Mazda MX-5 review and buyer's guide
If the time has come to finally buy yourself that well-deserved, long-awaited sports car of your petrol-headed dreams, the Mazda MX-5 is the sexy Italian thoroughbred you’ve always wanted, without the breakdowns. But has it gotten fitter, or fatter?
When it comes to the perfect formula for an exhilarating and accessible sports car, few cars can match the heritage and reputation of the Mazda MX-5. Known as the Miata in some parts of the world, it's a car that has consistently delivered fun, top-down driving dynamics at a relatively affordable price.
The current MX-5 continues this legacy. But, Mazda will launch an update for the sporty drop-top at the beginning of 2024, which could make or break these characteristics.
But is this good enough in 2023/2024, or has this generation of MX-5 seen its best days? Does it need to offer more to prospective, discerning sports car buyers like you?
Keep reading to find out… And if you’re in need of help whitling down your shortlist of sports cars, here are The 7 best sports cars your money can buy right now >>
Design
The Mazda MX-5 carries on the tradition of elegant simplicity that's been the hallmark of the model since its inception back in the late 1980s. The latest iteration maintains a sleek and timeless design, making it unmistakably an MX-5.
For 2024, the changes are subtle. At the front, some new headlights have been introduced to provide a more modern look while improving lighting. A set of new-look 17-inch alloy wheels are also being added, and buyers will be able to select from a new paint colour called Aero Grey Metallic.
It maintains the iconic roadster proportions, with a long bonnet, short overhangs, and a set-back cabin. This textbook layout is one of the car's strongest points, as it manages to remain fresh while paying tribute to its heritage.
The convertible soft-top roof is a breeze to operate; you can open or close it with one hand while sitting inside the car, and it takes mere seconds. If this seems like an ordeal, the RF hardtop version features an electric-folding panel design. But keep in mind the RF is about 55kg heavier than the soft-top (1000kg tare versus 1055kg). Fuel consumption jumps up a tiny bit from 6.8L/100km in the base manual to 6.9L/100km in the base manual RF.
Whether it’s the hardtop or soft, this generation of MX-5 truly is one of the best looking modern designs - a rarity in Japanese brands
Performance
Under the bonnet, the 2023 and 2024 MX-5 retains the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine as before. While it might not win any power contests, it’s perfectly suited to the lightweight roadster. Peak power arrives at 7000rpm, with 135kW, and peak torque is achieved at 4000rpm, with 205Nm.
These figures might not seem very interesting or attractive, but you really need to understand this is all about the power-to-weight ratio. At 1000kg tare for the entry six-speed manual soft-top, that’s exactly 135kW per tonne. A Subaru WRX manual weighs 1490kg and produces 202kW. That translates to a power-to-weight ratio of 135.5kW per tonne; almost exactly the same.
You can expect 0-100km/h to come up in around 6.5 seconds in the manual, and a bit slower in the six-speed auto, which is basically the same mumbo as the new Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86 >>. Acceleration is certainly brisk enough to have some fun, that’s for sure. And it’s exciting because you can enjoy the free-revving engine and engage with the slick manual transmission shifter.
The clutch pedal is very light so leg fatigue is not likely to occur, except on extremely long journeys. It’s easy to sense when the clutch pad meets the flywheel, making it easy to park and trot about in slow conditions. The clutch also supports quick-shifting on spirited roads thanks to its very short throw action.
It’s not a powerhouse this engine, meaning you can’t cure your driving deficiencies by dumping the throttle; smoothness is key here
Handling and ride comfort
It's important to note that the MX-5 is not meant to be a straight-line speed demon. Its true magic comes to life in the corners, where its lightweight, rear-wheel drive chassis, low centre of gravity, and precise steering combine to deliver an unrivalled level of driving pleasure.
You’ve got tactile and communicative steering that always urges you to take the winding route, and the suspension manages to soak up big bumps with ease thanks to its surprisingly long-travel reach, making it an excellent country-road cruiser.
With this softer ride tune than some rivals, you can shift the weight around from side to side, between corners. In an ordinary vehicle this might cause issues. But since this only weighs a tonne, you can actually use that weight shift to your advantage. For example, on a track, you can throw the car into a corner abruptly and allow the rear to slide in just a little bit, and then power-on from the apex with zero understeer. It is as fun as that sounds, and very controllable.
For the 2024 update Mazda is introducing a new asymmetrical limited-slip differential for the manual models, featuring a cone-type clutch system. Mazda claims the new differential helps to stabilise the vehicle during deceleration. This doesn’t make it an out-of-the-box trackday racer like the Hyundai i20 N or the Jedi-like i30 N Performance >> but it certainly raises the bar over the original ND MX-5 from a few years ago. It’s gotten fitter, not fatter.
