Still an affordable enthusiast option? 2024 Mazda MX-5 price creeps up as more equipment added to Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ rival

Mazda has updated its MX-5 sports car, culling three variants from the convertible line-up, increasing prices across the range and adding more equipment.

Kicking off the range is the six-speed manual roadster for $41,370 (+$2310), while the six-speed automatic option in the base car has now been discontinued.

The soft-top manual GT and GT RS both move up $2800 to $48,490 and $51,490 respectively, and the automatic version of the former moves up $2300 to $49,990.

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For those wanting the folding hardtop RF, prices now kick off from $46,100 (+$2730) for the base manual car with this update discontinuing the automatic version.

The RF range then moves to the GT manual and automatic, positioned at $52,990 (+$3220) and $54,490 (+$2720).

The RF GT Black Roof loses its manual gearbox option, and is now available exclusively with the automatic, priced at $55,510 (+$2720).

Finally, the top-spec and manual-only RF GT RS steps up $3220 to $55,990 for 2024.

Due to touch down in local showrooms from the first quarter of next year, manual versions of the refreshed MX-5 now feature a new asymmetric limited-slip differential (LSD), while the top-spec GT RS scores a new dynamic stability control (DSC) mode designed for track work.

Key to the function of the new LSD is a cam mechanism that has been added to improve deceleration stability, while tweaks to steering and preload have also led to “smoother and more linear turning performance”, according to Mazda.

Meanwhile, the DSC-Track mode turns off stability nannies, save for when in an uncontrollable spin.

All manual grades of the 2024 MX-5 also feature a more responsive accelerator pedal that that “is particularly noticeable in daily driving during the deceleration phase”, but also has a tangible application when driving hard, according to Mazda.

The steering rack has also been changed to reduce friction, but Mazda is still promising a “natural and fluid response” thanks to tweaks to the electric power steering software.

As before, all MX-5s are powered by a 135kW/205Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, but now more noise is piped into the cabin.

The 8.8-inch multimedia system is also updated with a new design layout and latest Mazda Connect software.

The 2024 MX-5 is also the first Mazda in Australia to score Connected Services that can contact emergency services in the event of a crash and allow for status monitoring from a smartphone, although the service won’t be online until sometime in the first half of next year.

Top-spec RF GT grades can also be optioned with a new double-stitched tan Nappa leather interior, new 17-inch alloy wheels can be found throughout the range and a new exterior colour (Aero Grey Metallic) is also available with the latest update.

2024 Mazda MX-5 pricing before on-road costs