For automotive enthusiasts, bad news seems to keep rolling in year after year. ICE cars getting banned, manual transmission going extinct, sports cars on the wane. So how about we start with a bit of good news?
According to VFACTS, the Mazda MX-5 has increased its market share by nearly 24 per cent to the end of June 2024, compared with last year. That the ‘sports car under $80,000’ segment has contracted by nearly 50 per cent makes this all the more remarkable.
Revised for 2024, the MX-5 adds a hosts of tweaks aimed at enhancing the driving experience and connectivity. While the majority of these changes are limited to the manual model, such as a new asymmetric limited-slip differential (LSD) and DSC-TRACK mode for the GT RS grade, we sampled the G20 RF GT black roof in automatic guise to determine whether the auto blunts or enhances the MX-5’s appeal.
2024 Mazda MX-5 RF GT: Specifications
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder
Output: 135kW@7000rpm / 205Nm@4000rpm
Gearbox: Six-speed auto
Drive type: Rear-wheel drive
Wheels: F & R: 17×7.0, 205/45
ANCAP: Five stars
Tare weight: 1090kg
Power-to-weight: 8.07:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 7.2L/100km
Our consumption: 8.1L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 45L/95 RONPower efficiency: 18.75kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 3.79 seconds*
0-100km/h: 7.77 seconds*
60-110km/h: 5.17 seconds*
1/4 mile: 15.71 seconds at 150.7km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.910g*
100-0km/h braking (damp): 43.78m in 3.44 seconds*
Max deceleration: -1.191g*
Decibel at idle: 52*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 83*
Starting price: $54,640
*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different
2024 Mazda MX-5 RF GT: How much does it cost?
Our test car retails for $54,640 before on-roads in GT RF black roof form, with only one grade above it – the GT RS. That model adds 17-inch BBS forged alloys, Bilstein shocks and Brembo front brakes, as well as the aforementioned DSC mode. It starts from $56,140 but only in manual.
When considering the total cost of ownership, it’s important to note that servicing costs vary between $447 for the first year or 15,000 kilometres and $638, amounting to a total of $3651 over seven years or 105,000km. It comes with a five year/unlimited km warranty and up to five years of roadside assistance.
The 1090kg roadster also boasts a fuel consumption rate of 7.2L/100km officially, although during our tests, it averaged 8.1L/100km using 95 RON petrol, which is a plus compared with rivals like the GR86 that require exxy 98 RON.
At the time of writing, the current median price of 95 RON in Sydney is $1.97/L, meaning a very reasonable $88.65 fill-up cost. The lightweight two-seater definitely brings benefits in running costs compared with a 2.0-litre small sedan – a good angle to justify it to your significant other.
2024 Mazda MX-5 RF GT: Interior & packaging
Those expecting a budget affair inside the 2024 MX-5 G20 GT will be blown away by the tan Nappa leather, contrasted with black upper dash inserts and body-coloured finishes on the door. It is such a luxurious combination at a first glance and feels more like a relaxed grand tourer than a sports car. The only clues to the latter are slightly shallow seats.
Despite sharing design elements with the Mazda2, this is a distinctly premium-feeling affair. This is a relaxing place to spend for a long journey. However, cupholders, which stow away between the seats impede knee room and front foot room is limited by the wide transmission tunnel encroaching into the footwell.
Boot space is a scant 127 litres with no cabin thoroughfare, nor a spare tyre – just a temporary inflation kit.
Dimensions are compact with classic rear-drive roadster proportions, measuring 3915mm in length, 1735mm in width, 1230 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2310 mm. The overall package is complemented by newly designed dark, multi-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels, keeping the ND feeling modern and fresh.
While there is no wireless charging pad, the nine-speaker stereo punches very hard for such a little car. An 8.8-inch infotainment screen with the MZD Connect rotary controller features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless connectivity.
New for 2024 is Mazda’s connected services app, which features phone app monitoring and an SOS button on the overhead console.
How safe is the 2024 Mazda MX-5? When it was tested in 2016, under a far less complex ANCAP scoring, the ND MX-5 scored a full five stars. It has had six airbags but since then has added some active driver assistance systems such as blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, AEB, rear cross-traffic and cam, adaptive lamps, and traffic sign recognition to improve safety.
2024 Mazda MX-5 RF GT: Powertrain & handling
As always, the high-revving Skyactiv 2.0-litre four-cylinder remains a highlight, generating 135kW at 7000rpm and 205Nm from 4000rpm. But it is very interesting to sample this donk with the six-speed automatic transmission rather than the manual.
What struck this author by surprise is how smooth and well-mannered it is, and it doesn’t seem to dull the response of the engine. Yet, it’s relaxed at all times, from city crawling to highway cruising. This, once again, reinforces the grand touring character of the car. With aluminium paddles at your fingertips, manual up and downshifts are a snappy affair on twisty mountain roads.
Steering from the sports wheel is consistently weighted from centre to lock, combining with neutral cornering attitude of the chassis to instil a high level of confidence and massive grin factor. Although we lament the absence of the tricky diff from the manual, you can still provoke a cheeky wag of the tail in the right conditions.
Despite the low-slung profile, ride comfort is very well judged and never bone jarring and no bobbing over corrugations that can afflict other sports cars. Being the retractable hard-top model, NVH is superior to the more affordable soft-top.
The continued popularity of Mazda’s perennial two-seater roadster is very easy to understand after a week of living with it. It is well-mannered enough to live with as a daily commuter with few compromises and offers a great blend of acceleration and handling, with a nifty folding roof mechanism you’d normally see in a Ferrari.
Especially with the colour and interior combination of our test car, it exudes a level of class you wouldn’t expect from an affordable sports car like this. We are excited for the NE successor, but hope it doesn’t shift too heavily into electrification and dull the purity of such an iconic model, also one of the all-time greatest driver’s cars.
2024 Mazda MX-5 RF GT: Key attractions/reasons to buy
- Fun-loving driving dynamics: The MX-5 offers exceptional control and engagement, and the new DSC-TRACK mode and asymmetric LSD for the manual should go down a treat for driving enthusiasts.
- Luxurious interior: The new tan Nappa leather and advanced infotainment system add a touch of luxury.
- Good fuel efficiency: Better fuel consumption compared to rivals requiring higher octane petrol.
- Design: Classic sports car proportions but still very elegant and modern today.
2024 Mazda MX-5 RF GT: Key considerations before you buy
- Limited space: The compact design limits luggage capacity with no spare tyre, and limited passenger space and storage inside.
- Servicing costs: Annual servicing costs can be higher than some competitors, but still very reasonable.
2024 Mazda MX-5 RF GT: Video
How does it rate against its rivals?
- Price
- Quality look & feel
- Interior tech
- Powertrain performance
- Ride & handling
- X-factor (does it stand out in its class?)
Final word
It’s been one of the best-selling sports cars of all time, and for good reason. The latest model continues this lineage by offering a fun-to-drive package that looks stunning for its price, and it’ll probably remain reliable for years to come. Even with some track work. It also blends just the right amount of modern tech while carrying through lots of traditional simplicity.
