The brilliant Mazda MX-5 has been refreshed for 2024, coming with sharper handling, new lights, and a larger touchscreen.
When it comes to the exterior styling, you’d be hard pushed to spot the difference between this facelifted model and the outgoing one.
There’s a new LED headlight design that now incorporates the daytime running lights, while the rear LED lights have also been redesigned.
It’s pretty much as we were. The MX-5 also comes as both a soft-top convertible or hard-top 'RF', aka Retractable Fastback (below).
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And it's not like the pretty MX-5 needed much of an overhaul anyway.
But the changes are more than just skin deep. And it's not like the pretty MX-5 needed much of an overhaul anyway.
The cabin of the two-seat roadster now boasts a larger 8.8-inch touch-screen multimedia display as standard, as well as an updated instrument panel.
Mazda reckons the new screen allows for ‘clearer navigation mapping’, while the more advanced ‘MZ Connect’ infotainment system ‘helps user functionality’.
New USB-C ports have also been introduced, allowing you to charge your gadgets while on the go.
The other big addition for the MX-5 is an Asymmetric Limited Slip Differential for the models equipped with the most potent 2.0-litre engines, which chuck out power of 184 PS. A less potent, 1.5-litre unit with 132 PS is also available to lease.
What’s an Asymmetric Limited Slip Differential when it’s at home?
We’ll let the boffins at Mazda explain: “A cam mechanism has been added to the conical clutch, which is lightweight, compact and highly durable. The cam angle is set differently for the deceleration and acceleration side, thereby achieving optimal limiting force of slip during both actions. Strengthening the slip limiting force when the unloaded rear wheel is lightened during cornering enhances stability, moreover tuning the slip limiting force and optimising the set up for the MX-5’s engine, suspension and tyre characteristics ensures the purity of handling balance the MX-5 is famed for.”
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So, the MX-5 should be even more agile and nimble than it already was.
Exclusive-Line and Homura models also come with a ‘Track’ mode, which dials-down the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) to let you push the car’s limits before safety intervention kicks in.
Meanwhile the MX-5’s accelerator has been improved to deliver a ‘more accurate throttle application’, while the electric power steering has been adjusted and steering rack friction reduced to deliver an ‘even more natural and fluid response’.
A Mazda spokesperson adds: “The aim was to further enhance the sense of oneness with the car and connection with the road that the MX-5 has always been famed for.”
All in all, it’s an update that keeps the 35-year-old MX-5 at the top of its game… at least until an electric version is introduced, as is expected.
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