Quick drive of the updated MX-5 RF because why wouldn’t you
While at a Mazda Media Drive event at Bicester Heritage, I couldn’t resist taking the updated 2024 Mazda MX-5 RF for a drive, especially as the sun was shining and, just for a few hours, it had actually stopped raining!
I have done a full review of the current generation MX-5 previously – see the link below.
The car tested was the MX-5 RF 2.0 184ps Exclusive-Line at £34,300. It’s a 2.0-litre 6-speed manual, rear-wheel drive, with 184bhp at 7000rpm, and 205Nm at 4000rpm. It can reach 62mph from rest in just 6.8 seconds and reach 137mph. Combined fuel economy is 41.5mpg with CO2 emissions of 153g/km. Peace of mind comes from a 3yr, 60,000 mile warranty.
Updates for 2024 include new front and rear LED lights, new aero grey paint (as seen on the car tested), a new larger central 8.8-inch touch-screen multimedia display and an updated instrument panel. It also gets a new DSC mode for track driving that dials back interventions while retaining a safety net, plus a new asymmetric limited slip differential.
For the model range, prices start from £29,900 for the Prime-Line with the 1.5-litre 132bhp Skyactive-G engine. The Exclusive line is available with either engine options and starts at £31,900. The range-topper is the Homura which only comes with the 2.0 and is £37,000.
Despite being a quick spin rather than a comprehensive review, the drive offered ample opportunity to reacquaint with the MX-5’s quintessential attributes.
Notably, the car’s accessibility stands out; it remains an inviting option for enthusiasts seeking an unfiltered driving experience without a hefty price tag. Even though, admittedly, prices have crept up of late – the MX-5 range started at £24k when I last reviewed it three years ago, and the RF was then about £32k.
Nonetheless, the MX-5’s steering responsiveness, sharp handling, compact size and agility, make it perfect as not just the perfect companion for zipping around town, but also ideal for taking on fun and challenging B-roads; traits that are increasingly rare in contemporary vehicles. This level of engagement, coupled with a slick, precise gear change, underscores the MX-5’s appeal as a driver’s car, where focus and involvement are paramount.
The ride is firm, just as you’d expect, and performance is aided by its light weight and sufficient torque. Despite its unerring focus on sportiness, the current generation of the MX-5 is the most comfortable and spacious in the lineage so far. As a six-footer plus, I’ve been quite comfortable enough in previous iterations, but this one fits like a glove.
So, it’s reassuring to know that the Mazda MX-5 retains its status as a purveyor of joy for driving enthusiasts.
If you want a (relatively) affordable sportscar that really provides the genuine thrill of driving, this is a must-have, and there’s probably only one other car that equals it in this category as being a proper sportscar, that’s actually accessible and daily-driver practical. That’s also Japanese, but doesn’t come as a convertible. That is, of course, the Toyota GR86, which starts from £32,500.
Back to the MX-5 – or Miata as it’s known in some markets – if you can get one, get it. If you can’t, then beg, borrow or blag a test drive from a dealer, but you definitely need to get behind the wheel to experience it, because genuine driving fun like this, will fast become a rarity in the new car market.
Brown Car Guy 
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