Mazda introduced the facelifted MX-5 in Japan, improving the successful recipe with a series of mild but welcome visual, technological, safety, and mechanical upgrades which are expected to be mirrored in other markets in the near future. The latest facelift for the Mazda MX-5 ND since its debut in 2014, it will prolong its life and keep it relevant for a few more years, as the next-gen model is expected to arrive in late 2025.
The 2024 Mazda MX-5 ND looks quite familiar from the outside, but a closer look reveals that the lighting units have been upgraded. The headlights feature new full-LED graphics, integrating the DRLs that used to be on the bumper, while the taillight graphics benefit from a 3D look. The front bumper has been slightly redesigned with a new radar sensor mounted on the grille/intake. Finally, Mazda introduced a new design for the alloy wheels, and expanded the color palette with the new Aero Gray Metallic shade. Of course, changes are applied to both the soft-top and hard-top (RF) models.
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Moving inside, the new Mazda Connect infotainment with a new 8.8-inch touchscreen is a welcome update, expanding the connectivity features. The same display was introduced last month in the 2024 MY of the JDM-spec Mazda2 and CX-3. In the safety department, the MX-5 gains a couple of new ADAS including the Mazda Radar Cruise Control and the Smart Brake Support.
A new version called Mazda Roadster S Leather Package V Selection combines a beige top with sports tan Nappa leather upholstery for the seats and matching-color synthetic leather for the rest of the cabin. It also comes standard with a set of bright-finished 16-inch aluminum wheels that go nicely with a black exterior.
The updated MX-5 is still available in Japan with 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G powertrains which have been mildly updated. The 1.5-liter engine gains a power boost of 4 hp (3 kW / 4 PS) to 133 hp (99 kW / 134 PS), while becoming slightly more efficient. The 2.0-liter unit produces the same 181 hp (135 kW / 184 PS) but benefits from new software that is said to improve response. As with the outgoing model, power is transmitted to the rear axle via a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic.
Mazda engineers didn’t neglect the driving dynamics, adding a new Asymmetric limited-slip differential on the rear axle on the manual versions for greater stability alongside a revised setup for the electric power steering. Furthermore, the new DSC-Track mode on manual vehicles makes the Dynamic Stability Control less intervening when driving on the track. As a refresher, the MX-5 received a new suspension setup for the 2022 MY featuring Mazda’s Kinematic Posture Control (KPC) technology.
Order books are already open in Japan with the first deliveries expected in mid-January 2024. Depending on the powertrain, bodystyle, and grade, pricing ranges between ¥2,898,500 ($19,467) and ¥4,308,700 ($28,938), representing an increase of around ¥200,000-300,000 ($1,300-2,000) compared to the equivalent trims of the outgoing model.
The 2024 Mazda MX-5 is also available to order in Australia where it is exclusively available with the 2.0-liter powertrain priced between AU$ 41,370-55,990 (US$ 26,243-35,517).
