Mazda Philippines launches the much-anticipated new MX-5, the brand’s famed open-top 2-seat roadster. The most iconic Mazda in the model range gets a host of upgrades for 2024, ranging from enhanced connectivity and significant dynamic improvements, to new track-focused technologies that boasts of the sharpest, best-handling of their MX-5 yet.
First introduced in 1989, the Mazda MX-5 is borne of four generations, making it one of the most iconic sports cars in the world. It is the embodiment of Mazda’s Jinba-Ittai—horse and rider as one—philosophy prioritizing balance and handling precision. Moreover, its original formula—small, lightweight, affordable, and open-top—remains present in the new model to exhibit timelessness.
Interior enhancements bring a host of new visibility, convenience, and connectivity features. Expanding operation, it comes with a high-resolution 4.6-inch LCD multi-info display and a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror. The same can be said about the infotainment screen which has grown to 8.8 inches in size but has slimmer bezels for an unobstructed view of the road ahead.
“The Mazda MX-5 is an unmistakable icon and for 35 years, it has been the go-to option for enthusiasts who want a thrilling drive no matter the destination. These new updates for 2024 not only make it the ideal first sports car, but expand its already extensive capabilities to make it even more fun on the track and even better on the road,” says Steven Tan, President of Mazda Philippines. “It is known around the world as a formidable and reliable racing platform, but thanks to its new updates, it has also become a more comprehensive package. It gains Mazda’s latest connectivity and safety enhancements, making it a complete package not just dynamically, but technologically, as well.”
For 2024, the MX-5 is available in two body styles—the Soft Top with its classic, manually-operated canvas roof, and the Retractable Fastback (RF) that transforms it from a coupe to a convertible at the push of a button in just 13 seconds. A total of seven MX-5 variants—five Soft Top and two RF—are available in 2024. It comes in seven colorways, including a new color, Aero Gray, along with Soul Red Crystal, Machine Gray, Snowflake White Pearl, Deep Crystal Blue, Zircon Sand, and Jet Black. All variants have full LED exterior lighting with a revised lighting signature for the headlights and taillights. The changes are capped off by new 17-inch Aluminum Alloy Wheels in a Diamond Cut or Black Metallic finish.
Running the latest-generation Mazda Connect system, it improves smartphone connectivity with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as Dual USB Type-C ports. These functions build on the already generous list of luxury features that include a 9-speaker BOSE sound system, automatic climate control, rain-sensing wipers, and available Nappa Leather seats.
The 2024 Mazda MX-5 runs with a naturally-aspirated 2.0-liter SKYACTIV-G engine mated to either a close-ratio SKYACTIV-Drive 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic. This makes the MX-5 one of the few remaining sports cars in the market to offer customers the power of choice when it comes to their preferred gearbox. In terms of numbers, it produces the same power as before—184 PS at 7,000 rpm and 205 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. However for 2024, the sound is now drawn directly into the interior from the engine resulting in a more stirring audible experience.
Developed from the ground up as a pure driver’s car, the MX-5 has a perfect 50-50 front-to-rear weight distribution. Incorporating Mazda’s SKYACTIV® Technologies into Mazda’s Jinba-Ittai engineering philosophy, the result is one of the lightest cars in its class with a starting curb weight of just 1,058 kilograms.
All MX-5 variants benefit from a revised electric power steering system that has been retuned for more nimble and precise operation. This is in addition to the Kinematic Posture Control which mimics the behavior of more complex and heavier adaptive dampers. The MX-5 applies a light braking force to the inner rear wheel as the steering wheel is turned into a corner to pull the vehicle’s body down and suppress body roll.
Manual transmission-equipped MX-5 variants have been gifted with two new handling-related technologies on top of the standard front strut bar and Bilstein shock absorbers: Dynamic Stability Control with Track Mode (DSC-Track) and Asymmetric Limited Slip Differential (A-LSD).
DSC-Track is a new control technology that affords maximum control to the driver by limiting the operation of the stability control system, only intervening when it detects a potentially hazardous spin that the driver is unable to control. This new functionality does not come with any significant weight penalty as it uses a unique control software along with a new ABS hydraulic unit.
Meanwhile, A-LSD adds a cam mechanism to the standard conical clutch LSD which is lightweight, compact, and highly durable. The cam angle is set differently for the deceleration side and acceleration side, achieving optimal limiting force of slip during both processes. This results in smoother and more linear turning performance.
These are offered in addition to the recalibrated accelerator pedal that is easier to modulate due to the elimination of delay. For highway cruising, cruise control is now standard on all variants, as well.
As for safety, Mazda’s i-ACTIVESENSE suite of assistive and safety tech is still present. This comes with six new functions: Smart Brake Support-Front (SBS-F), Smart Brake Support-Rear (SBS-R), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) with Rear Cross Brake Support (RCBS), and Driver Attention Alert (DAA). Adaptive LED headlights (ALH), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), rear parking sensors, and a reverse camera remain standard.
Two distinct trim packages are available. The Black Fabric Soft Top and Body-Colored RF Roof comes with a Black Leather interior, 17-inch Diamond Cut Aluminum Alloy Wheels, and Body Colored Side Mirrors, while the Tan Fabric Soft Top and Black RF Roof comes with a Tan Nappa Leather interior, 17-inch Black Metallic Aluminum Alloy Wheels, and Gloss Black Side Mirrors.
A special, limited-edition MX-5 Miata Cup 23rd Anniversary Edition is also available. This 23-unit run uniquely developed by Mazda Japan for the Philippine market in honor of the 23rd Anniversary of the Miata Cup comes with a bespoke racing livery designed by local artist Jaykee Evangelista, and is inspired by classic motorsports liveries.
The 2024 Mazda MX-5 with its seven variants are priced as follows:
- 2.0L MT Miata Cup 23rd Anniversary Edition – ₱2,230,000
- 2.0L MT Black Top Black Leather – ₱2,300,000
- 2.0L AT Black Top Black Leather – ₱2,350,000
- 2.0L MT Tan Top Tan Nappa Leather – ₱2,400,000
- 2.0L AT Tan Top Tan Nappa Leather – ₱2,450,000
- 2.0L AT RF Black Leather – ₱2,550,000
- 2.0L AT RF Tan Nappa Leather – ₱2,600,000
For more information visit https://www.mazda.ph/
