2024 Mazda MX-5 Facelift Review

It’s almost MIND BLOWING to write this – but did you know the 4th generation ND Mazda MX-5 has been on sale for 9 years now?

While there have been several nips and tucks over the years, like the increasing of the redline for the 2.0L engine, not much has changed.

However this facelift provides some exterior nips and tucks, updated tech and few mechanical changes too. 

So should you be lining up to buy the facelifted 2024 Mazda MX-5 before it inevitably becomes electrified in some form soon?

Let’s talk about that in this review!

How much does the Mazda MX-5 cost?

As with many updated models, the facelifted MX-5 comes with a slight price increase.

The range begins at $41,520 before on-road costs for the Roadster Manual, which reflects an increase of $2,460 from the previous model. The MX-5 G20 Roadster 6MT includes key features such as 17-inch black metallic alloy wheels, LED headlamps, and a 6-speed manual transmission. The interior is equipped with a black cloth trim, climate control air-conditioning, and an 8.8-inch widescreen display with Mazda Connect.

Moving to the MX-5 G20 Roadster GT 6MT at $48,640, the model offers additional features, including black leather seats with heating functions, a premium Bose® 9-speaker audio system, and advanced keyless entry. The automatic version, the GT 6AT, is priced at $50,140.

For those interested in performance enhancements, the MX-5 G20 Roadster GT RS 6MT is available at $51,640, featuring Bilstein suspension dampers, Brembo front brakes, and BBS forged alloy wheels.

For customers who prefer a retractable fastback, the MX-5 G20 RF 6MT starts at $46,250. This model provides the same driving experience as the Roadster but with the added feature of a retractable hardtop. The RF GT 6MT is priced at $53,140, with the automatic version RF GT 6AT at $54,640. The RF GT Black Roof 6AT, which includes a distinctive exterior and tan Nappa leather interior, is priced at $55,660.

The top-tier model, the MX-5 G20 RF GT RS 6MT, is priced at $56,140. This variant combines performance and luxury features, including Bilstein dampers, Brembo brakes, and the retractable hardtop.

Mazda MX-5 Roadster Pricing:

• 2024 Mazda MX-5 G20 Roadster 6MT - $41,520
• 2024 Mazda MX-5 G20 Roadster GT 6MT - $48,640
• 2024 Mazda MX-5 G20 Roadster GT 6AT - $50,140
• 2024 Mazda MX-5 G20 Roadster GT RS 6MT - $51,640

Mazda MX-5 RF Pricing:

• 2024 Mazda MX-5 G20 RF 6MT - $46,250
• 2024 Mazda MX-5 G20 RF GT 6MT - $53,140
• 2024 Mazda MX-5 G20 RF GT 6AT - $54,640
• 2024 Mazda MX-5 G20 RF GT Black Roof 6AT - $55,660
• 2024 Mazda MX-5 G20 RF GT RS 6MT - $56,140

Note: Prices exclude on-road costs.

What’s the exterior like of the Mazda MX-5?

‍You’ll either be relieved or disappointed that it’s actually quite difficult to distinguish this facelift from the previous face.

You still get the dorky MX-5 ‘smile’ thanks to the grille, and a couple of new colours – Aero Grey and Zircon Sand – but otherwise the LED headlights have been updated to now include daytime running lights.

Depending on the grade, you can also score new 17” alloy wheels – though the difference is cosmetic only.

Although we drove all variants of the MX-5, both Roadster and RF, our Manual RF GT RS scores upgraded 17” BBS alloy wheels and Brembo brakes up front. These remain unchanged.

The rear has also been slightly nipped, with all lights now LED and within the rear light cluster.

Minor changes overall, but let’s be honest – one of the most beautiful cars on the road didn’t need much surgery.

What’s the interior like of the Mazda MX-5?

‍Headlining the changes is the replacement of the 7.0” MZD Connect infotainment display that really did feel very 2015, and in its place is a suitably better 8.8” higher definition unit.

You now also score wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with 2xUSB-C ports replacing the USB-A ports.

Other new things are the connected features, which is the first Mazda in Australia to get this. Through the accompanying app, you can see where your car is and control basic functions like lock (but no unlock…), flashing the lights and other minor controls.

This is included for 3 years with the purchase of the MX-5, but what happens after that – such as pricing – is still being decided.

The last change is arguably the most minor; the font for the tachometer has been slightly revised to assist with readability. I couldn’t notice a difference personally.

Otherwise, it’s same old Mazda MX-5. But that’s a great thing.

Soft touch materials are in most places, you get a perfectly sized and shaped leather steering wheel, and the seats are amongst some of the best and can fit most people up to 6’3” comfortably.

If you’re much taller fitting in the interior may genuinely become an issue for you.

