Skip advert
Advertisement

New Mazda MX-5 gets more of everything we love for 2024

The quintessential Japanese roadster is back with new tech and tweaked styling

Mazda has revealed the first details of an updated Mazda MX-5 Roadster and hard-top RF due in the first quarter of next year. Preceding a total overhaul of the iconic model due in a few years time, this 2024 update still includes lots of exciting changes, including updated tech, overhauled engines and some subtle styling tweaks. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

The high-specification 178bhp 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine doesn’t have any more power than the existing model, but does feature improved throttle response and a more emotional soundtrack driven directly from the engine, rather than a modified exhaust. 

On the manual transmission versions Mazda’s also fitted a new ‘asymmetrical’ limited-slip differential, with top-spec models also picking up a new track mode for the ESP system. The electric power steering has been tweaked to improve responsiveness, and will be fitted to all powertrain variants including the smaller 1.5-litre engined cars and the 2-litre models with the optional automatic transmission. 

The interior features a new 8.8-inch infotainment screen running Mazda’s latest MZD-Connect user interface. This is still controlled via a click-wheel mounted on the centre console and will better integrate the latest versions of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. As well as updated tech, the interior will also be available in a new tan-coloured trim, with lower-spec models featuring new fabric trim, too. 

Japanese market ‘RS’ models feature the Recaro seats previously seen on the 35th Anniversary edition, but it’s unknown whether these will be available on UK models. 

Styling updates are subtle, with new lighting front and rear, plus some fresh wheel designs for both 15- and 17-inch wheel options. There’s also a few changes to the standard colour palette, plus the new cream-coloured fabric roof – this has yet to be confirmed for the UK market. 

Expect a subtle price increase compared to the existing models, which currently kick off at £25,825 for the base 1.5-litre Prime Line Roadster, topping out at £32,410 for the Homura. RF models cost £2,100 more model-for-model.

Feel the wind in your hair with the best convertibles you can buy...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Senior staff writer

Senior staff writer at Auto Express, Jordan joined the team after six years at evo magazine where he specialised in news and reviews of cars at the high performance end of the car market. 

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
Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model
Ferrari Amalfi - front static

Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model

A slick new look and more power are the headlines for Ferrari’s new baby, but it’s probably some simple new buttons that will get customers’ attention
News
1 Jul 2025
Geely is coming to the UK, and its assault will start with EX5 SUV
Geely EX5 - front

Geely is coming to the UK, and its assault will start with EX5 SUV

Geely has looked to Lotus to ensure it's new electric SUV lives up to our driving expectations
News
2 Jul 2025