The 2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata Will Get a Stick Shift and a Couple of Other Cool Features
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a perennial favorite among driving enthusiasts and car critics alike. Its fun and tossable nature are arguably unrivaled in the new car market and its open-top configuration makes it an utter joy to drive. Fortunately, Mazda hasn’t changed much for the 2022 model year, however, our favorite little roadster is getting a couple of new features in addition to keeping its manual transmission.
The 2022 Mazda MX-5 will save the manuals
Although a Mazda MX-5 with an automatic transmission can still be fun, it’s so much better when you can rock the stick instead. The Miata has always been known for its slick-shifting manual transmission and it would be a shame for Mazda to get rid of it altogether. Luckily, that six-speed gearbox is not going anywhere.
In fact, for the 2022 model year, the bottom two trim levels – Sport and Club – will only be offered with the manual transmission. Anyone looking to drive their Miata using only two pedals will have to resort to the highest Grand Touring trim level. At that price point, buyers will be able to opt for the six-speed automatic transmission instead.
The Miata now has Kinematic Posture Control and a new interior color
The 2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata will now come standard with a performance feature called “Kinematic Posture Control.” No, it’s not a fancy ergonomic seat that stretches your lumbar and improves your posture. Although, it would be great if Mazda would come out with something like that. Instead, the Kinematic Posture Control (KPC) feature helps the MX-5 “behave as a harmonious extension of driver’s body without adding a single gram of weight,” says Mazda.
Are you still confused? In essence, the KPC system applies brake pressure to the inner wheel under high-load cornering, thus improving the car’s body roll and steering response when turning. This new feature is intended to make the MX-5 feel more precise when driven spiritedly through curvy roads. As if the Miata didn’t feel precise already.
The other main change for 2022 includes a new Terracotta Nappa leather interior for the top-trim Grand Touring. This interior change complements the trim level’s new bright silver interior accents in addition to other comfort features like heated seats and automatic climate control.
How much will the 2022 Mazda MX-5 cost?
The 2022 model only experiences a slight increase in price, CNET reports. The base Miata Sport with the soft top will start at $28,315, which includes the $1,015 destination fee. The Club trim will start at $31,815, but if you want the optional Brembo BBS Recaro package, then it will cost $5,000 more.
That package includes Brembo front and rear brakes with red calipers, dark gunmetal 17-inch BBS wheels, and heated Recaro seats. There are also some exterior aero enhancements as well. If you would rather have the hardtop RF model, then that version has a starting price of $39,215. Lastly, the Grand Touring trim level starts at $33,315 with the automatic transmission, which jumps up by $500 when equipped with the manual transmission.
While the 2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata doesn’t include any changes when it comes to power, it’s great that Mazda is doing its part to save the manuals. That, and the KPC system sounds pretty cool.
