JDM Mazda MX-5 Miata Updated

Mazda’s iconic roadster has undergone some changes in Japan for the 2024 model year that should likewise underpin the variant slated for our market. While some of this pertains to updated safety tech few MX-5 owners are likely to care about, there are also a host of mechanical upgrades that should actually make it a better performance machine.

The Japanese-market Miata (pictured) has been given an asymmetric limited-slip differential the brand says will make the vehicle handle more predictably in the corners. Mazda said the unit helps to mitigate liftoff oversteer while likewise creating more progressive turn-in characteristics. It should also help keep the car planted when chucked hard into sharp, low-speed turns. The differential is only planned to be added to models equipped with the manual transmission, however.

Stick-shift Miatas will likewise feature a new track setting that is supposed to keep electronic stability control off until the absolute last second. The vehicle allegedly won’t intervene until the computer assumes the driver can no longer recover from a slide. Truthfully, this doesn’t sound all that different from what the current Miata does when you “turn off” ESC — making it sound like Mazda has just made the existing system a little less invasive.

Meanwhile, every version of the car is supposed to come with a revised electric power steering system designed to feel more natural with better feedback.

Drive-by-wire can definitely help isolate drivers from unpleasant vibrations and harshness. But they’re simultaneously hated by driving enthusiasts due to a lack of feedback, making an otherwise sharp car feel vague and difficult to trust near the limit. While it’s been a while since I’ve wiggled my way inside the cockpit of an MX-5, steering never felt like much of an issue. Hopefully, the above just means Mazda’s update has improved feedback while retaining the little car’s already excellent responsiveness.

Japanese Miatas are getting more horsepower from the 1.5-liter motor that’s not available here. But the 181-horsepower Skyactiv-G 2.0 we do receive is only supposed to have undergone some light tuning. Though Mazda’s biggest effort seems to have gone into making it sound better from inside the cabin.

There is probably a subset of enthusiasts that will be irritated the manufacturer hasn't prioritized an increase in power on the larger motor. We know Mazda likes to prioritize reliability. But a little bit would have gone a long way here.

Still, this is a vehicle that doesn't even weigh 2,500 pounds until you've crammed at least one person inside the cabin. The whole experience is predicated on the model leveraging its light weight to maximize driving dynamics and there's not much else on the market operating under a similar mindset beyond the Toyota GR86 or Subaru BRZ (both of which are still heavier than the Miata, albeit with better power figures).

Exterior styling appears to be no different from the previous model year, save for the inclusion of LED illumination just about everywhere and some new wheel designs. The brand also ended up relocating the daytime running lights away from the fog lamps. But, unless you’re particularly eagle-eyed and catching it after sundown, the 2024 Mazda MX-5 should be borderline indistinguishable from the 2023 model year.

The rest of the changes pertain to safety and are not likely to concern the average Miata consumer. While the brand has long sought to prioritize safety through sound construction and designs that encourage drivers to remain engaged and undistracted from the task of driving, Mazda has added a radar sensor on the left side of the grille that permits adaptive cruise control and upgraded its rearward sensing capabilities to incorporate automatic braking when reversing toward a moving vehicle.

Neither of those will be game changers for would-be buyers. But they will allow the company to avoid getting dinged quite so badly by overzealous safety reviewers for not having every novel electronic nanny present.

Other changes pertained to the larger infotainment screen (now 8.8 inches) and some new color options. Japan is getting Aero Gray Metallic paint and previewed the updated Miata in that hue in some of its press materials.

While we don’t know if every single item will migrate to the United States, odds are good that most of it will. Unfortunately, everyone seems to think that this will result in a pricier automobile.

Considering the vehicle currently starts around $28,000 before destination, that could very easily bring the MSRP above $30,000.

[Images: Mazda]

Become a TTAC insider. Get the latest news, features, TTAC takes, and everything else that gets to the truth about cars first by  subscribing to our newsletter.