The Mazda MX-5 seems to be the quintessential answer for those who want to experience a fun topless sports car. The current fourth generation, the ND, has been on sale since 2015 with a few minor changes along the way.

However, this latest update sees some of the biggest changes presented to the ND MX-5 even if it is still very subtle visually. The refreshed ND which will be delivered to customers in Japan from January 2024 receives redesigned LED headlights, new wheels, and the addition of a new exterior colour - Aero Gray Metallic.

The new MX-5’s interior remains roughly the same too with the biggest change being the wider 8.8-inch frameless centre display giving the nearly decade-old sports car a bit more modernity. There’s also a new tan interior colour with a classy beige soft-top roof combo which is available on the S Leather Package V Selection variant.

In Japan, where the MX-5 is called the Roadster, the sports car is available with 2 naturally aspirated Skyactiv-G engines – a 1.5-litre unit for the soft-top convertible model and a 2.0-litre mill for the Targa-style RF variants. Power output for both powerplants has yet to be revealed though the pre-facelift units produced 132 PS/152 Nm and 184 PS/205 Nm respectively.

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The MX-5 is available with a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic transmission which sends power to the rear wheels. It’s the stick shift variants that Mazda has truly made the refreshed MX-5 more than just a simple update with the introduction of an asymmetric limited slip differential (LSD) and DSC-Track mode.

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The upgraded, lightweight conical clutch type LSD has a new cam system added which Mazda engineers claim improves stability during deceleration turns as well as providing smoother and more linear turning characteristics.

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As for the DSC-Track feature, the stability control is optimized for circuit and track driving where the system would kick in to prevent further damage to the sports car when it spins.

Another improvement introduced to the MX-5 to help with its nimble characteristics is an improved electric power steering that Mazda claims to be lighter, more accurate, and natural, further exemplifying the Jinba Ittai philosophy.

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Carrying over from the previous update, the latest ND also features Kinematic Posture Control (KPC) which helps reduce heavy leaning and allows the driver to feel more confident in high-speed cornering situations.

Aside from these performance enhancements, the latest MX-5 also receives some significant safety updates which include Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) and rear Smart Brake Support. The former is aided by a radar sensor which is placed on the left side of the front grille.

In Japan, prices for the updated MX-5 range between JPY 2,898,500 to JPY 4,308,700 (~RM 92k-137k) across 14 variants. It seems likely that the updates will eventually be introduced globally including in Malaysia. Bermaz only offers the pre-facelift MX-5 RF which is priced from RM 277,000 for the MT and RM 279,000 for the AT though the facelift is expected to be launched here next year.

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