Mazda’s MX-5 has always been a car that speaks to the heart of the driving enthusiast. For more than three decades, this iconic little roadster has captured the imagination of those who crave a pure, unfiltered, rear-wheel drive driving experience. And in 2024, it continues to honour that legacy with the same commitment to driving pleasure.
Let’s check out the top-spec GT RS variant to see what the best has to offer. We’re testing both the RF hard-top and the traditional soft-top roadster, which are both available in GT RS form.
2024 Mazda MX-5 GT RS Roadster: Specifications
Engine: 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder
Output: 135kW@7000rpm / 205Nm@4000rpm
Gearbox: Six-speed manual
Drive type: Rear-wheel drive
Wheels: F & R: 17×7.0, 205/45
ANCAP: Not tested
Kerb weight: 1063kg (RF: 1108kg)
Power-to-weight: 7.87:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 6.8L/100km
Our consumption: 6.4L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 45L/95 RONPower efficiency: 19.85kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 3.06 seconds (RF: 3.11s)*
0-100km/h: 6.25 seconds (RF: 6.63s)*
60-110km/h: 4.30 seconds (RF: 4.71s)*
1/4 mile: 14.50s at 155.8km/h (RF: 14.77s)*
Max acceleration: 0.771g*
100-0km/h braking (RF): 40.03m in 3.03 seconds*
Max deceleration (RF): -1.269g*
Decibel at idle: 52*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 86*
Starting price: $51,640 (RF: $56,140)
*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different
2024 Mazda MX-5 GT RS: How much does it cost?
In the niche market of roadsters, the MX-5 enjoys little competition. But it also sells in low numbers, which means it does not get the economies of scale, like a mass-produced SUV or ute. In our opinion, that justifies the price for a rather small and unique car.
You can choose from a nameless base variant, a GT, or GT RS. All variants come with a six-speed manual gearbox and the choice of Roadster (convertible) or RF (folding hard-top) forms. A six-speed auto transmission is available in the mid-spec GT only. Prices start from $41,520 for the base Roadster and peak at $56,140 for the GT RS RF. Going with the Roadster drops the price to $51,640 (all excluding on-roads).
The closest competitors for the MX-5 in Australia are the Toyota GR86 and the Subaru BRZ rear-wheel drive coupes. They retail from $43,240 to $49,690. Though, they are not convertibles. The MX-5 is the cheapest convertible you can buy. There is the MINI Cooper C that starts from $52k, and the Ford Mustang convertible (V8 only) priced from $86,752.
Mazda provides the industry average five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty and offers five years of free roadside assistance on the MX-5. Servicing is required every 15,000km or 12 months, and is advertised to cost $447, $555, $530, $555, $634 (or $479 for autos), $638, and $447 for the first seven services if completed at a Mazda dealer. There are no prepaid service plans available.
2024 Mazda MX-5 GT RS: Interior & packaging
Sliding inside the MX-5 is like slipping into a well-tailored suit – snug, comfortable, and only focussing on the essentials. It’s a tight fit that creates a sensation of being one with the car. While getting in and out of the MX-5 can be a challenge – especially for those of a larger or taller stature – once you’re seated, the car embraces you. The low-slung driving position and tightly wrapped cockpit have you feeling like the car is an extension of you.
Mazda has made sure that the cabin reflects the car’s spirited personality. Materials feel sturdy, with leather upholstery and the odd soft-touch surface adds some elegance. But this isn’t a car that’s obsessed with excess; the focus is on function and form. Controls are minimalist, with everything falling easily to hand. It’s clear that Mazda prioritises driving engagement over distracting tech features. And we think it suits to keep the dash main gauges analogue to give that raw, engaging feeling.
Mind you, there are still the important modern conveniences thrown in right down to the base model. Like a well-placed 8.8-inch widescreen Mazda Connect infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, sat-nav, USB-C ports, a six-speaker sound system with digital radio, a relocatable cup holder, and climate control.
In terms of safety, all models receive the necessities, like driver attention alert, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, reverse parking sensors, reverse camera, forward and reverse collision mitigation with front pedestrian detection, four airbags, and traffic sign detection.
Other standard features across the fleet include rain-sensing wipers, standard cruise control, limited-slip diff (manual gearboxes only), auto-dimming rear view mirror, 17-inch black metallic alloys, and tyre pressure monitoring.
The GT trim adds machined alloys, adaptive LED headlamps, body coloured and heated power folded mirrors, heated leather seat trim, a nine-speaker premium Bose sound system, and keyless proximity entry. Then our tested GT RS gains BBS forged alloys, Bilstein suspension, Brembo front brakes, a front suspension brace bar, piano black side mirrors, and ‘track’ driving mode.
It’s generous of Mazda to offer both a Roadster and a hardtop. The big question is, which one do you choose? There is about a $5k price difference between them. It’s no surprise that the Roadster feels rawer and more open to the elements, which inevitably offers a more ‘alive’ driving experience. In terms of roof operation, of course, it is more convenient to have it automated in the hardtop – though, you still need to be almost stationary for it to open or close (travelling less than 10km/h).
