2024 Mazda MX-5 – The Motoring Icon

MX-5

Since it was first released, the Mazda MX-5, also called the Miata is not the fastest car on the road, but it stands out as a beacon of open-air driving purity. It is a lot more than a 2-seater rear wheel drive sports car. It’s also a memorable experience that can be purchased by the middle class, without breaking the bank. The fourth generation (ND) Miata has undergone a series of upgrades since its first release in 2016. In its 8th year, we have the third version, the ND3.

Unlike the second update (ND2), the changes with the ND3 are much more subtle and feel like a building on ND2’s foundation with more tech and styling updates. Even though there are some styling changes, the car looks mostly the same from a distance, especially for untrained eyes. There are very minor changes including the daytime running lights and a slightly revised front bumper design which gives a more aggressive look. The front grille and air intake have been redesigned for the radar sensor used for the adaptive cruise control, and it also offers improved airflow.

The styling changes continue throughout the car, including new wheel designs, different colour options, and the revised taillight to enhance visibility while maintaining the traditional Miata looks. Just like the ND2, you can get the ND3 MX-5 with a hard top (also called RF), or a soft top. Our tester had the soft top, which is the lighter choice, as it has no electric motors. The rooftop can be opened quite easily, and it takes less than 5 seconds to open or close it.

It is true that the soft top also means increased NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness), but it also gives you the traditional Miata experience and a lower price tag. Regardless of which version you choose, the rest of the interior looks the same. However, there are important updates in the interior, including the updated infotainment screen. Mazda finally updated the screen with the one used in other models. It not only offers better screen quality and improved graphics, but it is also a touchscreen that can be used for smartphone integration.

Despite the updates, the good things about the MX-5’s interior are still the same. It has aged really well. You get tons of physical controls for all features, and it is a very simple interior layout overall. The interior space is limited, but the level of build quality and material choices are surprisingly good for the price range. Mazda tried their best to come up with smart solutions even though some areas feel cheap – including the removable cupholders that feel more like an afterthought.

The passenger even gets less space than the driver, but the open-air experience makes it less noticeable. Our tester had the Sport Package, which adds sportier Recaro seats with Nappa Leather and Alcantara trimmed upholstery. The seats elevate the overall upscale feeling in the interior, and they offer a decent amount of support even for larger adults. The seat adjustment range is limited, but if you are not extremely tall, you should have no issues.

As expected from a tiny car, the storage options are also limited. You don’t get a glovebox, but there is a small storage compartment in the middle of the seats that you can also lock, in case you leave your car with the top down. Speaking of storage, the MX-5 has 4.6 cubic feet (130 litres) of trunk space, which is only good for really small items like one carry-on luggage, or a few backpacks.

When it comes to the powertrain, there aren’t any changes. It still has the 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated Skyactiv-G engine that pushes 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. The numbers may not seem impressive on paper, but the curb weight is the main reason why it makes the MX-5 feel more agile, faster and more fun. The car weighs just less than 2500 lbs, which is something that no other manufacturer dares to attempt.

The MX-5 is available with a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission, but you should go with the manual transmission for any type of spirited driving. The GS-P trim is also the right choice for enthusiasts, as it offers a limited-slip differential and an optional Sport package, which adds Brembo brakes, and sportier Recaro seats.

The Brembo brakes offer a decent amount of stopping power with no brake fading after several hard stops. The brake pedal feeling is gradual and predictable, it doesn’t feel it’s over-boosted like many modern cars, and it gives the car a more organic feeling when you push the MX-5 to its limits. On the other hand, the Recaro seats feel a little bit uncomfortable for larger adults. The side bolstering is fine, but it could have been a little wider to accommodate an average North American body style.

Mazda has made some important tweaks to make the MX-5 more compliant and capable, including the new rear differential tuning and steering rack to make it more responsive, and more engaging to drive. The steering has a better on-center feeling and it gives you the right amount of feedback so you understand how much grip you have left on the front wheels.

The rear differential also has a new trick that pushes the car into the corner during deceleration, the car feels it has a better turn-in response than the outgoing model. The rear end feels less edgy, but the MX-5 feels more predictable, giving you more confidence to push the car corner exit. Also, the GS-P trim comes with Bilstein shocks and firmer spring rates that give you better stability and less body roll. The MX-5 still tends to lean, but that happens in a very controllable and communicative fashion.

There are also software changes to the driving dynamics, including the stability control. The MX-5 comes with a “Track Mode” to have the extra layer of safety that allows you to have a little bit of fun, it doesn’t get involved until things start to go south. The stability control can be fully disabled, unlike the BRZ we reviewed earlier this summer. When it’s fully disabled, the MX-5 does not have tons of power to break the traction on pavement but can be a lot of fun when you start oversteering with weight transfer. That makes the MX-5 quite special and not overwhelming for newer drivers with no track experience.

Since it was first released, the MX-5 has proved that manufacturers can bring lightweight sports cars while still being compliant with the latest regulations. It’s enjoyable to drive casually or at the limit, and that’s what makes it different than the other modern sports cars. In a world where modern automobiles get heavier, bulkier and more boring, the MX-5 offers a pure, and wonderful driving experience for car enthusiasts. The recent updates feel more like a fine-tuning of the outgoing ND2. The Miata still deserves more horsepower, but at least you can enjoy the powerband more confidently with the latest changes.

Engine2.0-litre naturally-aspirated inline-4
Transmission & Drivetrain6-speed manual & rear-wheel-drive
Max power (combined)181 hp @ 7000 rpm
Max torque (combined)151 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
0-100 km/h5.9 sec
Curb Weight2374 lbs – 1077 kg
Fuel Economy (observed)28 MPG – 8.5 L/100 km
Starting at (as tested)$46,190 CAD
Website:www.mazda.ca
Dan Gunay

Freelance Automotive & Motorcycle Journalist

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