2024 Mazda MX-5 upgraded – for a price

The iconic Mazda MX-5 has been treated to a comprehensive mid-life facelift for the 2024 model year, with the updated fourth-generation ND-series roadster (first released in 2015) bringing revised looks sharpened throttle response and handling, more noise, more tech and new colour combinations.

As usual for a major model year overhaul, the MX-5’s pricing has increased to reflect all the additional hardware and new equipment, with price tags rising between $2300 and $3220 depending on the variant.

This means the rear-drive convertible is leaving the sub-$40,000 price bracket and now starts from $41,370 plus on-road costs for the base Roadster and tops out at $55,990 for the flagship RF GT RS.

In defiance of the usual industry trends, most of the hardware and engagement upgrades have been applied to the manual variants rather than the automatics, namely an all-new limited-slip rear differential and recalibrated (sharper) throttle response.

All variants have been treated to a new tune for the electronic power steering system, but the flagship and manual-only GT RS goes one step further and pairs all this with an exclusive ‘DSC-TRACK’ mode for the dynamic stability control system, which only intervenes at the last second.

Naturally, the function is best reserved only for use on-track, but it’s unclear if the 2024 Mazda MX-5 GT RS will be covered by the factory warranty for circuit use – carsales has contacted Mazda Australia for clarification.

No changes have been made to the free-breathing 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine under the MX-5’s bonnet, meaning the MY24 model carries on with familiar 135kW/205Nm outputs and therefore the same straight-line performance capability.

Mazda claims occupants will be able to hear the fizzy little engine better than ever because “sound is now drawn directly into the interior from the engine – without raising the acoustic pressure any more than necessary”, resulting in a “more stirring audible experience”.

Stirring the infotainment experience, meantime, is a new 8.8-inch interface powered by the latest Mazda Connect software, something that aids the 2024 MX-5 in becoming the first Mazda Australia product to feature connected services as standard.

All of these upgrades are wrapped up in a mildly restyled package headlined by new front and rear lighting signatures, refreshed alloy wheel designs and a new Aero Blue exterior colour, while the RF GT can be had with a fetching new tan Nappa leather interior and black roof combination.

How much does the 2024 Mazda MX-5 cost?
Roadster – $41,370 (+$2310)
RF – $46,100 (+$2730)
Roadster GT – $48,490 (+$2800)
Roadster GT (a) – $49,990 (+$2300)
RF GT – $52,990 (+$3220)
RF GT (a) – $54,490 (+$2720)
Roadster GT RS – $51,490 (+$2800)
RF GT RS – $55,990 (+3220)
* Prices exclude on-road costs

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