MAZDA

2024 Mazda MX-5

Mazda has offered customers in Japan an upgraded MX-5 (in Japan as the Mazda Roadster), which has been refreshed for the 2024 model year with a series of mild visual, technological, safety and mechanical modifications. A similarly tuned MX-5 is expected in other markets soon.

The current Mazda MX-5 ND debuted back in 2014, and this facelift should extend its lifespan and keep it relevant for a few more years, as the next generation arrives in late 2025.

However, the 2024 Mazda MX-5 has not undergone major visual changes, but they stand out modified lights (the front ones have new all-LED graphics while the rear lights’ graphics benefit from a 3D look), then a slightly redesigned front bumper, a new design of alloy wheels and a wider range of colors (including the new Aero Gray metallic color).

There are still versions with a soft top and a hard folding top (RF).

There’s also the new Mazda Connect infotainment with a new 8.8-inch touchscreen, as well as a wider ADAS package (including Mazda’s Radar Cruise Control and Smart Brake Support).

The new version, called the Mazda Roadster S Leather Package V Selection, combines a beige roof with Nappa leather on the seats and color-matched synthetic leather for the rest of the cabin. It also comes standard with a set of 16-inch alloy wheels.

The modified MX-5 is offered in Japan with slightly updated 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G power units. The 1.5 liter engine gets a power increase of 3 kW/4 hp to 99 kW/134 hp, while the 2.0 liter unit still has 135 kW/184 hp), but benefits from new software that is said to improve responsiveness.

Power is transmitted to the rear axle via a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission.

Mazda engineers also provided a new Asymmetric limited-slip differential on the rear axle on manual versions for greater stability with a revised setup for the electric power steering.

The first deliveries in Japan are expected in mid-January 2024, and depending on the version, the prices range between 2,898,500 and 4,308,700 yen (from 18,535 to 27,550 euros).

Prepared by: Ivan Mitić