2023 Mazda MX-5 brings revised trim levels, new body color

Updated Oct 25, 2022 | Same topic: Automotive Industry Updates

The iconic roadster fourth generation continues to impress.  

Mazda has released the refreshed MX-5 sports roadster for the 2023 model year in the U.K., with a new naming convention used for its available trim levels along with a new available exterior color.

2023 Mazda MX-5

 Mazda isn't bringing many changes to the formula that made the MX-5 an iconic roadster 

Convertible models now take on the Roadster name, in line with the assigned label used for overseas releases. The MX-5 and MX-5 RF ranges will feature newly named Prime-Line, Exclusive-Line, and Homura trim levels, replacing previously offered trims such as SE-L, Sport, Sport Tech, and GT Sport Tech.  

“The key phrase for our development of the fourth-generation MX-5 was ‘Innovate in order to preserve,’ and I strongly believe that this model’s ongoing appeal is the result of our unceasing commitment to refining the vehicle over its 30-year history,” said Masashi Nakayama, program manager and chief designer for the MX-5. 

Aesthetic changes to the MX-5 include the debut appearance of Zircon Sand body paint on the range, while the Homura manual transmission variants now come with red Brembo brake calipers. 

2023 Mazda MX-5 Zircon Sand

Fans can look forward to the Zircon Sand exterior body color appearing in the range for the first time

The refreshed MX-5 retains its mechanical setup under the hood, starting with a 1.5-liter Skyactiv-G engine good for 129 horsepower and 201 Nm of torque. A more powerful 2.0-liter version is also offered, rated at 181 horsepower and 205 Nm of pull. Mazda’s i-ELOOP kinetic recovery and i-Stop engine stop-start technology continue to be standard features.    

Transmission options comprise a Skyactiv-MT manual and Skyactiv-Drive automatic, both with six forward gears. Manual versions continue to be equipped with a front strut brace, limited slip differential, and Bilstein suspension. Meanwhile, Kinematic Posture Control (KPC) is featured across the range, applying a small amount of braking force to the unloaded rear wheel during cornering maneuvers to suppress body roll.       

2023 Mazda MX-5 steering wheel

Expect the 2023 Mazda MX-5 to continue bringing driving excitement

“The MX-5 is Mazda’s brand icon and it embodies all that is great about our products,” stated Mazda U.K. Managing Director Jeremy Thomson. “Its fun to drive character has strengthened the bond between Mazda and its customers for more than 30 years and the 2023 model continues this unswerving dedication to delivering an affordable, engaging, world-class sports car.” 

See more refreshed versions of your favorite cars at Philkotse.com

Know more about Mazda MX-5 2024

Mazda MX-5

The Mazda MX-5 2024 Philippines is a 2-seater, rear-wheel-drive sports car. The soft-top version currently has different variants for the Philippine market:

  • 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

Under the hood, the Mazda MX-5 uses a 2.0-liter inline-4 gasoline engine capable of making up to 181 horsepower and 205 Nm of torque. Power is then sent to its rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic gearbox. 

Size-wise, the MX-5 has a length of 3,915mm, a width of 1,735mm, and a height of 1,230mm. 

Currently, the Mazda MX-5 competes against the likes of the Toyota 86, Subaru BRZ, among others. 

 

Mazda MX-5 Launch

In August 2015, Mazda Philippines launched the Mazda MX-5 launched soft-top variant. Two years later, the Japanese car brand introduced its RF variant at the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS). It is regarded as one of the best value-for-money sports cars one can get in the Philippines.   

As of 2021, Mazda Philippines updated the Mazda MX-5's lineup. It now has three trims. The first is the manual version with a black top. The second is also a manual but it can come with a dark cherry top. The third is an automatic variant with both choices of black or dark cherry top. 

In 2022, Mazda Philippines brought in the revamped MX-5. These come with a red or black top version, and two Club Edition versions. 

Mazda MX-5 Exterior

The Mazda MX-5's exterior is styled to follow the brand's KODO design philosophy. To this end, it enables the car to look like it's in constant motion, while the outside profile of the vehicle features sultry curves as well. Slim headlamps are evident on the front end, while several regions on the front, side, and rear have sharp and smooth corners. 

