Mazda made changes to the MX-5 Miata for the Japanese market. The same changes are planned for the 2024 model year in the U.S. All of the lights in the Miata are now LED, and the 7.0-inch screen inside has been replaced with an 8.8-inch screen. The limited-slip differential has been changed, the electric power steering has been improved, and a new setting for stability control is meant to improve the car handle on the track. The current Mazda MX-5 Miata, released in 2016, is one of the more experienced versions you can buy in the U.S. It is often called the “N.D.” by Mazda fans. But the cute little roadster has been updated with minor changes, and a few new features have just been released for the Japanese market, adding several years to its life. These improvements will be available in the U.S. for the model year 2024. Mazda changed the tech in the MX-5 to make it even more exciting. It is well known that the Miata is one of the most fun cars to drive. Mazda says that the two-seater’s new asymmetric limited-slip differential improves driving stability by reducing liftoff oversteer and making the car turn more straight. Even though the little roadster felt fast in a sea of big trucks in America, Mazda says it is even quicker in cities. Stick-shift Miatas are the only ones with a differential, and all Miatas have electric power steering that has been changed to reduce friction and give more accurate input. Also, Miatas with manual transmissions now has a new, less intrusive track option for stability control that only kicks in if the driver can’t keep the car from spinning out of control. Style-wise, not much has changed, except that the daytime running lights went from the front bumper to the headlights. Now, though, every outdoor morning is an LED type. The shapes of the taillights have also been changed, and there are now new wheels with 16-inch and 17-inch widths. Aero Gray Metallic is a unique color added to the list. Inside, an 8.8-inch display has replaced the 7.0-inch tablet, and the pictures show USB-C ports. Mazda has added some features to the Miata to make driving easier every day, but the Miata is still all about the connection between the driver and the car. Adaptive cruise control is made possible by a radar sensor on the left side of the MX-5’s grille. Innovative Brake Support technology keeps an eye out for other cars when the car is in reverse and uses the brakes to avoid collisions. Mazda has yet to make these changes public for the American market, but we expect to see them soon since the company has not shared any information about the Miata for the 2024 model year. The improvements should lead to a slight price increase, which could push the starting price of the MX-5 over $30,000.
