Mazda's new KPC system should make it even better through the bends.
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is set to return for 2022, despite some confusing verbiage on some of its consumer sites. It has a new price, a new exterior and interior color, and a new technology called Kinematic Posture Control “that provides the MX-5 Miata with better stability when cornering.” We're not sure the Miata needed that, but Mazda knows roadsters so we're sure it'll be useful.
Starting with that price, the 2022 MX-5 Miata will come in at $27,300 excluding a $1,015 charge for destination and handling. That's about $500 more than last year's model, which is a small jump, considering other price increases we've seen.
The MX-5 will continue with its Skyactiv-G 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-pot making 181 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 151 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. Mazda says the MX-5 will be “primarily offered with a six-speed manual,” which we heartily recommend, but you can also get it with a paddle-shifted six-speed automatic.
The new Kinematic Posture Control system “helps the MX-5 Miata behave as a harmonious extension of the driver's body without adding a single gram of weight.” Again, it already behaves like that, hence it's one of the best cars on the market. Still, Mazda uses the brakes to apply a bit of pressure to the inside rear wheel when cornering. This reduces body roll by lowering that corner and makes the steering feel more linear, says Mazda. It sounds like a take on its previous G-Vector Control system, which used the brakes for a similar purpose.
The base MX-5 Sport gets a black soft top, a 7-inch color screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a leather wheel and a few other safety bits. The upgraded MX-5 Club adds hardware like a limited-slip differential, Bilstein dampers and a front shock tower brace. That trim gets wireless Apple CarPlay, an upgraded stereo system with a subwoofer, 17-inch wheels as opposed to 16s on the Sport and LED daytime running lights.
The MX-5 Club with the Brembo, BBS, Recaro package adds exactly what the name says: Brembo brakes, forged BBS wheels and heated Recaro sport seats. It also has gloss black sill extensions and a rear bumper skirt. Finally the Grand Touring model takes everything we've mentioned, including the sporty stuff, adds adaptive front lighting, high-beam control and traffic sign recognition. New Terracotta Nappa leather seats are also offered.
The MX-5 Club starts at $30,800. The Brembo/BBS is $35,300 and the Grand Touring comes in at $32,300 with the manual transmission. The automatic is only available on the GT, and adds $300. That RF hardtop is still on production too, but only on the Brembo/BBS and Grand Touring trim for an extra $2,700. It goes on sale next year.
Keyword: 2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata Arrives With New Price, New Color, New Dynamics