Some tweaks to the electronic power steering system are also on the way. Changes are being made to improve cornering precision while taking away some of the friction within the rack. The steering is already superb so any changes here should only be minor.
The MX-5 has two distinct modes. There’s the ability to cruise effortlessly and in relative comfort without spine-jittering stiffness from the suspension. But it’s always ready to put the mask on and become a corner-slicing ninja - if you’ve got what it takes…
Left-foot braking in a modern car: Level-up you driving skills >>
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Interior comfort and technology
The interior of the MX-5 has always been a blend of comfort and function, with, very much, a driver-focused layout. For the 2024 model Mazda has carried over the same design but infused a new 8.8-inch infotainment screen onto the dash.
It brings in an updated version of the Mazda Connect system, with a hand controller pad down on the centre console. The 2024 MX-5 will also be the first Mazda in Australia to come with the company's new Connected Services suite, giving users the opportunity to remotely connect with their car via a smartphone app. The system includes automatic emergency contact in the event of an accident.
Mazda interiors are presented with a beautiful mix of Japanese design and solid Japanese build quality. It’s the perfect combination because, this not only looks inviting and reasonably luxurious, it’s also very well made and isn’t likely to fall apart until years down the track.
The three-spoke sports steering wheel features a relatively thin rim by modern standards, but it feels so inviting in your hands. And then the gear shifter is positioned right where you want it and of course the driving position is natural and highly adjustable.
All of the switchgear and buttons have a quality feel, and most of the interior is constructed with premium look and/or feel materials. Metallic trimmings decorate the atmosphere just enough to provide some contrast, but not too much as to detract from the key job at hand; driving.
While this is all well and good, the MX-5’s cabin is not spacious. This is cozy and intimate. Although well-suited to the car's main mission, larger individuals – height and width – will find it cramped and confined, potentially tarnishing its touring capability.
The boot is also small and shallow, offering just 130L of volume. This could drastically limit the MX-5's appeal for those seeking a weekend getaway car, as it’ll only suit light-luggage travellers.
FIVE REASONS MX-5 IS BETTER THAN A MUSTANG
All-new 2024 Ford Mustang will arrive in Q1 much more expensive than MX-5;
Mustang sales have fallen off a cliff in recent years (market saturation) while MX-5’s have remained steady;
Ford’s reputation for poor reliability and terrible customer ‘support’ are a major red flag;
Build quality in an MX-5 is unquestionably superior;
Mustang is bigger, heavier and a more crude-handling driver’s tool than an MX-5;
(Bonus point: there’s a certain demographic that buys a Mustang…)
Value and warranty
Pricing for the 2023 Mazda MX-5 starts at a competitive level, especially considering the driving enjoyment it offers. The base model starts from $39,060 and the flagship version, the RF GT RS (manual only), retails from $52,770.
There are 10 different combinations to select from so you should be able to find an option that suits your budget. Going with the RF and its hardtop design does see a minor increase in weight and fuel consumption, but it is quieter and more refined to drive, especially at highway speeds. But on the other hand, the soft-top offers a raw and traditional open-top driving experience, with smile-inducing simplicity. It depends on what you desire most but the good thing is you have variety.
In terms of running costs, the MX-5 is designed to be affordable to run. Its lightweight construction contributes to better fuel efficiency than most rivals, and maintenance costs are relatively low, partly thanks to its straight-forward naturally-aspirated engine design and conventional transmission options.
Servicing is required every 10,000km or 12 months, whichever comes first. All Mazdas on sale in Australia are covered by a five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty.
Should you buy an MX-5?
If you want a low-slung Italian sports car that is fun to drive and gorgeous to look at, but built by a reputable carmaker with an established high build quality and rock-solid reliability, the answer is yes. You should definitely buy an MX-5.
The Mazda MX-5 remains true to its core philosophy of delivering an engaging and accessible roadster experience. It might not have the most powerful engine or the most spacious interior, but it doesn't need any of that. The MX-5's magic lies in its impeccable driving balance and fun-loving characteristics, and its timeless design.
Want an Alfa Romeo roadster without the shitbox factor? Here it is…
It’s worth noting Mazda Australia is just about to launch the 2024 model update, which brings in a new differential for the manual models, new multimedia system, and tweaked steering.
Mazda says it currently can have a newly ordered MX-5 by March, making it a five-month turnaround time - which is pretty good.
However, prices are expected to climb slightly over the outgoing 2023 version - so get in fast before the Christmas/New Year price hikes >>, y’know, while you’re on holidays, distracted…
Mazda3 should make you reconsider that heavy, impractical SUV or the long list of overpriced prestige German cars. If you’re money smart, you’ll put this sensible, stylish small hatch or sedan on your shortlist for a test drive.