Revised 2020 Mazda MX-5 launched

Mazda has updated its compact sports car, with a range of efficiency tweaks and a new flagship GT Sport Tech trim-level

Mazda has launched an updated version of the MX-5, sporting a range of efficiency and a new range-topping GT Sport Tech trim-level. It’s available to order now priced from £23,795, with first deliveries expected in February.

The MX-5’s styling hasn’t changed since 2019 when it underwent a full facelift, but Mazda has fitted some extra equipment including a start-stop function and an energy recovery system called i-ELOOP. This latter item recovers kinetic energy during braking, turning it into electricity that would otherwise be generated by the engine burning fuel. Following its 2019 facelift, the MX-5 also now comes as standard with a telescopic steering wheel.

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Four trim-levels are now available. The entry-level MX-5 SE-L features 16-inch alloy wheels, a twin-exit exhaust system, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, LED headlights, black cloth sports seats, a leather sports steering wheel and a seven-inch infotainment screen with sat-nav, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

The mid-range Mazda MX-5 Sport is priced from £26,095 and adds rear parking sensors, automatic windscreen wipers, black leather upholstery, chrome interior trim, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and a nine-speaker Bose stereo system. There’s also extra safety kit, including traffic sign recognition and a driver attention alert system.

Mazda’s upper-mid-range MX-5 Sport Tech starts from £30,295 and features unique 17-inch alloy wheels, a reversing camera and a blind-spot monitoring system. The 181bhp 2.0-litre manual variant also features uprated sports suspension with Bilstein dampers, a strut brace between the front suspension towers and a limited-slip differential.

The new flagship Mazda MX-5 GT Sport Tech is also available to order now, priced from £31,795. Upgrades over the standard model include 17-inch BBS alloy wheels, burgundy leather sports seats and a new Polymetal Grey Metallic paint finish. Lane departure warning and smart city brake support are also included.

Like the 2019 model, buyers have their choice of two SkyActiv-G petrol-electric engines. Entry-level MX-5s are fitted with a naturally aspirated 130bhp 1.5-litre four-cylinder unit, while higher specced cars come with a 181bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. The lesser-powered model is only available with a six-speed manual gearbox, while the latter can be had with either a six-speed manual or, for an extra £1,600, a six-speed automatic.

What do you make of the updated 2020 Mazda MX-5? Let us know in the comments section below…

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