As the ND generation Mazda MX-5 has entered its eighth year in the market, the automaker has improved several aspects for 2024. The new iteration features a few design tweaks and brings additional gear, and it just broke cover in Japan and Australia.
Blink, and you will certainly miss the changes on the outside as they revolve around the new lighting signatures of the headlamps and taillamps. Mazda also mentions a new set of 17-inch alloys and an added exterior color called the Aero Blue.
Those interested in the RF variant can specify it with a fresh tan Nappa leather interior in combination with a black roof. Mazda says the leather upholstery was wrapped around the seats and center console and features double stitching.
A redesigned 8.8-inch infotainment system is part of the new model year updates. It runs the more advanced Mazda Connect system and replaces the old 7-inch display. The 2024 MX-5 is the brand's first vehicle in Australia to support Connected Services. Thus, users can check the vehicle status via a dedicated smartphone app, and the car can contact the emergency services in the event of a crash.
Mazda has also improved several mechanical aspects of the roadster for the new model year, which now features a new asymmetric limited-slip differential for quicker cornering. There is also a Track mode for the ESC that's limited to the GT RS trim level, and both are available exclusively with the manual transmission.
Photo: Mazda
The automaker has also reduced the steering rack friction for a more natural response and has made additional enhancements to the throttle. The engine sound has been improved, too. The adaptive cruise control is available on cars sold in the Land of the Rising Sun, yet Mazda does not mention this feature at all when it comes to Australia.
Power is still supplied by the Skyactiv-G 2.0-liter unit. The naturally aspirated engine produces 135 kW (184 ps/181 hp) and 205 Nm (151 lb-ft) of torque, and it is the lump of choice when it comes to Australia. It works in concert with a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic, depending on the selected grade.
Speaking of trim levels, the MX-5 Roadster, aka the one with a ragtop, is offered in three configurations: the base, GT, and GT RS. Equipped with a manual transmission, the former starts at AU$41,370 (US$26,142) in Australia. The mid-spec comes from AU$48,490 (US$30,641) with a manual, and AU$49,990 (US$31,589) with an automatic transmission, and the top flavor starts at AU$51,490 (US$32,537) and uses a stick shift.
The 2024 MX-5 RF comes in the same grades, starting at AU$46,100 (US$). The GT manual and automatic kick off at AU$52,990 (US$33,484) and AU$54,490 (US$34,432), respectively, and the GT is also available with both transmission options, starting at AU$55,510 (US$35,077) with two pedals and at AU$55,990 (US$35,380) with three.
Mazda will launch the 2024 MX-5 in Australia in the first quarter of next year, and there is no reference yet to the US models.
After a series of unfortunate events put an end to Cristian's dream of entering a custom built & tuned old-school Dacia into a rally competition, he moved on to drive press cars and write for a living. He's worked for several automotive online journals and now he's back at autoevolution after his first tour in the mid-2000s. Full profile
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