Entering its ninth year in production, Mazda gives a makeover to the MX-5 Miata. Both the convertible and hardtop RF receive a subtle refresh and numerous appreciated enhancements in mechanics, aesthetics, and technology. Accompanying these improvements, the latest Miata iteration, codenamed “ND3,” comes with a modest price adjustment across all variants.

Examining the cost variance from the preceding year’s model:

Please be aware that these prices incorporate a delivery charge of $1,165. The delivery fee for Alaska is $1,210.

Let’s address the mechanical updates first, as that’s where the excitement lies. In the case of all 2024 MX-5 Miata models, there’s a new steering rack with reduced internal friction and a fresh tune for the power steering system. According to Mazda, these adjustments lead to “smoother steering action with a more defined ‘on-center’ feeling for relaxed freeway cruising, yet greater precision as the front tires are loaded up under hard cornering.” All these enhancements sound promising to us.

For the Club and Grand Touring editions, the limited-slip differential has been revamped into an unconventional unit, exhibiting distinct lockup configurations during braking and acceleration. Braking prompts increased lockup, enhancing stability during corner entry, while acceleration results in reduced lockup to mitigate understeer on corner entry. The Club variant introduces a novel “Track” mode for the stability-control system, elevating the intervention threshold without complete system deactivation.

Spotting alterations on the 2024 MX-5 Miata’s exterior requires a keener eye, with new LED headlights, taillights, and updated multi-spoke wheel designs serving as distinctive features. A fresh color, Aero Gray, is now available for an additional $450. Inside the vehicle, the ambiance is notably transformed for those accustomed to the ND Miata. A prominent change is the enlarged infotainment screen, operating Mazda’s latest system, and, for the first time in the brand’s vehicle lineup, integration with Amazon Alexa. 

Like previously mentioned, the Club and Grand Touring share identical mechanical features, but the GT lacks the recently introduced Track DSC mode. The BBS/Brembo/Recaro package, priced at $4,800 for the Club Soft Top and included as standard in the RF, combines forged 17-inch BBS wheels, enhanced Brembo brakes featuring fixed-piston calipers upfront, and Recaro seats. It’s a desirable choice if it fits within your budget.

The GT also introduces a fresh Napa leather interior choice in a sun-kissed hue for an additional $300. As has been the trend for a few years, opting for the automatic Miata mandates selecting the GT, which incurs an extra cost of $920. However, if you’re adept at maneuvering a manual transmission, bypass the automatic option, as Mazda’s manual remains unparalleled in the market.

Individually, these enhancements may seem modest, but they collectively pledge to culminate in a significantly enhanced Miata. The crucial aspect is that Mazda seems to have upheld the excellence of the ND model – after all, the officially stated curb weight for the soft-top is 2,368 pounds.

Source and Images: Motor1