The MX-5 is the most popular roadster in the world, and hoping to maintain that success, Mazda will introduce three new trim level variants for the soft-top convertible and hard-top RF. The 2023 MX-5 is available to order now, with Mazda saying customers can expect first deliveries in March next year.
The fourth-generation MX-5 has been around since 2015, selling over 24,000 units in the UK alone. Mazda has given the convertible model a “Roadster” name to differentiate from the RF or “Retractable Fastback” version. With the addition of new Prime-Line, Exclusive-Line and Homura trim levels, the MX-5 range grows to 10 variants.
Both the Roadster and RF come with a choice of either the 130bhp 1.5-litre or the 181bhp 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G engine. The 181bhp Skyactiv-G model comes with a front strut brace, limited-slip differential and Bilstein dampers as standard.
The 1.5-litre Roadster kicks off the range in Prime-Line, starting from £25,800 and above that of the £28,100 Exclusive-Line grade, essentially replacing the SE-L and Sport models. Prime-Line features 16-inch, black alloy wheels, air-conditioning, cruise control, and DAB radio with Exclusive-Line adding black leather seats, adaptive headlights, lane departure warning, parking sensors and rain-sensing wipers.
The more powerful Skyactiv-G Roadster is offered only in higher-spec Exclusive-Line and range-topping Homura guises – replacing the Sport Tech and GT Sport Tech. While the Roadster is only available with a manual gearbox, the 2.0-litre RFs in both trim levels come with the option of an automatic gearbox.
Other updates for the new MX-5 range include the addition of “Zircon Sand” paint. Top-spec Homura models start from £32,460 and those that come with a manual gearbox will also gain red Brembo front brake calipers on top of 17-inch BBS alloy wheels and stainless steel scuff plates with the MX-5 logo inscribed. Mazda has also made stop-start engine technology standard for both engines.
At the unveiling of the 2023 MX-5, Masashi Nakayama, program manager and chief designer for the MX-5, said “the key phrase for our development of the fourth-generation MX-5 was ‘Innovate in order to preserve’, and I strongly believe that this model’s ongoing appeal is the result of our unceasing commitment to refining the vehicle over its 30-year history.”
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