The 2024 Mazda MX-5 has made its public debut at the Japan Mobility Show, and for the first time since the launch of the current generation MX-5 in 2015, Mazda’s award-winning sports car has received a subtle exterior design change. The 2024 MX-5 is marked out by a new LED headlight design that now incorporates the daytime running lights, while the rear LED lights have also been redesigned and a new Aero Grey paint colour has been added to the MX-5 line-up.
Inside, drivers benefit from a new larger central 8.8-inch touch-screen multimedia display and an updated instrument panel. The larger central screen allows for clearer navigation mapping, while the more advanced MZ Connect system helps user functionality, additionally USB-C ports have been introduced. As before, the MX-5 has wireless Apple Car Play. The 2024 Mazda MX-5 also has a new frameless rear-view mirror but the interior retains the same driver focused cabin and driving position.
Over more than three decades and across four generations, the Mazda MX-5 has always been the benchmark pure lightweight sports car with driver engagement at the centre of its appeal. This Jinba Ittai philosophy – of driver and machine working in perfect harmony – is at the heart of every Mazda, none more so than the Mazda MX-5. The 2024 Mazda MX-5 continues to deliver pure open-top driving pleasure while retaining its core values of agility, lightweight and finely balanced handling.
Across all models, the new Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) track driving mode avoids intervention until a later parameter to deliver a more dynamic, yet secure, drive experience with first-time track drivers in mind. Continuing the MX-5’s fine-tuning, the response of the accelerator has been improved to deliver a more accurate throttle application, while the electric power steering has been adjusted and steering rack friction reduced to deliver an even more natural and fluid response. The aim was to further enhance the sense of oneness with the car and connection with the road that the MX-5 has always been famed for.
As before 2.0-litre cars with the manual gearbox have a front strut brace, limited slip differential and Bilstein dampers as standard. The 2024 MX-5 features a new Asymmetric Limited Slip Differential – a cam mechanism has been added to the conical clutch, which is lightweight, compact and highly durable. The cam angle is set differently for the deceleration and acceleration side, thereby achieving optimal limiting force of slip during both actions. Strengthening the slip limiting force when the unloaded rear wheel is lightened during cornering enhances stability, moreover tuning the slip limiting force and optimising the set up for the MX-5’s engine, suspension and tyre characteristics ensures the purity of handling balance the MX-5 is famed for.
The 2024 Mazda MX-5 also sees the introduction of additional safety features including Lane-Keep Assistance and Intelligent Speed Assistance on all models, while Traffic Sign Recognition has been updated with improved signage recognition.
Arriving in the UK in March, the 2024 Mazda MX-5 continues the winning formula that has seen more than 25,000 fourth-generation MX-5s sold in the UK since its launch in 2015. The 8-model range features an unchanged engine line-up with both the Roadster and Retractable Fastback RF models offered with a choice of 1.5-litre 132ps and 184ps 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G petrol engines. Across both body styles, the Prime-Line model is matched to the 1.5-litre engine, the Exclusive-Line can be ordered with both the 1.5 and 2.0-litre engines, while the range-topping Homura sold exclusively with the 2.0-litre engine.
With continued strong retail demand for the current 2023 model year Mazda MX-5, the 2024 model year car will arrive in the UK in March. Commenting on the 2024 Mazda MX-5, Mazda UK Managing Director Jeremy Thomson said, “when it comes to driver engagement, the current generation MX-5 has established itself as a benchmark sports car, and with the 2024 Mazda MX-5 we continue to offer one of the most exciting and satisfying to drive cars money can buy.
Adding, “Our engineers created a sports car that incorporates our ground-breaking Skyactiv technology, modern safety and superb efficiency with the driver focused enjoyment for which the MX-5 is loved. The MX-5 is Mazda’s brand icon and it embodies all that is great about our products. Mazda’s unceasing commitment to refining the vehicle over its 30-year history is highlighted again with the subtle but focused updates to the 2024 MX-5, which ensure this car continues to be an affordable, engaging, world-class sports car”.
Full UK pricing and specification of the 2024 Mazda MX-5 will be announced at a later date.
