Mazda has refreshed the MX‑5. The most important thing is what you can't see
The Japanese division of Mazda has boasted about the facelift of the world's most popular roadster. For now, it's only in Japan, but we can also expect changes in other markets. There's a lot to look forward to, as there's no shortage of new features.
8:25 AM EDT, October 6, 2023
How to recognize the latest version of MX-5? First and foremost, by its lighting. The car has gained fully LED headlights and rear lights. Their shape and signature have been slightly altered, and daytime running lights have disappeared from the bumper.
The bumper itself does not differ significantly from the previous one. A trained eye will only notice the safety systems radar incorporated on the left side of the grille. The rest is the lifting standard - new body paints and wheel patterns available in 16 and 17 inch sizes
And what about the interior? Above all, the reign is held by the refreshed multimedia with a faster and more conveniently operating interface and thinner frames. The rearview mirror is also frameless. The USB-C ports are also to be appreciated.
Besides visual details, Mazda also worked on the technology, which is the new limited-slip differential. It can be found in variants with a 6-speed manual gearbox. The driving experience is also influenced by the updated electric power steering, which provides more feel while driving. The cherry on top is the new DSC-Track driving mode which puts most support systems to sleep.
Customers will also appreciate the reinforced 1.5 engine, which has gained an additional 4 HP of power. In the 184-horsepower two-liter offered in Europe, the gas response has been improved. Customers in Japan will be the first to experience the benefits of the updated version. The rest must wait a little longer.
