Mazda MX-5 upgraded for 2022

Major changes are on the way for the Mazda MX-5 roadster line-up early next year, when a 2022 model year update will bring new ‘kinematic posture control’ (KPC) rear suspension, an expanded colour palette and the axing of the fizzy 1.5-litre engine.

The smaller entry-level engine’s retirement due to lack of demand means the punchier 2.0-litre engine now powers the cheapest MY22 Mazda MX-5, priced at $37,690 plus on-road costs.

That’s $1600 more than before but you get the bigger engine, and there are only minor price hikes for the rest of the MX-5 range (see below).

Mazda Australia says demand for the gutsier 2.0-litre mill (135kW/205Nm) had surged since its 2018 update, which gave it the same “free-revving and lively characteristics” as the 1.5 (97kW/152Nm).

Upping the 2.0-litre MX-5’s appeal even further for 2022 is the new KPC suspension, which Mazda says keeps the rear-end of the car more planted during hard cornering by braking the inside rear wheel to counteract body roll and ‘stabilise its posture’.

Sensitive to the level of cornering force and corner speed, the system is adaptive in how much brake force it applies at any given point and is completely inactive during normal driving.

“This update maximises the MX-5’s innate potential in a wider range of driving scenarios than ever before, enhancing the sense of Jinba-ittai [Japanese for connection between driver and car] that it’s so well known for,” said Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi.

All 12 variants of the MY22 MX-5 – once again including two body styles, three trim levels and two transmission choices – will score the agility-enhancing technology, including the GT RS with its Bilstein shock absorbers.

In addition to the bigger engine, the standard safety suite for both the Roadster and RF (folding hard-top) versions also steps up, with the addition of driver attention alert, lane departure warning, rear parking sensors, smart city brake support rear (reversing AEB), an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and LED daytime running lights.

While a new ‘Platinum Quartz Metallic’ paint finish also joins the range, high-end RF GT variants add the option of a new Terracotta Nappa leather upholstery colour.

How much does the 2022 Mazda MX-5 cost?
Roadster – $37,690
Roadster (a) – $39,690
Roadster GT – $44,320
Roadster GT (a) – $46,320
Roadster GT RS – $47,320
RF – $42,000
RF (a) – $44,000
RF GT – $48,400
RF GT (a) – $50,400
RF GT RS – $51,400
RF GT Black Roof – $49,420
RF GT Black Roof (a) – $51,420
* Prices exclude on-road costs