Skip advert
Advertisement

2023 Mazda MX-5 receives new trim levels

Mazda has revised the model lineup of its iconic roadster, but powertrains remain unchanged

2023 Mazda MX-5 - side static

The MX-5 is the most popular roadster in the world, and hoping to maintain that success, Mazda will introduce three new trim level variants for the soft-top convertible and hard-top RF. The 2023 MX-5 is available to order now, with Mazda saying customers can expect first deliveries in March next year. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

The fourth-generation MX-5 has been around since 2015, selling over 24,000 units in the UK alone. Mazda has given the convertible model a “Roadster” name to differentiate from the RF or “Retractable Fastback” version. With the addition of new Prime-Line, Exclusive-Line and Homura trim levels, the MX-5 range grows to 10 variants. 

Both the Roadster and RF come with a choice of either the 130bhp 1.5-litre or the 181bhp 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G engine. The 181bhp Skyactiv-G model comes with a front strut brace, limited-slip differential and Bilstein dampers as standard. 

The 1.5-litre Roadster kicks off the range in Prime-Line, starting from £25,800 and above that of the £28,100 Exclusive-Line grade, essentially replacing the SE-L and Sport models. Prime-Line features 16-inch, black alloy wheels, air-conditioning, cruise control, and DAB radio with Exclusive-Line adding black leather seats, adaptive headlights, lane departure warning, parking sensors and rain-sensing wipers.

The more powerful Skyactiv-G Roadster is offered only in higher-spec Exclusive-Line and range-topping Homura guises – replacing the Sport Tech and GT Sport Tech. While the Roadster is only available with a manual gearbox, the 2.0-litre RFs in both trim levels come with the option of an automatic gearbox.

2023 Mazda MX-5 - interior

Other updates for the new MX-5 range include the addition of “Zircon Sand” paint. Top-spec Homura models start from £32,460 and those that come with a manual gearbox will also gain red Brembo front brake calipers on top of 17-inch BBS alloy wheels and stainless steel scuff plates with the MX-5 logo inscribed. Mazda has also made stop-start engine technology standard for both engines. 

At the unveiling of the 2023 MX-5, Masashi Nakayama, program manager and chief designer for the MX-5, said “the key phrase for our development of the fourth-generation MX-5 was ‘Innovate in order to preserve’, and I strongly believe that this model's ongoing appeal is the result of our unceasing commitment to refining the vehicle over its 30-year history.”

Now read our list of the best sports cars...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Senior news reporter

A keen petrol-head, Alastair Crooks has a degree in journalism and worked as a car salesman for a variety of manufacturers before joining Auto Express in Spring 2019 as a Content Editor. Now, as our senior news reporter, his daily duties involve tracking down the latest news and writing reviews.

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best convertible cars and cabriolets to buy 2025
Best convertibles 2025 - header

Best convertible cars and cabriolets to buy 2025

Love the feeling of the wind in your hair while driving? These are the cars for you
Best cars & vans
3 Jul 2025
Convertible of the Year 2025: Mazda MX-5
Convertible of the Year 2025: Mazda MX-5

Convertible of the Year 2025: Mazda MX-5

The Mazda MX-5 is the 2025 Auto Express Convertible of the Year, with the MINI Convertible and Morgan Supersport commended
Awards
2 Jul 2025
Used Car Hunter: sporty convertible cars for £18,000
Used car hunter: £18k sporty convertible cars - header image

Used Car Hunter: sporty convertible cars for £18,000

Our Car Hunter has a budget of £18,000 for a sporty convertible car
Features
25 Jun 2025
Mazda MX-5 EV: iconic roadster set for electric power
Mazda MX-5 EV exclusive image - front

Mazda MX-5 EV: iconic roadster set for electric power

The Mazda MX-5 is set to be offered as a pure EV for the first time, and our exclusive images preview how it could look
News
27 May 2025

Most Popular

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production
Range Rover Sport SV Black - front

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production

There’s also a new SV Black trim, and a Range Rover Sport Stealth Package for non SVs
News
1 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month
MG ZS - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month

The MG ZS is an easy car to like and live with. It’s our Deal of the Day for 3 July
News
3 Jul 2025
New Volvo XC60 2025 facelift review: big-selling SUV gets a new lease of life
Volvo XC60 facelift - front tracking

New Volvo XC60 2025 facelift review: big-selling SUV gets a new lease of life

This refreshed Swedish SUV focuses on familiar areas of strength to take on BMW and Audi
Road tests
4 Jul 2025