Face-lifted 2024 Mazda MX-5 Bows In Japan – Slight Power Boost And More Kit Added

Mazda has refreshed its staple MX-5 sportscar for its latest 2024MY guise.

The fourth generation Mazda MX-5 sportscar has undergone a facelift for its latest 2024 model year guise in Japan. The refreshments see the popular open-top roadster gaining a slight bump in output, a mild nip-tuck, plus a host of new and improved kit added.

Aesthetically, the exterior changes are almost unnoticeable. Closer look reveals all-new all-LED headlights and taillights, the former gaining new LED graphics whilst the latter sees a new 3D look. The front bumper has been redesigned slightly to house a forward radar sensor mounted in the grille intake.

Aesthetic changes are mild, but are applied across both the soft-top and hard-top RF (pictured) versions.

Both the headlights and taillights are redesigned, the former sporting new LED graphics and the latter gaining a 3D look. The front bumper has also been revised to accommodate a forward radar sensor in the grille intake.

Elsewhere, Mazda have opted to field new alloy wheels designs as well. Apart from which, there’s now an expanded catalogue of paintjob options that now includes a new Aero Gray Metallic hue. Of course, these changes apply to both the soft-top and hard-top RF models.

On board, the face-lifted 2024MY version sees its cabin switching over to the new Mazda Connect infotainment unit featuring a new 8.8-inch display touchscreen plus expanded connectivity. In fact, this is similar to what we saw recently in the updated Mazda2 and CX-3.

New Mazda Connect 8.8-inch touchscreen display is similar to what's seen in the recently updates Mazda 2 and CX-3 models.

Note the new buttons signalling heightened new ADAS features primed, plus a new DSC-Track mode that reduces stability control intervention during sporty or track driving.

Also beefed up is safety as the 2024MY MX-5 is now laced with a few new active driver assists (ADAS) features. Key to which is the Mazda Radar Cruise Control and Smart Brake Support, both of which seeing this sportscar boasting Level 2 semi-autonomy.

In Japan, Mazda also introduced a new Roadster S Leather Package V selection. This combines a beige-hued top with sports tan Nappa leather seats plus colour-matched synthetic leather cabin upholstery. This also sees a bright-finished 16-inch wheels primed as standard to go with the black exterior.

Notably, manual transmission variants (right) benefit with a new Asymmetrical limited-slip diff (LSD) (left) and electric power steering setup on top of the aforementioned DSC-Track mode.

In Japan, both 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G 4-cyl petrol engine choices remain available. The former sees slight increase of 4 HP to 133 HP, whilst the latter remains unchanged at 181 HP but gains new software mapping.

For the Japanese market, the MX-5 continues to see both the 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G 4-cyl petrol powerplant options offered. Mild updates grants the smaller mill with a 4 HP gain to 133 HP now, whilst the larger unit gets a new software mapping that reportedly improves response, though its output remains at 181 HP.

As before, 6-speed manual and automatic transmission choices are available, both managing either mill’s outputs to the rear wheels. The manual option does add a new Asymmetric limited-slip diff (LSD) on the rear axle, revised electric power steering setup, and a new DSC-Track mode with lowered stability control intervention.

Paintjob options have been expanded too and it now includes new Aero Gray Metallic.

Surely, these changes for the manual transmission option ought to bode well with the revised suspension setup Mazda endowed the MX-5’s chassis with back in 2022. Said update saw the Hiroshima-based automaker prime its staple sportscar model with new Kinematic Posture Control suspension tech.

Presently, the refreshed 2024 Mazda MX-5 is now open for orders in both Japan and Australia, and first deliveries are expected to commence early next year. Prices for the model in its Japanese home market at least has risen slightly across the board, and the same case is expected in other export markets.