n n n ‘. concat(e. i18n. t(“search. voice. recognition_retry”),’n
While I’ve lately been scouring Facebook Marketplace listings for a smart NC Miata for under $7,000 (and preferably in a deep green), Mazda itself is preparing its new 2024 MX-5 for under $30,150, destination included. It’s an exorbitant price; It comes with a clever number of upgrades and improvements.
Here’s the main list of items, taken from Mazda’s full press release:
A new shelf. By Mazda:
MX-5 Miata receives major updates to the electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) system for 2024 including a new steering rack. The rack has been revised internally, resulting in reduced friction, as well as accompanying changes to the electric assist calibration through new software. This all results in smoother steering action with a more defined ‘on-center’ feeling for relaxed freeway cruising, yet greater precision as the front tires are loaded up under hard cornering.
A new Aero Grey paint job, new headlights with DRL, LED taillights, and new wheel designs.
A touch screen, horror of horrors for Mazda enthusiasts who usually resist touching a screen. In this case, it’s a new “8. 8-inch infotainment screen, with touch capability when Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. ” The Miata also incorporates Alexa for the first time, so hands-free responsibilities would likely be less difficult than before.
The Miata Club gets what Mazda calls “asymmetrical LSD,” which happens to offer a more variable profile in terms of how it stays open in a corner and locks into it. By Mazda:
This LSD tapered clutch has been redesigned with a cam mechanism that allows for other ramp angles in acceleration and deceleration to provide ideal yaw damping control in other cornering phases. A more powerful lock under the engine brake improves stability when entering corners, resisting unwanted oversteer. Reduced lock-up acceleration reduces unwanted understeer.
The Club also benefits from an intermediate “DSC Track” setting for traction between “on” and “off”. By Mazda:
DSC-Track raises the threshold of the DSC system, between being fully engaged or fully deactivated, allowing drivers who activate this feature to improve their track driving skills, while providing some brake intervention if necessary.
Standard equipment on the RF Club (the one with the retractable hardtop) and optional on the soft top Club is the Brembo BBS Recaro package that comes with Brembos, BBSs, and Recaros. Per Mazda:
The package includes Brembo front brakes with red-painted front and rear calipers, dark gunmetal 17-inch BBS forged wheels, and heated Recaro sport seats. Added design features in this package include an aero kit with gloss black side sill extensions and rear bumper skirt.
Grand Touring styling can now be achieved with a soft beige interior with shiny trim for $300, very classic.
Here are all the prices/ingredients, shipping costs of $1,165:
MX-5 Miata Sport 6MT: $28,985
MX-5 Miata Club 6MT: $32,485 ($40,210 for RF)
Brembo/BBS/Recaro Package: $4,800 (free on the RF)
MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 6MT: $34,285 ($37,010 for RF)
MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 6AT: $35,205 ($37,980 for RF)
And the most sensible thing about all of that is that all those MX-5s have more padding on the dash for comfort. The crossover to a $30,000 car turns out to be worth it, because of its looks.
Even if it’s all a little out of context. The original NA Miata first sold in 1989 for $13,800. That’s just under $34,000 in current money. Maybe things are so bad.
You Like It Too
You Need a Torque Wrench in Your Toolbox
Tested: The best car interior cleaners
The Man Who Signs Every Car