The most iconic Mazda in the model range gets more exhilarating with a host of upgrades for 2024, ranging from enhanced connectivity and significant dynamic improvements, to new track-focused technologies that result in the sharpest, best-handling MX-5 yet.
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 irreplaceable and evocative experience provided by 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 Aluminum Alloy Wheels in a Diamond Cut or Black Metallic finish.
Interior enhancements bring a host of new visibility, convenience, and connectivity features. Expanding operation, it comes with a high-resolution 4.6-inch LCD multi-info display and a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror. The same can be said about the infotainment screen which has grown to 8.8 inches in size but has slimmer bezels for an unobstructed view of the road ahead. Running the latest-generation 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 into Mazda’s Jinba-Ittai engineering philosophy, the result is one of the lightest cars in its class with a starting curb weight of just 1,058 kilograms.
It also delivers more smiles per mile, as a result of the naturally-aspirated 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G engine mated to either a close-ratio 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic. This makes the MX-5 one of the few remaining sports cars in the market to offer customers the power of choice when it comes to their preferred gearbox. In terms of numbers, it produces the same power as before—184 PS at 7,000 rpm and 205 Nm at 4,000 rpm—but for 2024, the sound is now drawn directly into the interior from the engine resulting in a more stirring audible 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.
Despite being a genuine sports car, the MX-5 is a thoroughly modern and safe vehicle, attributable to 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 Aluminum 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 Aluminum 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 – P 2,230,000
- 2.0L MT Black Top Black Leather – P 2,300,000
- 2.0L AT Black Top Black Leather – P 2,350,000
- 2.0L MT Tan Top Tan Nappa Leather – P 2,400,000
- 2.0L AT Tan Top Tan Nappa Leather – P ,450,000
- 2.0L AT RF Black Leather – P 2,550,000
- 2.0L AT RF Tan Nappa Leather – P 2,600,000
Mazda seems to be randomly updating its parts. While this may seem good, this will be a major pain in the arse when its time to replace parts, considering that different parts are used for different year models. Good luck trying to find the exact parts for your year model outside the casa.
ReplyDeleteDoes the rf have a manual transmission?. All rf seems to be auto
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