2024 Mazda MX-5 review | CarExpert

The Mazda MX-5 is the gift that keeps on giving…

Born at the end of the 1980s, the formula has hardly changed since its inception. A compact, lightweight two-seat roadster with a free-revving naturally aspirated engine driving the rear wheels.

Some 35 years and several generations later, the Mazda MX-5 remains a cult classic, and one of the last of a dying breed. Two-seat sports cars, particularly affordable ones, are thin on the ground. You have the Mazda and the Subaru BRZ/Toyota GR86 twins, but other than that there’s not much.

The Nissan Z has moved much closer to the six-figure mark and the Ford Mustang is pushing upmarket with its new generation – some variants are six figures now. It’s not like the MX-5 hasn’t crept up over the years, but you can still have one in your driveway for less than $50,000.

For 2024 the MX-5 has been treated to a mild facelift – the first actual design change for the ND-generation – and debuts Mazda Connected Services in the Australian market, among other upgrades which should help on spirited stints and on track.

Is this old faithful still a pulse-setter? Or is the little Japanese auto icon’s star starting to fade?

How does the Mazda MX-5 compare?

View a detailed breakdown of the Mazda MX-5 against similarly sized vehicles.

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MX-5

How much does the Mazda MX-5 cost?

Pricing for the facelifted MX-5 is up by around $2000-$2500 compared to the outgoing range, and already has been subjected to minor price increases since the original announcement (by about $150).

MX-5 Roadster

To see how the Mazda MX-5 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool.

What is the Mazda MX-5 like on the inside?

The ND-generation MX-5 has been largely unchanged inside and out since it launched nearly a decade ago, but one of the biggest developments with this update is in the cabin.

Sitting proudly atop the dash is the larger 10.25-inch Mazda Connect infotainment system that debuted on the Mazda 3 some time ago, but here it debuts Mazda Connected Services in Australia.

Complimentary for three years after the vehicle’s first date of registration, connected services allow various net-based and remote features, most of which are accessible via the MyMazda smartphone app.

Highlights include vehicle status and health; stolen vehicle assistance; remote lock, flash lights; vehicle locator; curfew notification; geofencing; SOS emergency call; recall notification; and Mazda eCare.

All of these features are available from launch, and it’s expected Mazda will roll these features out throughout its wider range in the coming year – the new CX-70 and CX-80 have already been confirmed to offer the tech.

Other minor changes inside include the option of a Tan leather interior for the MX-5 RF GT, though this is only available with the black roof option as well as an automatic transmission – surely Mazda, let the manual drivers have it too?

The base MX-5 RF also picks up a new Legane synthetic suede upholstery to accent the black cloth, and the instrument cluster has been revised with a new background colour for a flatter and cleaner look designed to boost legibility.

Mazda has also added leatherette extended upholstery along the centre console with contrast stitching, which further enhances the ambience and presentation.

It’s all otherwise pretty familiar MX-5 fare in here.

There’s no escaping its compact proportions, but I’m 6’1 and could get comfortable in the driver’s seat. Less so in the passenger’s pew.

I really appreciate the simplicity to the layout and ergonomics, with everything within easy reach and pretty clearly labelled. It does all this without feeling particularly basic or cheap, either.

All the touch points feel solid, from the leather-trimmed steering wheel to the gearshift and manual handbrake. There’s a leatherette-lined dashboard insert and centre console, which is a good substitute for hard plastic.

If there’s any real complaint it’s the limited storage, even if this segment isn’t designed to be family friendly. There’s limited space for odds and ends, and the slot ahead of the shifter may not always hold your phone when driving dynamically.

Points to Mazda for keeping this cabin fresh and functional for nearly a decade, and the new bits definitely make a difference. The new infotainment system is quicker and has nicer graphics, and the enhanced functionality doesn’t hurt. It also better aligns the MX-5 with newer models in the Mazda stable.

I’m also always impressed by the sound system. I spent my time in the Roadster GT RS for a week and the nine-speaker Bose audio system is excellent even with the roof down at 100km/h on the freeway.

The Roadster’s manual roof is a quick and easy job irrespective of speed, unlike powered systems. It can go up and down in a matter of seconds. The RF, meanwhile, requires 13 seconds below 10km/h to raise or lower its metal roof.

