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Mazda MX-5 Secures Convertible Of The Year Title At Auto Express 2024 Awards
The 2024 Mazda MX-5 has been awarded 'Convertible of the Year' at the Auto Express New Car Awards. This accolade adds to the extensive list of global awards for Mazda's iconic sports car, which celebrates its 35th anniversary since debuting at the 1989 Chicago Motor Show.
Jeremy Thomson, Managing Director at Mazda Motors UK, commented on the recognition: "When it comes to driver engagement, the current generation MX-5 has established itself as a benchmark sports car, and with the 2024 Mazda MX-5 we continue to offer one of the most exciting and satisfying to drive cars money can buy, so it’s great the latest model has been recognised by Auto Express in this year’s New Car Awards".
The 2024 MX-5 introduces several updates while retaining its engine line-up across Prime-Line, Exclusive-Line, and Homura models. A new Asymmetric Limited Slip Differential is now available for 2.0-litre models. This differential features a cam mechanism added to the conical clutch, enhancing stability during cornering by optimising slip limiting force.
Prime-Line models are powered by a 132ps 1.5-litre Skyactiv-G engine. Exclusive-Line offers a choice between the 1.5-litre or the 184ps 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G engine, while Homura models exclusively feature the 184ps unit. Prices start at £28,015 for the Prime-Line Roadster.
The eight-model range includes four Roadster and four RF variants with various trim grades. The new Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) track driving mode on Exclusive-Line and Homura models delays intervention for a more dynamic drive experience tailored for first-time track drivers.
Auto Express Editor Paul Barker praised the MX-5: "The MX-5’s ability to bring you to the motoring world shows no signs of slowing down, with a revised 2024 model introducing more tech to the sharp-handling sports car...the MX-5’s sense of fun means that it’s a refreshing breath of fresh air - whether the roof is up or down."
Interior Upgrades
The cabin of the 2024 MX-5 features significant upgrades including a larger central 8.8-inch touch-screen multimedia display and an updated instrument panel. The advanced MZ Connect system enhances user functionality, and USB-C ports have been introduced.
The range-topping Homura grade now includes Recaro seats trimmed in leather and Alcantara. Despite these updates, the driver-focused cabin and driving position remain unchanged.
Legacy and Popularity
Since its introduction in 1989, over 1.2 million MX-5s have been produced at Mazda’s Ujina plant in Hiroshima, with more than 135,000 sold in the UK alone. The car's popularity among UK sports car enthusiasts is evident.
The Jinba Ittai philosophy—driver and machine working in perfect harmony—remains central to every Mazda vehicle, especially the MX-5. This philosophy ensures that each model delivers pure open-top driving pleasure with agility and balanced handling.
The response of the accelerator has been fine-tuned for more accurate throttle application. Additionally, adjustments to electric power steering reduce steering rack friction for a more natural response.
Mazda continues to refine its iconic sports car while staying true to its core values of lightweight design and engaging driving dynamics. The latest updates aim to enhance driver connection with both car and road.
Mazda's commitment to maintaining these principles ensures that even after three decades, the MX-5 remains an affordable yet thrilling roadster in an increasingly sparse market for such vehicles.
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