Its traditional roadster shape is maintained, and for the motor to be pushed behind the front axle, it has a long hood and a short rear. The different variants are available with distinct colored roofs that range from standard black to red. 

Mazda MX-5 Interior

As of 2024, there are several options for the MX-5's interior. Its seats can either come with black fabric covers, premium black leather, or Terracotta Nappa leather. The Club Edition variants also have Recaro Seats, while all trims get an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a push-to-start button, a leather-wrapped shift knob, and automatic climate control. 

Technology & Safety Features

For the 2024 Mazda MX-5, all trims are provided with dual front airbags, side airbags, dynamic stability control, a reverse camera and rear parking sensors, anti-lock braking, lane departure warning, as well as a low-speed emergency braking system dubbed as the Smart City Brake Support. 

Entertainment is then handled by a Mazda Connect touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It is then paired with a 9-piece Bose sound system. 

Platform & Chassis

The MX-5 2024 is a 2-seater coupe with a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. For suspensions, it uses a Double Wishbone for the front and a multi-link rear suspension. The manual versions then get Bilstein Dampers for the front suspension, as well as a limited-slip differential.

Also, the 2024 version of the MX-5 now comes with Kinematic Posture Control, a system that ensures less body roll and more stability during spirited drives. It also prevents the car from lifting when accelerating hard.

Engine & Drivetrain

The power of the Mazda MX-5 comes from a naturally-aspirated 2.0-liter in-line 4-cylinder engine that supplies 184 hp as well as 205 Nm torque power. A 6-speed manual or  6-speed automatic transmission option is available, being the latter unit can be found on higher-spec variants.

Mazda MX-5 front view

Aesthetically appealing as always

The standard for manual variants is a limited speed differential.

For the Philippine market, the 2024 Mazda MX-5 has seven different exterior color choices. These include Snowflake White Pearl, Deep Crystal Blue, Jet Black, Platinum Quartz, Polymetal Gray, Machine Gray, and Soul Red Crystal. 

In terms of engine output, the MX-5 makes slightly less horsepower than its main competitor. Then again, it makes just about the same amount of torque. Other than that, it is currently the smallest 2-door sports car in the Philippine market today. This means that it beats out its rivals in terms of curb weight. This can equate to more agility on the track, though this also has the drawback of resulting in less interior space. Most folks, however, will have no issues fitting inside the MX-5 Philippines.  

Mazda MX-5 Pros & Cons

 Pros Cons
 
  • Lightweight 

  • Great power output for its size and weight 

  • Agile 

  • Stylish exterior 

 
  • Larger individuals will have issues with interior space 

  • Less than stellar cargo capacity 

Mazda MX-5 Q&A

1. Is the Mazda MX-5 a good car?

Yes, Mazda MX-5 owns an engine block for smooth and quiet operation and this new version of Mazda does not consume too much fuel.

2. Is the Mazda MX-5 featured with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay?

Yes, the MX-5 comes with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

3. How many engine options are available for the Mazda MX-5 in the Philippines?

The Mazda MX-5 is offered with three powertrain options: 2.5-liter and 2.0-liter gasoline engine choices, and a 2.2-liter turbo diesel power plant.

4. How many seaters does the Mazda MX-5 have?

The MX-5 has 2 seaters.

5. How much is the Mazda MX-5 2024 in the Philippines?

The price of the new MX-5 in the Philippines ranges from 2,230,000 Php for the entry-level model to 2,600,000 Php for the top-of-the-line model.

 

₱ 2,020,000 - ₱ 2,630,000

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Joseph Paolo Estabillo

Joseph Paolo Estabillo

Author

Joseph holds a degree in Journalism from the University of the Philippines Diliman and has been writing professionally since 1999. He has written episodes for CNN Philippines' motoring show Drive, and has worked on corporate projects for MG Philippines and Pilipinas Shell. Aside from being Philkotse.com’s Content Lead, he also writes content for numerous car dealerships in the U.S., spanning multiple brands such as Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Maserati, among others.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kapatilya

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