Worth noting is the small boot. There’s just 130 litres in Roadster guise and 127L in the RF, which means you have room for soft bags and light luggage but not much more – a Subaru BRZ or Toyota GR86 is more practical in this respect, in addition to having an extra pair of seats in the rear.

To see how the Mazda MX-5 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool.

What’s under the bonnet?

Just one engine is offered with the MX-5 in Australia.

To see how the Mazda MX-5 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool.

How does the Mazda MX-5 drive?

This is one area where the MX-5 doesn’t need to change…

It may only pack a small naturally aspirated petrol motor shared with passenger cars, but the MX-5 is a back to basics machine that reminds you of the joys of purist driving.

The typical buzzy Mazda cold start up is characteristic of the Skyactiv-G petrol engine family, but there’s a more of a sporty growl from the MX-5 to give it more purpose than something like a CX-5.

For me, manual is the only way to go. The GT RS is manual only regardless, but the slick shift of the MX-5 (and other Mazda models for that matter) is just a joy to use even when driving day-to-day.

I spent almost a whole week commuting to the office in this thing, and it really feels like an extension of the driver. Even for mundane commutes, the response to inputs are accurate, predictable, and linear.

Weighing in at just over a tonne, the 135kW/205Nm atmo four under the bonnet offers a fun revvy nature and plenty of go without being silly fast.

Mazda doesn’t officially quote a 0-100km/h time for the MX-5, but various outlets have reported anywhere from the mid-6.0s to low-7.0s mark – part of the variance will be down to how well you can launch the manual and shift.

It’s already hot hatch quick and a featherweight at that, so it’s quite easy to plant your right foot and get to legal highway speeds in a brisk manner, and it’s so much fun rowing through the cogs in this.

The engine note is growly and purposeful at full noise, and Mazda has even made a point to note it draws the engine’s sound directly into the cabin “without raising the acoustic pressure any more than necessary” for a more “stirring” experience – whatever that means, it sounds pretty good.

We didn’t take the MX-5 to the track to try out the new DSC-TRACK mode for the stability control nor the new Asymmetric LSD at the limit, but our Roadster GT RS test car proved to be a lot of fun on a run through the Victorian hills around Healesville and Toolangi Forest.

It’s a route I often take for smaller performance cars, and the MX-5 ate the twisty hillclimb and descent beautifully. There’s no scrabbling or scrambling for traction, and it’s so linear in its throttle response that you won’t have it kicking out or lighting up the traction control like you might get in more powerful, turbocharged sports cars.

As with most current Mazdas the steering is buttery smooth and super accurate, allowing you to point and shoot, threading corners together beautifully. It all comes back to that ‘extension of the driver’ feel I mentioned earlier, you really feel at one with machine.

The sticky Bridgestone Potenza tyres also have good grip in all weather conditions, making this a great daily and all-rounder should you not need big boots or rear seats.

Like we’ve reported previously, even the GT RS isn’t super stiff and tied down like more focused sports cars, instead offering controlled and playful body roll in corners. All of this allows you to gradually dial up the heat and gives you time to explore and enjoy its capabilities, even on public roads.

Top down is really the only way to drive this thing too. My rule while it was in my hands was “no rain, no roof”. Given how rare convertibles are these days, it’s a nice refresher as to why they’re so fun when you have the wind in your hair and the sun shining down on you – yes, even during Melbourne’s chilly winter.

While not as important in a car like this, the MX-5 is equipped with a range of assistance functions – though not all of the available catalogue is offered in Australia.

Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are appreciated given the over-shoulder obstruction in both roof types when roof-up, and the reversing camera and sensors help when backing into parking spots. Front sensors would be good too, but alas they’re not available.

Basic cruise control and lane departure warning carry over from previous iterations, and work fine. It’s a shame Mazda hasn’t taken the adaptive cruise control and reversing AEB available in Japan, however, as the former would make this an even more liveable daily if you drive to and from work every day.

Traffic sign recognition and driver attention monitoring round out the inclusions, and unlike some newer cars on the market these features are far less intrusive and noisy.

What do you get?

Three distinct trim levels are available with both body styles.

