MX-5 gets new LSD and 'Track' mode for 2024
Updates incoming for famed roadster as Mazda promises to prioritise the 'joy of driving'
It’s true that not every model year update of the MX-5 has been hugely significant, and you would be forgiven for glazing over when reading about Mazda’s penchant for minor tinkering. But as the resolutely petrol-powered roadster slowly becomes an outlier (who now would bet against it being the last remaining fossil-fuelled sports car?) so we’re inclined to wrap the current model in a great big bear hug. This update is mostly about the tedious introduction of the ‘advanced safety functions’ that cars are obliged to feature these days, but Mazda (bless it) hasn’t missed the chance to further enhance the MX-5’s “Jinba Ittai” - i.e. the sense of unity between car and driver it strives for.
Accordingly, while there is a light smattering of styling changes - most notably the introduction of LED headlights and a new wheel design - the manufacturer has also added a cam mechanism to the limited-slip diff and included an all-new ’Track’ mode to the DSC setting. You’d imagine the two go hand-in-hand, with Mazda claiming ‘more linear turning characteristics than ever before’ from the former, and assuring us that the latter will only intervene ‘when the driver is unable to control dangerous spin behaviour’. Which sounds just like what the MX-5 was missing.
If that weren’t enough, the engineers have also had a go at further refining the (already very decent) power steering by reducing rack friction and adjusting the control logic of the electric motor. A more ‘natural and clean’ sense of feedback is said to result. The team has sought better responsiveness from the accelerator, too, and Mazda reckons that you’ll now get more power from the entry-level 1.5-litre motor if you choose to run it on higher octane fuel. Sure, we’re only talking 4hp - but what better excuse do you need to seek out 98 RON?
Of possibly greater significance to a larger number of buyers will be the redesigned infotainment system, which uses a new ‘frameless’ configuration to grow the display real estate to 8.8 inches. That sounds like a minor improvement, but given how dated the current screen looks, it’s conceivable that the modernising effect on an otherwise unaltered cabin is noticeable. Or it will be when the new model gets here - for now, the MY2024 is only relevant to Asia-Pacific, but Mazda assures us that the updated MX-5 ought to arrive in Europe by March. Expect to hear about UK prices before the end of the year.
i think a used ND has to be one of the most sensible ports car purchases you can do right now, hopefully catch it in time to stop rust as it is still a problem even on ND's but would make for a lovely second car for roadtrips and summer evening trips to the pub
the trend to having huge televisions in cars needs to be resisted / reversed - as long as it is big enough for a satnav / on-screen buttons to be big enough to hit while driving then it needs to be no bigger...
people buy an MX-5 to get a car not Play Station!
the trend to having huge televisions in cars needs to be resisted / reversed - as long as it is big enough for a satnav / on-screen buttons to be big enough to hit while driving then it needs to be no bigger...
people buy an MX-5 to get a car not Play Station!
i think a used ND has to be one of the most sensible ports car purchases you can do right now, hopefully catch it in time to stop rust as it is still a problem even on ND's but would make for a lovely second car for roadtrips and summer evening trips to the pub
A manufacturer actively lightening and reducing the girth of their road cars is something to be celebrated IMO, I only had a go in an early 1.5 but I was amazed that it didn't feel underpowered at all and was a joy to work through the gears. Revving the engine out to extract the performance available makes a refreshing change to the plethora of diesel-esque turbocharged lumps in the majority of cars, lazy drivers need not apply
the trend to having huge televisions in cars needs to be resisted / reversed - as long as it is big enough for a satnav / on-screen buttons to be big enough to hit while driving then it needs to be no bigger...
people buy an MX-5 to get a car not Play Station!
*when the kids exit of to Uni
I love the current generation of MX5. Bought a 1.5 new in 2017 and had it for a few years. Such an ace little car, I would love to go back to one in the not too distant future.
the trend to having huge televisions in cars needs to be resisted / reversed - as long as it is big enough for a satnav / on-screen buttons to be big enough to hit while driving then it needs to be no bigger...
people buy an MX-5 to get a car not Play Station!
Boo to all those moaning about ‘arch gap’ - these are so usable, no drama over speed bumps or steep ramped multi stories, buy one and drop it on a set of coil overs if you must but the usability is the Mazdas biggest ace card after affordability.
Of all the tinkering and limited run models they do, I’m always surprised Mazda haven’t tried a superleggera / track focussed variant- carbon prop shaft and poly windows maybe? Grp panels? I bet there’s loads they could do and I’m sure people (me) would buy them
If I did replace mine it would be an ND, hopefully with either a turbo or supercharger, not that a 200 bhp naturally aspirated car is slow exactly.
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