Mazda MX-5 2024: Australian release date and price confirmed for updated Toyota GR86 rival

---

Mazda Australia has announced a suite of updates for its MX-5 sports car which will see it debut new technology, mechanical upgrades and subtle styling tweaks. 

Prices are also set to increase by more than $2000 across the entire range in what is the most substantive update for the current fourth-generation convertible.

The ‘ND’ generation of the sports car has been on sale in Australia since 2015, rivaling the likes of other affordable performance vehicles powered by their rear wheels including the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86, both of which have also seen significant updates for 2024.

This round of changes follows last year’s model update which saw the sports car gain revised suspension technology, or what Mazda calls ‘Kinematic Posture Control’. 

New mechanical upgrades

Headlining the changes to the new car is a new Dynamic Stability Control mode for circuit driving which Mazda is calling ‘DSC Track’. Mazda says the driver-focused system will only interfere ‘when in a hazardous spin that the driver is unable to control’. 

Buyers will have to choose the manual-only top-spec GT RS grade in order to gain access to the new feature, which also benefits from Brembo front brakes and a front strut bar.

Also limited to manual models are tweaks to accelerator pedal response and a new Asymmetric Limited Slip Differential which Mazda says will increase stability when cornering.

The MX-5’s  electric steering system is also said to have been ‘modified for more nimble and precise operability’, regardless of model grade or transmission option.

In terms of what’s powering the rear wheel drive car, the current 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol inline-four cylinder engine which was last updated in 2018 will remain as the only option after the 1.5-litre was axed in Australia last year. Outputs are unchanged at 135kW and 205Nm, however Mazda says that engine sound is now drawn directly into the interior from the engine.

Interestingly, the refreshed line-up will also see the rare deletion of an automatic option for the entry-level Roadster and RF grades which are both now manual only.

Larger 8.8-inch touchscreen now standard

The MX-5’s current 7.0-inch touch screen will be replaced with a new larger 8.8-inch display screen as well as the auto-maker’s latest ‘Mazda Connect system’. 

It is also said to be the first Mazda in Australia to support a Connected Services functionality which connects the vehicle to emergency services in the event of an accident and also allows for vehicle status to be checked by a smartphone app. 

Outside of technological updates, a new Nappa leather interior option will be available on the RF GT in combination with a black convertible roof. 

New LED headlights and wheels

MX-5 trainspotters will also be able to notice updated styling for the sports car with new LED signatures for the headlights and tail lights.

There are also newly designed 17-inch alloy wheels to complete the update as well as a new colour, Aero Grey Metallic, available as a no-cost option.

When will the new MX-5 be released?

The updated MX-5 will be on sale locally from the first quarter of 2024, with Mazda Connected Services available in the first half of next year.

It’s also unclear what the latest update could mean for timing of a new-generation MX-5 with the most recent rumours speculating that the next model generation may involve some level of hybridisation. 

Mazda MX-5 2024: prices in Australia

All prices listed are before on-road costs.

• Roadster manual: $41,370 (up $2310)
• Roadster GT manual: $48,490 (up $3220)
• Roadster GT automatic: $49,990 (up $2300)
• Roadster GT RS manual: $51,490 (up $2800)
• RF manual: $46,100 (up $2730)
• RF GT manual: $52,990 (up $3220)
• RF GT automatic: $54,490 (up $2720)
• RF GT automatic with black roof and tan leather: $55,510 (up $2720)
• RF GT RS manual: $55,990 (up $3220)