Trad open-top manual sole recipient of full dynamic refinements.

THREE becomes two and prices have elevated, but also incoming are refinements promising to make Mazda’s evergreen MX-5 even more fun to own and play with.

Information out today from Mazda New Zealand about local updates and positioning for its famous two-seater comes in wake of the parent brand’s earlier share and times perfectly to the original’s car’s international debut on this same day, at the 1989 Chicago motor show.

The line-up now comes down to a manual GT roadster and a automatic RF Limited with a folding hardtop, the first rising from $57,590 to $60,490 and the second now at $61,990, having previously been a $59,090 choice.

The RF Limited manual has retired, a spokesman for the Auckland distributor saying that sales trend clearly showed buyer preference for the roadster in three-pedal.

“Manual in the roadster is a sweet spot … buyers who want the the RF Limited prefer auto because their driving is more urban-oriented.”

That contention is supported by the roadster format - which it has had since debut in 1989 - being giving preferential treatment in respect to its dynamic settings, with it receiving a Track driving mode and revised limited slip differential not availed to the hardtop.

Inclusion of a Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)-Track driving mode, with an altered limited slip differential, is in response to customer feedback.

Mazda says the Track setting gives the driver maximum control by applying oversteer control only in the event of a dangerous spin that the driver is unable to correct.

The new Asymmetric Limited Slip Differential intends to stabilise vehicle turn-in behaviour by varying the limiting force of slip on the differential gear in response to vehicle acceleration and deceleration as the rear wheel vertical load changes. 

Hiroshima says that by optimising slip limiting force and preload specifically for the MX-5's engine, suspension, and tyre characteristics, the car achieves smoother and more linear turning performance. 

“Turning stability thus has been enhanced to make manoeuvring easier in urban areas, as well as on winding roads.”

Noise is also important. Interestingly, rather than treat the car to a rortier exhaust, Mazda has instead gone the way of many and implemented a ISE (Induction Sound Enhancer) that feeds the car’s sporty note more into the cabin than into the general environment.

Local managing director David Hodge says a nameplate now in its 35th year continues in latest form to epitomise “our company’s vision – that we love cars and want our customers to create experiences through the joy of driving – and the feeling of Jinba-Ittai which means the oneness between car and driver.

“The fourth generation of MX-5 continues its original brief: A lightweight, affordable sports car with driving fun as its focus.

“The Mazda MX-5 continues to be as popular as ever, and the 2024 updates will see MX-5 continue to be enjoyed by Mazda fans all over New Zealand”, says Hodge.

Externally, the 2024 models features a new 17-inch alloy wheel, now in gloss black, new LED headlights and revised tail-lights. The RF Limited achieves black exterior mirrors. A new Aero Grey Metallic exterior colour is available.

In the cabin, enhancements include a frameless rear-view mirror, the increased size and functionality of the 8.8-inch touch-screen multimedia display, an updated driver’s instrument panel and two USB-C ports.  

Now Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connect wirelessly and the updated Mazda Connect allows for apps installed on a smartphone to be displayed.