Mazda MX-5 - Interior, design and technology

For 2024, there have been extremely subtle design changes to the outside of the Mazda MX-5, with both the head and tail lights gaining revised LED lighting graphics. It’ll take the largest of anoraks to spot those differences, though. A new paint option, called Aero Grey, was also added, though we’re still big fans of the gorgeous Soul Red finish.

Slim LED headlights and a gaping front grille give it a slightly more menacing character than the third-generation model, while round tail lamps provide a striking light signature in the dark. Whether the roof is up or down, the MX-5 has a classic silhouette, with the cockpit located towards the rear of the car and a long bonnet stretching out in front.

By adapting the standard MX-5’s design to accommodate the hard roof on the RF, Mazda has created something really rather unique in this sector. Unlike the Mk3 MX-5 RC, the RF has buttresses that slope down from the back of the cabin and into the slightly kicked up rear wheel arches. The result is something discernibly different from its soft-top relative, despite sharing the same sharp-looking front-end design.

What is the Mazda MX-5 like inside?

Inside, one change for 2024 is easier to spot than those external revisions – at least on the top-spec Homura models: a set of new Recaro seats. These seats are trimmed in leather and Alcantara, and give a fantastic driving position; they help the driver to feel even more connected to the action than before.

What is the interior quality like?

Whichever model you go for, on the inside the door tops are coloured to match the exterior paint, adding a flash of colour to the cabin and, according to Mazda, visually connecting the driver to what’s going on outside. They are also sculpted in such a way that airflow with the hood down is directed to keep the passengers cool while minimising buffeting to their hairstyles. Meanwhile the instrument panel (with the tachometer front and centre) and air vents are designed to be perfectly symmetrical around the driver, for a cockpit-style feel. 

Apart from a few questionable plastics here and there, and the simplicity of its design, the MX-5 cabin is a pleasant place to be.

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Sat-nav, stereo and infotainment

Another key improvement for ‘24 is the introduction of an updated infotainment system. This includes a new 8.8-inch touchscreen – although it only responds to touches when the car is parked. On the move, it’s still possible to use the same intuitive click wheel arrangement that was previously featured. The screen is larger and sharper than before – all the better for reading the on-screen map, and more up-to-date USB-C ports have been added, too.

Despite this change, physical dials for the air-conditioning controls have been maintained; they’re large and very easy to use. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available, and we found it easiest to pair the phone with a USB cable the first time, at which point the system remembers the device wirelessly for subsequent journeys. For the most part, it’s a logical system, but we would like a shortcut to more easily disable the slightly irritating lane departure warning system. A speed limit chime can be switched off with a physical mute button to the right of the steering wheel, just beside the traction control button.