A true sports car should be like a thoroughbred horse in the hands of a skilled rider.
Jinba-Ittai is Mazda’s philosophy of horse and rider as one. And no car embodies that as well as the evergreen MX-5/Miata.
For 2024, the most iconic Mazda gets more exhilarating with a host of upgrades, ranging from enhanced connectivity and significant dynamic improvements, to new track-focused technologies that result in the sharpest, best-handling MX-5 yet.
Its original formula—a small, lightweight, affordable roadster—remains present in the new model, underscoring its timelessness.
“The Mazda MX-5 is an unmistakable icon and for 35 years, it has been the go-to option for enthusiasts who want a thrilling drive no matter the destination. These new updates for 2024 not only make it the ideal first sports car, but expand its already extensive capabilities to make it even more fun on the track and even better on the road,” says Steven Tan, President of Mazda Philippines. “It is known around the world as a formidable and reliable racing platform, but thanks to its new updates, it has also become a more comprehensive package. It gains Mazda’s latest connectivity and safety enhancements, making it a complete package not just dynamically, but technologically, as well.”
For 2024, the MX-5 is available in two body styles—the Soft Top with its classic, manually operated canvas roof, and the Retractable Fastback (RF) that transforms it from a coupe to a convertible at the push of a button in just 13 seconds. Regardless of body style, it remains the only sports car in its price range to offer the evocative experience of open-top motoring.
A total of seven MX-5 variants—five Soft Top and two RF—are available in 2024. It comes in seven colorways, including a new color, Aero Gray, along with Soul Red Crystal, Machine Gray, Snowflake White Pearl, Deep Crystal Blue, Zircon Sand, and Jet Black. All variants have full LED exterior lighting with a revised lighting signature for the headlights and taillights. The changes are capped off by new 17-inch alloy wheels in a Diamond Cut or Black Metallic finish.
Interior enhancements bring new visibility, convenience, and connectivity features. It comes with a high-res 4.6-inch LCD multi-info display and a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror. The infotainment screen has grown to 8.8 inches in size but has slimmer bezels. Running the latest-gen Mazda Connect system, it improves smartphone connectivity with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as dual USB Type-C ports. These functions build on the already generous list of luxury features that include a 9-speaker Bose sound system, automatic climate control, rain-sensing wipers, and available Nappa leather seats.
Developed from the ground up as a pure driver’s car, the MX-5 has a perfect 50-50 front-to-rear weight distribution. Incorporating Mazda’s SKYACTIV Technologies, the result is one of the lightest cars in its class with a curb weight of just 1,058 kilograms.
Under the hood is a naturally-aspirated 2.0-liter SKYACTIV-G engine mated to either a close-ratio SKYACTIV-Drive 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic. It produces the same power as before—184ps at 7,000 rpm and 205Nm at 4,000 rpm—but for 2024, the sound is now drawn directly into the interior from the engine resulting in a more stirring auditory experience.
All MX-5 variants benefit from a revised electric power steering system that has been retuned for more nimble and precise operation. The steering rack friction is reduced, yet a more natural and fluid response is achieved with refined electric power steering control logic. This is in addition to the Kinematic Posture Control, which mimics the behavior of more complex and heavier adaptive dampers. The MX-5 applies a light braking force to the inner rear wheel as the steering wheel is turned into a corner to pull the vehicle’s body down and suppress body roll. Together, it produces a sense of oneness that makes the driver feel more connected with the road.
Manual transmission-equipped MX-5 variants have been gifted with two new handling-related technologies on top of the standard front strut bar and Bilstein shock absorbers: Dynamic Stability Control with Track Mode (DSC-Track) and Asymmetric Limited Slip Differential (A-LSD).
DSC-Track is a new control technology that affords maximum control to the driver by limiting the operation of the stability control system, only intervening when it detects a potentially hazardous spin that the driver is unable to control. This allows drivers to continuously push their limits with an extra sense of security. This new functionality does not come with any significant weight penalty, as it uses a unique control software along with a new ABS hydraulic unit.
Meanwhile, A-LSD adds a cam mechanism to the standard conical clutch LSD which is lightweight, compact, and highly durable. The cam angle is set differently for the deceleration side and acceleration side, achieving optimal limiting force of slip during both processes. This results in smoother and more linear turning performance.
These are offered in addition to the recalibrated accelerator pedal that is easier to modulate due to the elimination of delay. For highway cruising, cruise control is now standard on all variants, as well.
Inspired performance is matched by responsible safety. The 2024 MX-5 boasts Mazda’s i-ACTIVSENSE safety and driver assist technology. For 2024, it adds six new functions: Smart Brake Support-Front (SBS-F), Smart Brake Support-Rear (SBS-R), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) with Rear Cross Brake Support (RCBS), and Driver Attention Alert (DAA). Adaptive LED headlights (ALH), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), rear parking sensors, and a reverse camera remain standard.
Two distinct trim packages are available. The Black Fabric Soft Top and Body-Colored RF Roof comes with a black leather interior, 17-inch diamond cut alloy wheels, and body-colored side mirrors, while the tan fabric Soft Top and Black RF Roof comes with a tan Nappa leather interior, 17-inch black metallic alloy wheels, and gloss black side mirrors.
A special, limited-edition MX-5 Miata Cup 23rd Anniversary Edition is also available. This 23-unit run uniquely developed by Mazda Japan for the Philippine market in honor of the 23rd Anniversary of the Miata Cup comes with a bespoke racing livery designed by local artist Jaykee Evangelista, and is inspired by classic motorsports liveries.
The 2024 Mazda MX-5 comes with the following prices:
- 2.0L MT Miata Cup 23rd Anniversary Edition – ₱2,230,000
- 2.0L MT Black Top Black Leather – ₱2,300,000
- 2.0L AT Black Top Black Leather – ₱2,350,000
- 2.0L MT Tan Top Tan Nappa Leather – ₱2,400,000
- 2.0L AT Tan Top Tan Nappa Leather – ₱2,450,000
- 2.0L AT RF Black Leather – ₱2,550,000
- 2.0L AT RF Tan Nappa Leather – ₱2,600,000