MX-5 standard equipment:

• 17-inch alloy wheels – black metallic
• 205/45 tyres
• Cloth soft-top
• LED daytime running lights
• Automatic LED headlights
• Power mirrors – piano black
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Climate control
• Cruise control
• Black cloth seat trim
• 8.8-inch Mazda Connect display
• Mazda Connected Services
• Apple CarPlay – wireless or USB
• Android Auto – wireless or USB
• 6-speaker sound system
• AM, FM, DAB radio
• Bluetooth phone, audio
• Satellite navigation

MX-5 GT adds:

• 17-inch alloys – machined
• Adaptive LED headlights
• Power mirrors – body colour, heated
• Black leather seat trim
• Heated seats
• Bose premium sound system
  • 9 speakers
  • 203-watt amplifier
• Keyless entry

MX-5 RF GT Black Roof adds:

• Black retractable roof
• Tan Nappa leather

MX-5 GT RS adds (over GT):

• 17-inch BBS forged alloy wheels
• Bilstein suspension dampers
• Brembo front brakes
• Suspension front tower brace bar
• Power mirrors – piano black, heated
• DSC-TRACK mode

Colours

The 2024 Mazda MX-5 brings in a new Aero Grey exterior paint option, which is available as a no-cost option.

• Snowflake White Pearl Mica
• Zircon Sand Metallic^
• Soul Red Crystal Metallic^
• Deep Crystal Blue Mica
• Jet Black Mica
• Machine Grey Metallic^
• Aero Grey Metallic

^Premium paint incurs $595 charge

Is the Mazda MX-5 safe?

The Mazda MX-5 is currently unrated by ANCAP, as the ND-generation’s five-star ANCAP safety rating expired as of 1 January, 2024.

Pre-update models wore a five-star ANCAP safety rating based on 2016 testing, where the Japanese sports car scored 35.20 out of 37 against older criteria.

Standard saefty features include:

• 4 airbags
• Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
  • Forward, reverse
  • Pedestrian detection – front
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Driver attention monitoring
• Hill-start assist
• Lane departure warning
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Rear parking sensors
• Reversing camera
• Seatbelt warning
• Traffic sign recognition
• Tyre pressure monitoring

How much does the Mazda MX-5 cost to run?

The MX-5 is covered by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, with five years of roadside assistance too.

Scheduled maintenance is required every 12 months or 15,000 kilometres – whichever comes first. Mazda offers five years of capped-price servicing.

2024 Mazda MX-5 service pricing:

CarExpert’s Take on the Mazda MX-5

Every time I drive an MX-5 I’m almost compelled to go out and buy one.

There’s a wonderful simplicity and purity about this car that isn’t common, and despite its advancing age it still looks super in the right colour – Soul Red Crystal on a Mazda is hard to beat.

While there’s little in the way of design updates for this ‘facelift’ (although I much prefer the integrated LED DRLs and the new wheel design), Mazda’s small refinements make an even more polished package.

It’s fun, relatively fast, and relatively affordable. The dynamics are sweet, the manual shift is slick, and there’s a whiff of cool about the looks and convertible roof – I don’t care what anyone says, this isn’t a ‘hairdresser’s car’, and that’s an antiquated way of looking at things anyway.

That’s not to say it’s perfect. It’s still pretty impractical in both passenger and cargo space, storage isn’t its strong point and Mazda has slowly pulled away options and choice for Australian buyers.

The lack of personalisation is a key one – why offer the Tan option on one particular body and drivetrain combination rather than the wider range? Where are the different roof colour options? More choice in wheels? These are all available in Japan and would likely drive more engagement.

It’s also a shame we don’t have the full suite of new tech available in Japan like adaptive cruise control – I know buyers probably won’t care, but why does Australia miss out?

The hefty premium of the GT models over the base specs has me thinking the base Roadster manual is arguably the sweet spot, offering the purest MX-5 experience for $7000 less than the equivalent GT. The RF GT Black Roof with the Tan leather option would be my second pick… if you could get a manual.

But for what it is, the MX-5 remains a glorious little thing that’s big fun in a little package for just about every minute you’ll spend behind the wheel. Now with meaningful tech and mechanical upgrades, it’s as polished as ever.

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