2019 Mazda MX-5

By Alex Forrest

Although it looks largely the same as the Mazda MX-5 which launched in 2015, this 2019 iteration introduces the most changes the model has ever seen.

The updated 2019 model has brought with it the additions of autonomous emergency braking (AEB), a reversing camera, reach adjustment for the steering wheel and most significantly for enthusiasts, increases in power and torque.

The MX-5’s previous lack of AEB had also become an increasingly glaring omission given the rest of the Mazda range has it as standard, apart from the BT-50. 

Its rear camera is also a good-to-have, especially given visibility can be limited when the roof is up, and sometimes with drivers sitting low in the car.

But it was the significant increase in engine outputs of the MX-5’s 2.0-litre engine that generated the most chatter among enthusiasts. The new 2.0-litre MX-5 now has 135kW, up from 118kW, while it also now has 205Nm of torque, up from 200Nm.

While a torque increase of 5Nm isn’t much, it’s now also available at 4000rpm, which is 600rpm earlier in the rev range and makes it easier to access.

Mazda has always been cautious about giving too much power to the MX-5 for fear of ruining the purity of its driving experience.

However, with its light and precise steering, and a suspension set up which actually allows the car to lean in corners to accentuate driving thrills, the addition of this new 2.0-litre engine magnifies all those pre-existing involvement factors.

Also, with that little extra flexibility, the revised engine makes the manual MX-5 slightly more manageable to drive in traffic because you’re not having to change gears as often. 

Ever keen on the details, Mazda has also made the seat adjustment levers more solid-feeling, taken some of the wobble out of the cupholders and made the mechanism which holds the doors open more user-friendly.

By modern sports car standards, 135kW is still a modest output, but in the 1035kg MX-5, it’s right on the sweet spot for driving fun. Along with the added safety gear, the MX-5 has grown up without affecting its fun factor one bit.