Speaking of the seats, if you get the GT trim and up a 9 speaker Bose sound system is installed. This means you get speakers in the headrests too, and the sound system is fantastic.

You’ll probably want to spec for the GT trim at the very least too, just so you can get the heated seats. That essentially unlocks top-down driving even during our Aussie winters.

If you’re looking for practicality you’ve very much come to the wrong place.

There are a couple of cupholders just behind where the driver and passenger sit, and you can move one of the cupholders to the passenger footwell if you want easy access to your drinks.

There is also a rather large lockable cubby hole above the cupholders which is a nice touch. But you need it, because the centre armrest has enough space for the key and that’s about it.

There is also no glovebox, so you’re out of luck there too.

There is a little phone storage area, but a rare miss that it isn’t a wireless charger as well.

Overall, if you were charmed by the interior before – you will continue to be charmed. It’s an almost perfect layout, with practically no faults. Apart from space.

What’s boot space like in the Mazda MX-5?

‍If you temper your expectations, you might actually be pleasantly surprised by the 130L of boot space for the Roadster (soft top), or 127L for the RF.

It’s enough space for a weekend trip away for a couple and that’s about it.

What’s under the bonnet of the 2024 Mazda MX-5?

‍Although in Australia we no-longer get the 1.5L naturally-aspirated petrol engine, we do get the arguably better 2.0L naturally aspirated petrol engine.

In the MX-5 it outputs 135kW of power at 7000RPM and 205Nm of torque at 4000RPM, and you can get the Mazda MX-5 with the choice of a 6-speed manual or 6-speed torque converted automatic.

But, if you are the 65% of people who do opt for the Manual in Australia – you’ll be happy to know Mazda reward you with some exclusive new goodies.

Replacing the torque-distributing limited-slip differential (LSD) is a new asymmetrical LSD. Essentially this means the usually tail-happy MX-5 is better able to modulate its rear wheel power to not oversteer as much as it’s known for.

But if you do want to go sideways, don’t worry – Mazda have also introduced a Race-DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) which recalibrates stability control to allow for full power and torque but reeling the MX-5 back into line by braking if it yaw’s too much.

This is available only on the top-spec GT RS, which also scores Bilstean dampers.

Another manual exclusive is a retuned cam mechanism, which essentially remaps the throttle calibration to be more 1:1 – including apparently shaving 2 seconds off the time it takes for you to lift your foot of the accelerator and the engine actually responding.

Other changes include a new air-intake design which allows for more aural experiences in the cabin but does not effect performance.

And the steering rack has been slightly revised to be relocated and with less friction, allowing for a lighter steering feel.

How does the Mazda MX-5 Drive?

‍I’ll be totally honest and say that in isolation, each change is really minor. In fact, you probably wouldn’t even notice them.

However together, you can definitely feel the changes for the facelifted Mazda MX-5.

A stab of the throttle and the engine seems to respond just that bit better, revving very happily to its redline of 7500 RPM.

Mazda have a ‘horse and rider’ design philosophy, and while we all know that’s typically marketing hogwash, this really feels like you are one with the car.

The 6-speed manual remains one of the best stock gearboxes I’ve ever used – and I’ve driven arguably way too many cars at this point.

Its short shifts and mechanical feel mean that you always feel in control and know exactly what you and the car are doing at any given time.

Although I couldn’t pick up on the new ‘aural sensations’, the raspy engine note sounds just as sweet to my ears as always; and becomes even better when you go topless.

With the roof down, the MX-5 with its 50:50 weight distribution handles as expected with a bit of body roll, but never feels unsettled.

The rear-wheel drive nature when combined with the new asymmetrical LSD just provides that extra bit of confidence that the rear end won’t slip out too easily under more intense driving loads.

And I noticed it – even when making a hard right hand turn, the MX-5 is far less willing to go sideways than before.

I also drove the new MX-5 on the track, which I can only describe as the most fun you can have with your pants on.

Thanks to it’s relatively gutless engine – which to be fair I timed the 0-100km/h sprint at 6.81 seconds, so not that bad – you can actually row through the gears whether on the track or on the road without risk of losing your licence.

It’s also remarkably stable at high speeds, though if you are serious about tracking it you’ll definitely want to invest in new dampers. 

Even the Bilstein dampers have a significant amount of body roll, and the Kinematic Posture Control (KPC) which is supposed to reduce body roll, only does so much.

For those wanting the automatic, you’ll be disappointed to hear it’s definitely a step down in driving dynamics. It feels slower and handles significantly worse than the manual under load no thanks to it’s different LSD.

But if it’s just a top-down cruiser you’re looking for, it provides 85% of the experience. Okay, maybe 80% (the 6-speed manual is just that good).

Overall, the MX-5 has really just received a little bit of love with its driving dynamics, and is more accessible to more people.

