2024 Mazda MX-5 updated for PH with more tech and handling upgrades

Updated Apr 19, 2024 | Same topic: Automotive Industry Updates

The updated MX-5 Miata starts at Php 2.3 million. 

Mazda Philippines, under the distributorship of Bermaz Auto Philippines Inc., has launched the updated MX-5 Miata for the model year 2024. It gets plenty of improvements, particularly more on-board safety tech.

2024 Mazda MX-5 RF

2024 Mazda MX-5 RF

The company also switched up some mechanical elements within the two-door roadster’s variant lineup. Plus, it also introduced a new special edition trim that’s limited to just 23 units for the Philippine market. 

So, what can buyers expect from the 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata? 

Exterior

On the outside, the 2024 MX-5 retains the same iconic body shape and design details. Also kept are the MX-5’s two distinct dropdown roof styles: the soft top and the retractable fastback (RF).  Its front end does get new full LED headlamps with integrated LED daytime lamps which feature a new eye-catching lighting signature. 

2024 Mazda MX-5 Soft Top

2024 Mazda MX-5 Soft Top

Over to the side, the updated Mazda roadster gets a set of new 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels. These are finished in either diamond cut or black metallic. Likewise revised to be more impactful in style is the car’s LED taillights. 

The MX-5’s roster of exterior features includes rain-sensing wipers, headlamp auto-leveling and auto on/off, dual exhaust tips, and power-folding side mirrors.

The RF tucking in its top

The MX-5 RF folding down in its top

Available color options for the updated MX-5 include Soul Red Crystal, Machine Gray, Deep Crystal Blue, Snowflake White Pearl, Zircon Sand, and Jet Black. Added to the model’s roster of color exterior color options is the new Aero Gray. These may be combined with the new tan soft top or the black soft top. 

Interior

Step inside the 2024 Mazda MX-5 and one will see that it has been enhanced with new digital screens. Moreover, its soft-touch interior surfaces and its seats may now come in Tan Nappa Leather and Black Leather. 

A peek inside the 2024 MX-5 with the tan interior

A peek inside the 2024 MX-5 with the tan interior

As with the prior version, the updated roadster still gets a leather-wrapped tilt and telescopic steering wheel, power-adjustable seating, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a push-to-start button, an automatic single-zone climate control system, and a leather-wrapped shift knob, among others. 

Tech & Safety

The bulk of the new bits on the 2024 MX-5 are mainly safety technologies. For this, Mazda further refined its i-Activsense advanced driver assist systems (ADAS) to include a smart brake support system which can now automatically mitigate front and rear collisions. 

View of the 2024 MX-5 interior from the top

View of the 2024 MX-5 interior from the top

Other ADAS features on the updated MX-5 include blind-spot monitoring with rear-cross traffic alert, cross-brake support, driver attention alert, adaptive LED headlamps, and lane departure warning. 

Supporting the MX-5’s lineup of advanced safety features are dual front airbags, side airbags, dynamic stability control, rear parking sensors, a reverse camera, and a seatbelt warning lamp. 

Closer look at the updated MX-5's new nfotainment system display

Closer look at the updated MX-5's new infotainment system display

Handling onboard entertainment on the updated MX-5 is a new 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. This digital display features thinner bezels for better packaging and enhanced forward visibility for the driver. 

The said screen gets wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and it is linked to a nine-piece Bose speaker system. 

Engine

Under the hood of the 2024 MX-5 is the same 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G gasoline engine. At the most, it can churn out 181 horsepower and 205 Nm of torque. 

The 2024 MX-5's 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G inline-4 gasoline engine

The 2024 MX-5's 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G inline-4 gasoline engine

The soft top versions of the MX-5 may still come with a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic gearbox. For 2024 however, Mazda dropped the manual transmission for the RF variant. 

To improve its handling, Mazda updated the MX-5’s power steering system. The brand also added the new Dynamic Stability Control with Track Mode (DSC-Track) which can automatically intervene when the car senses loss of traction. 

There’s also the new Asymmetric Limited-Slip Differential (A-LSD). According to Mazda, their engineers provided a new cam to the MX-5’s LSD to actively adjust inputs when slowing down when entering a corner and accelerating out of a corner. 

MX-5's Kinematic Posture Control

MX-5's Kinematic Posture Control

Last but not least is Kinematic Posture Control (KPC). This likewise optimizes how the MX-5 behaves when cornering by automatically applying the brakes on the vehicle’s inner tires (the ones nearest to the curb). In doing so, the KPC can eliminate body roll. 

Price

The “standard” 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata starts at Php 2,300,000 for the Black Top Black Leather MT. The Black Top Black Leather AT meanwhile, retails at Php 2,350,000. The Tan Top Tan Nappa Leather variants meanwhile, are priced a bit higher at Php 2,400,000 for the MT, and Php 2,450,000 for the AT. 

MX-5 Soft Top from the rear

MX-5 Soft Top from the rear

For the RF trims, the Black Leather variant is available for Php 2,550,000. The Tan Nappa Leather AT then takes the top-end spot of the MX-5 variant lineup at Php 2,600,000. 

Of note, Mazda Cars PH also introduced the Miata Cup 23rd Anniversary Edition MT trim for the local market. This variant features a special livery and is limited to just 23 units. Price-wise, this very limited edition of the MX-5 is the most affordable variant at Php 2,230,000 as it is a track-oriented model with no electronic driving aids. 

For more car news and automotive industry updates, keep it here on Philkotse

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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Cesar G.B. Miguel

Cesar G.B. Miguel

Author

Cesar Guiderone B. Miguel was born and raised in Iligan City, Lanao Del Norte. He graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in English degree from Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology. He previously worked as a freelance writer for various websites, as a member of the Iligan City Disaster Risk Reduction Management's training staff, and as a medical sales representative.

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

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