Codenamed ND, the fourth-generation Mazda MX-5 received a significant update in 2018 for the 2019 model year. The subsequent ND3 was revealed in October 2023 as a 2024 model with revised styling, an upgraded infotainment system, an asymmetric limited-slip differential for the Club, and DSC-Track Mode for the Club trim level as well.
Heading to US dealer lots this quarter, the 2024 Mazda MX-5 soldiers on with the very same 181 horsepower and 151 pound-feet (205 Nm) of torque as the ND2. Prior to the 2019 model year update, the 2.0-liter mill produced 155 horsepower and 148 pound-feet (200 Nm) at full chatter.
Pricing kicks off at $28,985 for the soft top in Sport flavor, whereas the Club starts at $32,485. The most affordable RF is the Club at $40,210. As opposed to the soft top, the RF Club comes standard with the Brembo BBS Recaro Package. This package sweetens the deal with Brembo front brakes and red calipers at every corner, dark gunmetal 17-inch forged wheels from BBS, and – no surprises here – Recaro sport seats. Said seats are heated.
The Brembo BBS Recaro Package also comes with a few stylistic enhancements in the form of black side-sill extensions and a rear bumper skirt. Above the Club grade, the range-topping Grand Touring carries a sticker price of $34,285 for the soft top and $37,010 for the retractable fastback. The RF's roof needs 13 seconds to open or close.
The Grand Touring is the only 2024 Mazda MX-5 available with a torque-converter automatic, a transmission that defeats the purpose of driving a lightweight sports car. It costs $920 or $970 more, respectively, than the standard manual.
Photo: Mazda
Building on the Club's content, the Grand Touring adds traffic sign recognition, High Beam Control, an adaptive front lighting system, heated leather seats, Mazda Navigation system, automatic climate control, three years of SiriusXM Traffic & Travel Link, and a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink. Tan Nappa leather costs $300 extra over the standard black leather.
The entry-level Sport grade isn't exactly spartan either. Highlights include Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, leather on the steering wheel, shift knob, and parking brake, cruise control, six speakers, two USB ports, keyless entry, 16-inch alloys, LED lights, gloss-black mirror caps, and two removable cup holders.
The symmetric limited-slip differential of the Club promises ideal yaw damping control while cornering. Mazda further notes reduced lockup during acceleration to reduce understeer and a stronger lockup under engine braking to improve stability at corner entry. The Club's DSC-Track Mode doesn't turn off dynamic stability control completely, but intervenes in case of a spin.
Regardless of grade, the 2024 Mazda MX-5 for the US of A now comes with an 8.8-inch infotainment display that becomes a touchscreen when using Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. Last but not least, the exterior color palette welcomes Aero Gray for the 2024 model year. It joins Zircon Sand Metallic, Soul Red Crystal, Machine Gray Metallic, Snowflake White Pearl Mica, Jet Black Mica, Deep Crystal Blue Mica, and Platinum Quartz Metallic.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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