But if you have a 2019-2023 MX-5 don’t worry, it’s not that significant.

What do you get with the Mazda MX-5?

Base Grade: MX-5 G20 Roadster

• 17-inch alloy wheels (black metallic) with 205/45 tyres
• Cloth soft-top
• LED headlamps with auto on/off function
• Power mirrors (piano black)
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Climate control air-conditioning
• Cruise control
• Black cloth seat trim
• 8.8-inch widescreen display (Mazda Connect)
• Mazda Connected Services
• Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
• Audio system with 6 speakers, AM/FM tuner, digital radio (DAB+)
• Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio capability
• Driver Attention Alert (DAA)
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
• Multi-function commander control
• Satellite navigation
• Front and side airbags (driver and passenger)
• Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
• Rear-view mirror with auto-dimming function
• Reverse parking sensors
• Smart City Brake Support [Forward/Reverse] (SCBSF/R) with front pedestrian detection
• Reverse camera
• Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR)
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Asymmetric Limited-Slip Differential (manual only)
• Kinematic Posture Control (KPC)
• RWD drivetrain with a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine (135kW @ 7,000rpm, 205Nm @ 4,000rpm)

Added in MX-5 G20 Roadster GT

• 17-inch alloy wheels (machined)
• Adaptive LED Headlamps (ALH)
• Power mirrors (body coloured with heating)
• Black leather seat trim with heating function
• Premium Bose® 203 watt amplifier with 9 speakers
• Advanced keyless entry

Added in MX-5 G20 Roadster GT RS

• 17-inch BBS forged alloy wheels
• Bilstein suspension dampers
• Brembo front brakes
• Suspension front tower brace bar
• Track mode

Added in MX-5 G20 RF (Retractable Fastback)

• Body coloured retractable hardtop
• Black cloth with Legane synthetic suede seat trim

Added in MX-5 G20 RF GT

• 17-inch alloy wheels (machined)
• Body coloured or black retractable roof
• Adaptive LED Headlamps (ALH)
• Power mirrors (body coloured with heating)
• Black leather seat trim with heating function
• Premium Bose® 203 watt amplifier with 9 speakers
• Advanced keyless entry

Added in MX-5 G20 RF GT Black Roof

• Tan Nappa leather seat trim (exclusive to this variant)
• Black retractable roof

Added in MX-5 G20 RF GT RS

• 17-inch BBS forged alloy wheels
• Bilstein suspension dampers
• Brembo front brakes
• Suspension front tower brace bar
• Track mode

Is the Mazda MX-5 safe?

‍The 2024 Mazda MX-5 is technically ‘unrated’ by ANCAP as its 5-star rating from 2015 has since expired.

Although the MX-5 is offered overseas with adaptive cruise control, the Australian product planners have decided not to include this new feature as it would add to the cost of the car and MX-5 owners don’t ask for it.

Still, active safety equipment is rather plentiful, including:

• Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
• Blind Spot Monitoring
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Lane Departure Warning
• Lank Keep Assist
• Speed Sign Recognition
• Driver Attention Warning

It’s also worth noting that although the MX-5 has rear parking sensors and a reverse camera, no such luck up front (though the car is so small, you really don’t need it.)

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

‍The MX-5 comes with a 5-year, unlimited-kilometer warranty.

Scheduled services are every 12 months or 15,000 kilometers.

Mazda offer a 3 or 5 year servicing pre-paid plan, with the 3-year costing $1,532 and the 5-year costing $2,721.

The Mazda MX-5 has a claimed fuel economy of between 6.8L/100km and 7.2L/100km, with a manual roadster being the former and an automatic RF being the latter.

Final thoughts on the Mazda MX-5

‍The 2024 Mazda MX-5 continues to uphold its reputation as a driver-focused roadster, offering subtle yet effective enhancements with this latest update. The changes may seem minor when taken individually, but collectively they contribute to an improved driving experience. The refreshed interior, updated infotainment system, and new technology features ensure that the MX-5 remains competitive in today’s market.

While the exterior changes are minimal, the MX-5’s timeless design still turns heads, and the added safety and convenience features make it a well-rounded package. However, it’s important to note that the MX-5 is not without its limitations, particularly in terms of practicality and space. It’s a car that appeals to driving enthusiasts who prioritise performance and the thrill of open-top motoring over cargo capacity and creature comforts.

The various trims offer something for everyone, whether you’re looking for the pure driving experience of the base Roadster or the added luxury and performance of the GT RS. The manual transmission, in particular, stands out as one of the best in the industry, making the MX-5 a joy to drive.

Overall, the 2024 Mazda MX-5 remains true to its roots, delivering a driving experience that is both engaging and accessible. While it may not be the most practical choice, it’s certainly one of the most fun, and for many, that’s what makes it worth every penny.