Updated 2020 Mazda MX-5 on sale now priced from £23,795

• Revised Mazda MX-5 range on sale now
• New GT Sport Tech model introduced for 2020
• All cars feature new stop-start and energy recovery technology

The updated 2020 Mazda MX-5 range is on sale now with a starting price of £23,795. The latest version of the Japanese roadster is now available in a new range-topping GT Sport Tech trim level. All cars also get new fuel-saving technology and more standard equipment.

At the top of the MX-5 range, the flagship GT Sport Tech model costs £29,895 and features black mirror caps and a choice of five paint finishes, including a new optional ‘Polymetal Grey’ metallic, along with 17-inch BBS alloy wheels finished in ‘Gun Metallic’ paint. The interior gets plusher burgundy Nappa leather-trimmed heated seats, with matching colour door cards and contrasting silver stitching throughout.

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In addition to the new trim level, Mazda has introduced a new stop-start function with an energy recovery system. Fitted to all cars in the 2020 MX-5 range, the system is called ‘i-ELOOP’ and should help improve the MX-5’s overall efficiency.

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The entry-level MX-5 remains the SE-L. It kicks off the range at £23,795 and features an updated kit list that includes fabric-trimmed sports seats, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and a seven-inch infotainment touchscreen with sat nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. LED headlights, black 16-inch alloy wheels and electrically folding heated wing mirrors are also standard.

Starting at £26,095, the MX-5 Sport gets black leather upholstery, chrome interior trim and a premium nine-speaker Bose stereo system. Additional standard safety tech includes lane departure warning and autonomous emergency braking.

The Sport Tech model is £28,395 and features adaptive LED headlights, a reversing camera, and blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert. Heated leather-trimmed seats with silver stitching also feature, along with larger 17-inch alloy wheels.

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Buyers can choose an MX-5 with a choice of two SkyActiv-G petrol engines. Both SE-L and Sport models are powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 130bhp with a six-speed manual gearbox.

The Sport Tech and GT Sport Tech models use a more powerful 181bhp 2.0-litre engine, which is only available with the same six-speed manual gearbox in the roadster version. The Sport Tech and GT Sport Tech models of the MX-5 RF, which has a metal roof instead of a fabric version, are available with a six-speed automatic gearbox as an option for £1,600.

All 2.0-litre models of the MX-5 (other than the automatic RF) feature a tuned exhaust system that, according to Mazda, offers “a more powerful engine note”. They all offer sharper handling thanks to the addition of a front strut brace, limited slip differential and upgraded Bilstein suspension.

Want to know more about the Mazda MX-5 convertible and MX-5 RF? Read our in-depth reviews.