32k€ over here for a 2 seater RF with only the 1.5L option for 2020 is just too much compared to a 4 door vehicle.

those wheel gaps look massive..

would you say this is good for a daily vehicle?

man i really wanna have this RF but so sad its almost 3m baht here in thailand (99,000+ USD)

My only concern with the Rf is if the folding mechanism will be reliable overtime or if it will break down over time and be expensive to repair.

Don't think Mazda will spend money and time to develop a dual clutch just for the Miata.

he complains about the automatic but he never puts the automatic in manual mode. I have a 2015 Club with the auto and drive mostly in manual mode and it it a kick to drive

Really wish this car gets the new 2.5 Turbo engine on the new Mazda 3

Considerably more sluggish; along with growing old, isn’t that a feature of anything automatic?

Looks like in parts of your video your camera is not focusing correctly.

Why are you gasping for air Soyfan maybe your too excited like me to rent one again,great review

One of the best torque converted autos crying for dual clutch? Next time you may say Miata crying to be something else. Maybe AMG or something oh i forget most AMG dont have dual clutch.