The hardtop’s rear pillars give it a more aggressive style, and the Roadster’s flatter stance keeps it more in line with the legacy MX-5 design. Both have an old-fashioned antenna, which is a bit retro. For the rest of the external design, there is nothing else different between them as they brilliantly exhibit as neat little sports cars that generally stick with a long line of Mazda heritage. The small, sharp front and rear lights look piercing, and the puffed bonnet and rounded rear helps to highlight their sporty nature.
Predictably, the MX-5 has limited boot space; but it’s reasonable for a car of its size and purpose. You might squeeze six carefully packed shopping bags inside if you’re lucky, but the opening dimensions are smaller than the boot inside.
Roadster or hardtop, the capacity barely differs, with 130 litres and 127 litres consecutively. One notable design choice is the lack of a boot button or boot leaver in the cabin. Operating the boot release can only be done via the remote or via a hidden button at the back near the rear bumper bar.
2024 Mazda MX-5 GT RS: Powertrain & handling
Mazda has stuck with a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine across the range. While 135kW/205Nm doesn’t sound like much, it delivers plenty of punch across its powerband thanks to an exceptional power-to-weight ratio.
The engine’s sweet spot lies high in the rev range, where it will dance with you all the way up to 7500rpm. Getting from 0-100km/h in the Roadster took us 6.25 seconds, and 6.63 seconds in the RF hard-top. The RF is slightly heavier with its metal-folding roof, with a kerb weight of 1108kg versus 1063kg for the Roadster.
The engine feels more alive when paired with the precise six-speed manual transmission, connecting you directly to the heart of the car. There’s a wonderful mechanical feel to the whole experience; the diff whine as you work through the gears, the engine note that fills the cabin with a satisfying growl on start-up, and the slight gearstick wobble as you shift through the neutral gate.
That lightweight nature also contributes to an impressive fuel consumption. Them Sunday drives will feel less guilty, with an official average usage of 6.8L/100km (Roadster) and 6.9L/100km (RF). During our time with them, we achieved even better averages of 6.4L/100km (Roadster) and 6.5L/100km (RF). Though, they require a minimum 95 RON petrol.
When it comes to handling, the MX-5 is a standout. With its low centre of gravity, wide-set track, and Bilstein short-travel dampers, the car feels as though it’s glued to the road. You can feel the rear pushing through corners, with the front end railing perfectly like a tram. In this press range, there are simply very few options that handle quite like the MX-5. It is wonderful.
You also get what Mazda calls ‘Kinematic Posture Control’, which applies braking to the inner rear wheel when high G-forces are sensed in a corner. Mazda explains that it helps pull the inner rear corner down, suppressing body roll. Though, it is done at the expense of speed when you really hit the corners hard. Switching stability control off removes this function, or you can try out the RS-exclusive Track mode which allows plenty of rear-end movement.
The GT RS’s Bilstein dampers allow it to be remarkably composed for a car with such a sporty setup. The sharpness of bumps is taken out admirably, so you can still enjoy a classic sports car drive in the mountains even if the road surface suddenly turns ordinary.
Tight and weighty double-pinion electric power assist steering tops off that sporty feel. When tackling winding backroads, every movement is a joy. After just one test drive, you will fall in love. As we have.
2024 Mazda MX-5 GT RS: Key attractions/reasons to buy
- Fetching performance: The 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated engine and manual gearbox delivers an exciting, tactile, high-revving experience, making it a joy to drive.
- Precise handling: With Bilstein dampers on the GT RS, low weight, and a low centre of gravity, the MX-5 is a cornering master, providing a direct and lively feel.
- Minimalist, driver-focussed interior: The cabin is simple, with analogue gauges and intuitive controls, allowing the driver to feel connected to the rawest driving experience possible.
- Iconic design preserved: The Roadster exhibits that infamous MX-5 design and open-air experience. But you can also choose the RF hardtop if you prioritise more refinement and quietness.
2024 Mazda MX-5 GT RS: Key considerations before you buy
- Tight interior: The compact cabin may not be comfortable for taller drivers, with limited leg and headroom.
- Limited boot capacity: With just 130L (Roadster) or 127L (Hardtop), storage space is minimal. Meaning this may need to be your second car.
- RF hardtop price: Roughly $5k more to have a heavier metal folding roof. But it does add refinement.
2024 Mazda MX-5 GT RS: Videos
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
The 2024 Mazda MX-5 preserves the icon as an exhilarating, driver-focussed experience with its lightweight, rear-wheel drive layout, raw powertrain and precise handling. Then the GT RS takes that ride and handling one step further with a brilliant Bilstein suspension setup, with Brembo brakes for good measure. This is the variant to have. And, Mazda kindly offers the choice of Roadster and RF hardtop.
