New Mazda MX-5 to arrive in March 2024

• New exterior look
• Better in-car tech
• Mechanical changes to make it more fun

A new Mazda MX-5 will go on sale in March 2024 with changes to the exterior, interior and mechanical parts under the skin. The updates are aimed at keeping the car up-to-date and will apply to the normal convertible MX-5 and the MX-5 RF, which has a folding hard-top roof. 

There are some new paint colours and alloy wheel choices, but the main thing you’ll notice about the updated model is the LED headlights with daytime running lights, which have a new look for 2024. The taillights have been redesigned as well.

The best sports cars to buy in 2024

There’s also a new 8.8-inch media screen inside the MX-5 with updated software and integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The instrument panel behind the steering wheel has also been refreshed, there are new USB-C ports for charging devices and a frameless main mirror.

There are mechanical changes too, which are aimed at making the MX-5 sports car more enjoyable to drive. The 1.5-litre petrol engine remains as it was before, but the larger 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol has been tuned for better response and sound, although the power output is unchanged at 178bhp.

The power steering has also been tweaked to make it more enjoyable to use, while manual models will get a new limited-slip differential. This device is part of the transmission and it helps when accelerating and cornering at the same time. There’s also a new track mode for the traction control system which will appeal to enthusiast drivers.

9

Extra kit including Lane-Keep Assistance and Intelligent Speed Assistance will be available, plus the traffic sign recognition will be improved.

You can expect marginal price increases when the revised car lands next year. Currently, those prices start at £25,825 for the 1.5 Prime Line, rising to £32,410 for the Homura, while RF models cost an extra £2,100 model-for-model. Mazda will confirm prices and specs at a later date.

Even Mazda's hatchback is fun to drive, read our in-depth review of the Mazda3...