There’s a certain sense of satisfaction that comes from completing a task with your own hands and whether it be for work or leisure, the fulfilment is just the same. The joy of simplicity that comes from driving the Mazda MX-5 is just one of the many reasons why it has long been regarded by many as a modern classic sportscar.
The most iconic Mazda in the model range has received a host of upgrades for 2024, ranging from enhanced connectivity and significant dynamic tweaks to new track-focused technology that result in the most exhilarating MX-5 driving experience yet.
This is the flagship GT RS grade MX-5 in new Aero Grey metallic finish and boasts further enhancements including DSC-TRACK, a new Dynamic Stability Control mode optimised for circuit driving, and a newly developed Asymmetric Limited Slip Differential, both of which are exclusively fitted to manual transmission models. The DSC-TRACK technology further amplifies ‘Jinba Ittai’ – the philosophy of ‘horse and rider as one’. This rear-wheel drive ‘horse’ rides on 17-inch BBS forged alloy wheels with Bilstein suspension dampers and Brembo front brakes to pull it up.
Power comes from the same advanced Skyactiv-G 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine that delivers 135kW and 205Nm, and that is more than enough power for the 1,063kg MX-5. This rev-hungry powerplant has a 7,500rpm redline displayed on the centrally located analogue taco and being my MX-5 also had the sweet 6-speed manual transmission I was in control of how often I tickled it. I certainly enjoyed driving the MX-5 because the official combined fuel consumption is 6.8L/100km and for my time with the MX-5 I used 10.1L/100km.
For 2024, the sound is now drawn directly into the interior from the engine, without raising the acoustic pressure any more than necessary, resulting in a more stirring audible experience. This can be enjoyed even more by manually retracting the soft top roof of the RS by unlatching it and folding it back until you here it lock down. This is also perfect for enjoying Sydney’s winter sunshine, which immediately disappeared once I put the roof down as you can see in my photographs.
The GT RS seats are upholstered in black leather and are heated to keep you warm even during the roof down driving in winter, with the cabin remaining relatively wind-free. Both front seats have manual adjustment for recline and forward back and the driver’s seat also gets manual adjustment for height at the front of seat, which rocks you back into a lovely driving position. The pedal box of the MX-5 is quite tight though and this is exacerbated by the protrusion of the transmission tunnel into the foot well. On the plus side though, I did like the carpet floor mats though with their carbon fibre trim.
Enhancements for 2024 also extend to the interior, which gains a redesigned 8.8-inch centre display arrangement for better visibility, which is still navigated using the rotary controller, and a more advanced Mazda Connect system. The MX-5 becomes the first Mazda in the Australian range to support Connected Services functionality, which can connect the vehicle to the emergency services to dispatch an ambulance in case of an accident and allow vehicle status to be checked via a smartphone app.
There’s a premium stereo with a Bose 203-watt amplifier with 9 speakers to enjoy your music when you’re not listening to the lovely four-cylinder purr. The MX-5 also has wireless Android Auto, but this did not work for me and I needed to connect using a USB-C. But even then, the Android Auto stopped working altogether for some reason? There are two USB-C ports located at the front of the console with a cubby for your phone here as well. The voice control worked well for making calls and changing the radio station, but was unable to set a destination on the sat nav.
This is where the technology ends in the MX-5 as it only has a single zone climate control system with manual rotary knobs and a manual handbrake. Storage is at a premium with a small cubby under arm rest for sunglasses and a small lockable glove box between the two seats. There are two moveable cup holders that can be located either between the seats or on the passenger side of the centre console.
The MX-5 has a small deep boot, which is large enough for some soft luggage when you go on a romantic weekend away or a small weekly shop, and there’s a tyre repair kit in there. It has a manual boot release with the button located under the boot lid near the number plate or it can be released using the button on the side of the key fob, which is fiddly to use. To close the boot you have to push down on the boot lid and this may cause scratches over time.
The MX-5 comes with front and side airbags and has blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, forward collision monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, standard cruise control, standard rear-view camera with rear sensors only, auto lights with auto high beam and auto wipers.
All new Mazda vehicles come with a 5 year unlimited kilometre warranty and 5 years Premium Roadside Assistance. The service interval for the MX-5 is 12 months or 15,000km, whichever occurs first and estimated price for the first five services is $2,721 according to Mazda Australia’s website.
The Mazda MX-5 Roadster GT RS starts at $51,640 excluding dealer deliver and on-road costs and there’s no charge for the Aero Grey metallic paint. A Premium paint charge of $595 applies for Soul Red Crystal Metallic, Machine Grey Metallic and Zircon Sand Metallic. You can Build and Price your MX-5 online or visit your preferred Mazda dealer for more information.
| Pros | Cons |
| Sweet manual transmission | Android Auto dropped out |
| It’s a light-weight, rear-wheel drive sportscar | Tight pedal box |
| Lovely driving position | Buttons on the side of the key fob |
Photographs by Driven Women Magazine.