The quintessential sports car, the Mazda MX-5 has made its debut at the Japan Mobility Show, featuring a subtle exterior redesign. Notable changes include fresh LED headlight designs that now incorporate daytime running lights. The rear LED lights have also been restyled, and a new Aero Grey paint colour joins the MX-5 lineup.

Inside the car, drivers will find a larger 8.8-inch central touch-screen multimedia display along with an updated instrument panel. The expanded central screen enhances navigation mapping clarity, and the advanced MZ Connect system improves user functionality. The inclusion of USB-C ports brings modern convenience, while wireless Apple CarPlay remains a key feature. A new frameless rear-view mirror adds sophistication to the interior while preserving the MX-5’s renowned driver-focused cabin and driving position.

Throughout its over three-decade history spanning four generations, the Mazda MX-5 has consistently set the standard as a pure lightweight sports car, with driver engagement at its core. The “Jinba Ittai” philosophy, signifying the harmony between driver and machine, remains central to every Mazda vehicle, epitomised by the MX-5. The 2024 model continues this legacy, delivering the joy of open-top driving while staying true to its foundational values of agility, lightweight design, and finely balanced handling.

For all models, the new Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) track driving mode is engineered to delay intervention, prioritising a dynamic yet secure driving experience, especially for first-time track drivers. Mazda has also improved the accelerator’s response for more precise throttle application and made adjustments to the electric power steering, reducing steering rack friction for a more natural and fluid response. These enhancements aim to strengthen the connection between driver and car, a hallmark of the MX-5 driving experience.

Notably, 2.0 litre manual-equipped cars come standard with a front strut brace, limited-slip differential, and Bilstein dampers. The 2024 model introduces a new Asymmetric Limited Slip Differential featuring a cam mechanism within the conical clutch, delivering optimal slip limiting force during deceleration and acceleration actions. This improvement enhances stability when the unloaded rear wheel lightens during cornering. The tuning of the slip limiting force is carefully aligned with the engine, suspension, and tire characteristics, preserving the car’s renowned handling balance.

The 2024 Mazda model introduces additional safety features, including Lane-Keep Assistance and Intelligent Speed Assistance across all models, and an updated Traffic Sign Recognition system with improved signage recognition.

Expected to arrive in the UK in March, the 2024 model continues to build upon the success of more than 25,000 fourth-generation models sold in the UK since its 2015 debut. The eight-model range offers a choice of the 1.5 litre 132ps and 2.0 litre 184ps Skyactiv-G petrol engines for both Roadster and Retractable Fastback RF models. The Prime-Line model pairs with the 1.5 engine, the Exclusive-Line is compatible with both the 1.5 and 2.0 engines, and the range-topping Homura exclusively features the 2.0.

Jeremy Thomson, Managing Director of Mazda UK, remarked, “The current generation MX-5 has established itself as a benchmark sports car in terms of driver engagement. With the 2024 model, we continue to offer one of the most exciting and satisfying cars to drive. Our engineers have created a sports car that incorporates our groundbreaking Skyactiv technology, modern safety, and superb efficiency, all while delivering the driver-focused enjoyment for which the model is adored. The car embodies all that is great about our products and is a symbol of Mazda’s commitment to refining its vehicles over its 30-year history. The updates to the 2024 model, while subtle, ensure this car remains an affordable, engaging, world-class sports car.”

Complete UK pricing and specification details for the 2024 model will be announced at a later date.