Mazda PH officially reveals facelifted MX-5 for 2024 model year

Mazda Philippines distributor Bermaz Auto Philippines Inc. has just revealed the upgraded version of its popular two-seat roadster. Say hello to the 2024 Mazda MX-5, and while the changes may not be obvious at first, they give the droptop a new lease on life as well as plenty of new technologies.

2024 Mazda MX-5 now in PH with extensive list of upgrades image

Starting with the interior upgrades first, the 2024 MX-5 gets a new Nappa Tan Leather interior which gives the roadster a cozier finish. There's also a new 8.8-inch Mazda Connect infotainment system complete with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, a 4.6-inch multi-info display, dual USB-C ports, and a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror. Also fitted as standard are the 9-speaker Bose sound system, automatic climate control, and rain-sensing wipers.

2024 Mazda MX-5 now in PH with extensive list of upgrades image

The 2024 MX-5 is available in two body styles – the classic Soft Top with its manually-operated canvas roof and the Retractable Fastback (RF) which gets an electric folding roof that can be deployed in just 13 seconds. A total of 7 variants are also available for customers to choose from, two RFs and five soft top versions.

Customers can choose from 7 colorways which include; Soul Red Crystal, Machine Gray, Snowflake White Pearl, Deep Crystal Blue, Zircon Sand, Jet Black, and a new color called Aero Gray. All models come with full LED headlights & taillights that are accompanied by a revised lighting signature. Capping off the exterior updates are new 17-inch alloy aluminum alloy wheels which can come in a diamond-cut or black metallic finish.

2024 Mazda MX-5 now in PH with extensive list of upgrades image

Under the hood, the 2024 MX-5 continues to be powered by a 2.0-liter SkyActiv-G four-cylinder engine that puts out 184 PS at 7000 rpm along with 205 Nm of torque at 4000 rpm. For 2024, however, the sound is now drawn directly into the cabin for a more stirring audible experience. Power is then sent to either a 6-speed automatic or manual gearbox.

All MX-5 variants for 2024 have also received a revised electronic power steering system that has been retuned for a more nimble driving experience and a Kinematic Posture Control system that mimics the behavior of heavier dampers that result in less body roll. The system works by applying a light braking force to the inner rear wheel as the steering wheel is turned into a corner. This results in pulling the vehicle's body down and suppressing body roll.

2024 Mazda MX-5 now in PH with extensive list of upgrades image

Exclusive only to the manual variants of the 2024 MX-5 are key upgrades that consist of two new handling technologies on top of the standard front strut bar and Bilstein dampers. These are Dynamic Stability Control with Track Mode (DSC-Track) and the 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. On the other hand, 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.

2024 Mazda MX-5 now in PH with extensive list of upgrades image

Last but not least, the 2024 MX-5 now comes with Mazda's i-ActivSense as standard. For 2024, it adds 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 trim packages are available for the 2024 Mazda MX-5. The Black Fabric Soft Top and Body-Colored RF Roof come with a black interior, 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, and body-colored side mirror caps. Meanwhile, the Tan Fabric Soft Top and Black RF Roof gets a Tan Nappa Leather cabin, 17-inch black alloy wheels, and gloss black side mirrors.

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"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," said Steven Tan, president of Mazda Philippines.

A special, limited-edition MX-5 Miata Cup 23rd Anniversary Edition is also available. Only 23 units of this limited-run MX-5 were built by Mazda Japan for the Philippine market in honor of the 23rd Anniversary of the Miata Cup. It comes with a bespoke racing livery designed by local artist Jaykee Evangelista which was inspired by classic motorsports liveries.

• 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

• 2.0L MT Miata Cup 23rd Anniversary Edition – ₱2,230,000