Improved refinement and sharpened dynamics for 2018 Mazda MX-5

Ever in pursuit of driving pleasure, Mazda has further evolved the MX-5 to enhance the thrill of top-down driving with updates to design, dynamics and NVH across the soft-top and RF hard-top models.

In its first update since the fourth generation launched in 2015, the MX-5 has been refined to deepen the sensation of Jinba-ittai and enhance the sports car’s iconic fun factor.

Much lauded for its driving feel, the roadster has seen its rear suspension fine-tuned to realise an even smoother and more comfortable ride, promising even better performance in every driving situation, whether braking, cornering or cruising.

Using knowledge gleaned from the RF’s development, the soft-top’s rear suspension’s upper link bushings were lowered, while the rear bump stop was lengthened, so it comes into play a little earlier.

The roadster has also undergone NVH improvements to reduce cabin noise. Sound insulation was applied over a wide area of the centre tunnel and noise-absorbing material was added along its top for the first time.

Performance of the dash insulator was also improved, holes and gaps around the tunnel reinforcements were reduced, and vibration-damping and noise-absorbing materials were added to the rear wheel housings.

Bolstering the MX-5’s five-star ANCAP safety rating, the GT will add more safety equipment including Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Mazda’s Adaptive LED Headlamps (ALH).

Improving visibility when driving at night, ALH offers flare-free high beams that automatically control the area of illumination, wide range low beams that provide a wider field of vision and Highway mode, which automatically shifts the aim of the headlamps upwards when driving at high speeds.

Further enhancing its unique road statement, the MX-5 now offers broader colour options across RF and soft-top models.

Mazda’s latest and most lustrous body colour, Soul Red Crystal Metallic, is now available on the MX-5, while the soft-top variant has also added Machine Grey Metallic to its body colour lineup. For extra shine, bright aluminum is on offer for 16-inch wheels on the 1.5L Roadster GT.

The updated Mazda MX-5 is on sale now.

2018 Mazda MX-5 pricing (excluding on-roads)

MODEL TRIM MLP OLD MLP
1.5L Soft-top Roadster 6MT Black cloth $33,440 $33,340
1.5L Soft-top Roadster 6AT Black cloth $35,440 $35,340
1.5L Soft-top Roadster GT 6MT Leather $39,660 $38,340
1.5L Soft-top Roadster GT 6AT Leather $41,660 $40,340
2L Soft-top Roadster 6MT Black cloth $34,950 $34,850
2L Soft-top Roadster 6AT Black cloth $36,950 $36,850
2L Soft-top Roadster GT 6MT Leather $41,210 $39,890
2L Soft-top Roadster GT 6AT Leather $43,210 $41,890
2L RF 6MT Cloth $38,650 $38,550
2L RF 6AT Cloth $40,650 $40,550
2L RF GT 6MT Leather $45,210 $43,890
2L RF GT 6AT Leather $47,210 $45,890
2L RF GT Black roof 6MT Nappa leather $46,210 $44,890
2L RF GT Black roof 6AT Nappa leather $48,210 $46,890
2L RF Limited Edition 6MT Recaro seats $52,210 N/A

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