Almost a decade into its model lifespan, the ND-generation Mazda MX-5 still manages to be very desirable, helped along by strategic tweaks that keep it updated in the fast-changing automotive landscape. The latest ‘ND3’ facelifted model that made its debut in October 2023 now officially enters the Philippine market, bringing enhanced connectivity and dynamic improvements to the MX-5 range.
And by ‘dynamic improvements,’ we mean new track-focused and motorsports-derived technologies that make this latest version, even without any power bump, “the sharpest, best-handling MX-5 yet,” as Mazda claims.
But let’s start with the lineup and prices first. For the 2024 model year, the MX-5 is available in two body styles—the classic soft-top and the retractable fastback (RF)—and two trim packages. That comes out to a total of seven variants, including the Miata Cup 23rd Anniversary Edition, which will be limited to only 23 units. (Fun fact: it was designed by former Top Gear Philippines art director Jaykee Evangelista).
Mazda MX-5 2024 variants and prices
- Mazda MX-5 2.0 MT Miata Cup 23rd Anniversary Edition – P2,230,000
- Mazda MX-5 2.0 MT Black Top Black Leather – P2,300,000
- Mazda MX-5 2.0 AT Black Top Black Leather – P2,350,000
- Mazda MX-5 2.0 MT Tan Top Nappa Leather – P2,400,000
- Mazda MX-5 2.0 AT Tan Top Nappa Leather – P2,450,000
- Mazda MX-5 2.0 AT RF Black Leather – P2,550,000
- Mazda MX-5 2.0 AT RF Tan Nappa Leather – P2,600,000
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Where the ND MX-5 has been showing its age is in the cabin, and the ND3 claws back a few years with the latest generation of Mazda Connect, the addition of two USB-C ports, and an 8.8-inch infotainment screen that’s substantially bigger than the one in the pre-facelift model. For smartphone connectivity, there’s now Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and you can enjoy your playlist via the nine-speaker Bose sound system.
If you opt for either a black fabric soft-top or a body-colored RF roof, you’ll get a black leather interior, 17-inch diamond-cut alloys, and body-colored side mirrors. Choosing the tan fabric soft-top or the black RF roof will get you a tan nappa leather interior, 17-inch black metallic alloys, and gloss-black side mirrors. The new Aero Gray paint job makes it to the list of exterior color options, along with Soul Red Crystal, Machine Gray, Snowflake White Pearl, Deep Crystal Blue, Zircon Sand, and Jet Black.
As mentioned earlier, the 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G engine still generates 181hp and 205Nm of torque, delivering power to the wheels via a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. Manual units get two new features: Dynamic Stability Control with Track Mode (DSC-Track) and an asymmetric limited-slip differential (A-LSD).
DSC-Track allows for more leeway in deploying stability assistance, only kicking in when it senses you’re about to embarrass yourself beyond redemption. A-LSD, meanwhile, provides smoother and more linear turning performance via a cam mechanism that varies the amount of slip for acceleration and deceleration. Aside from these, the 2024 MX-5 also benefits from a revised electric power-steering system and a recalibrated accelerator pedal that Mazda says “is easier to modulate due to the elimination of delay.”
Finally, i-Activsense features have also been expanded for this model year. The safety suite has six new functions: smart brake support for the front and rear (SBS-F and SBS-R), blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear cross-brake support, and, if all the handling improvements aren’t enough to keep you fully engaged while behind the wheel, driver attention alert.
“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,” said Steven Tan, president of Mazda Philippines. “These new updates for 2024 not only make it the ideal first sports car, but also expand its already extensive capabilities to make it even more fun on the track and even better on the road.
“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.”
