Having just updated the Mazda MX-5 roadster, the Japanese automaker introduced a similar upgrade for the Targa-style RF model. While the sports car remains unchanged on the outside, it comes with extra standard features and a new equipment package.

Extra Standard Features

Most upgrades are visible inside the cabin, where the Miata RF benefits from a new, standard tilt and telescoping steering column with 30 mm (1.18 inches) of telescoping and 42 mm (1.65 inches) of tilt range. Mazda also replaced the old steel steering column with an aluminum one to save weight. There's also a new rearview camera as standard, while Traffic Sign Recognition and Smart City Brake Support systems are optional.

Grand Touring Updates

As before, the Miata RF is offered in two flavors, starting with the Grand Touring trim. New features for this model include 17-inch dark silver wheels, body-colored interior trim, auto on/off headlamps, an auto-dimming driver's side mirror, rain-sensing windshield wipers, automatic climate control, and auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink. There's also leather-trimmed seats, a nine-speaker Bose premium audio system, Sirius XM Satellite Radio, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, an updated Traffic Sign Recognition system, Adaptive Front-lighting System, Lane-Departure Warning, and Smart City Brake Support.

In addition to these new standard and optional features, the Grand Touring can also be equipped with the new GT-S Package. This bundle is only for the cars fitted with the manual transmission and adds a front shock tower brace, a limited-slip rear differential, and Bilstein dampers. Finally, it will also include the hand-painted black roof that had previously only been offered in the U.S. on the 2017 MX-5 RF Launch Edition.

Club Updates

Next up is the MX-5 Club, the sportier of the two trims. This model comes standard with the features in the GT-S Package, as well as heated cloth seats with red stitching, body-colored trim, black 17-inch wheels, a rear lip spoiler, the Bose audio system, and SiriusXM Satellite radio. It also gets Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, while the optional i-ActiveSense Club Package adds Smart City Brake Support and Lane-Departure Warning.

But wait, this isn't all. The Club trim can be optioned up even further with two more packages, the Brembo/BBS and the Brembo/BBS/Recaro bundles. The first one includes front Brembo rotors and calipers, red-painted brake calipers, 17-inch, dark gunmetal BBS forged alloy wheels, functional side sill extensions; a rear bumper skirt, and heated leather seats. The Brembo/BBS/Recaro Package is new for the MX-5 RF and replaces the leather-trimmed seats with heated Recaro buckets units and adds the black-painted roof.

Beefed-up Engine

Under the hood, the Miata RF gets the same upgrades as the roadster model. The most important change is the uprated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that now delivers 181 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. That's an extra 26 horsepower and tree pound-feet over the outgoing model. The engine also features lighter pistons and rods, a larger throttle, and enjoys a 700-rpm higher redline. Transmission options include a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic with paddle shifters and Sport mode.

It's a Bit more Expensive

Not surprisingly, the update comes with an increased price tag. The MX-5 RF now retails from $32,345, which accounts for a $435 premium over the old model. For this amount, you get the Club model with the manual transmission. Opt for the automatic version and the sticker jumps to $32,945. The Brembo/BBS Package costs $3,770, while the Brembo/BBS/Recaro bundle comes in at $4,670. The Club i-ActiveSense Package fetches $450. Opt for the Grand Touring model and you need to pay $33,335 for the manual version, while the automatic starts from $34,410. The GT-S Package costs $750, while the Auburn Nappa leather upgrade is priced at $300.

Further reading

Read our full review on the 2016 Mazda MX-5.

Read our full review on the 2017 Mazda MX-5 RF.

Read more Mazda news.